Bahia Discovery | Trip Itinerary

Highlights
- Discover the charm of colonial Salvador City.
- Hike along trails that pass numerous waterfalls and rock pools surrounding Chapada Diamantina.
- Swim through underground rivers and caves.
- Enjoy sunset from the highest point of Chapada Diamantina.
- Live the island life at Morro de Sao Paulo.

Itinerary:

Day 1: Arrive into Salvador
On landing in Salvador, a guide and vehicle will be ready to assist with your transfer into the city, and to your select hotel. If you arrive in the  morning, on request we can arrange for additiona/optional sightseeing. Otherwise relax and soak up the special ambiance of Salvador!

Day 2: The History of Salvador
This morning’s guided walking tour around the old town (from Pelourinho hotels) is a great way to understand the unique energy of this magical place and its people. The Pelourinho district is located right in the heart of Salvador’s historical centre. Awash with colonial buildings and traditional churches dating from the 17th and 18th century; this UNESCO world Heritage site is an eminent example of colonial history and symbol of the black movement in Bahia.

In addition to the churches, museums, galleries, and local artist studios, particular highlights of Pelourinho include; Novelist Jorge Amado's House, São Francisco Church and the Cathedral Basílica, with the traditional Cravinho Bar being a great place to pick up some native food along the way! The tour passes the Pierre Verger Gallery, and the studio of Goya Lopes (a Bahian textile designer who seeks inspiration from African-Brazilian influences in Bahia) ideal if looking for locally produced artwork and artefacts. Finally, it is on to Elevador Lacerda, a famous 19th-century mechanical lift connecting the Upper and Lower parts of the City still to this day. Having descended the Elevador Lacerda, relax and enjoy panoramic views of the All Saints Bay and Mercado Modelo. This is a 3 hour tour. You will have time for lunch on your own and to do some extra exploring. (B)

Day 3: Travel to Chapada Diamantina, the backlands of Bahia
Today depart early with your private (Portuguese speaking) driver and head west to the town Lençóis, the gateway to the stunning Chapada Diamantina National Park. This charming old diamond-mining town is full of character, with busy outdoor cafes and brightly painted colonial buildings, though the real highlights of this region wait in the neighboring park. The trip 250 mile trip will take about 6-hours, and take you through some of Brazil’s most beautiful scenery. Drop off at your select hotel and check-in for a 3-night stay.(B)

Day 4: Exploring the natural beauty of Chapada Diamantina
Begin today with a beautiful, relaxed walk along the banks of the Serrano River. On the way; stroll through lush vegetation, waterfalls and natural rock pools. The hike will also lead past a series of natural plunge pools, allowing for ample opportunity to cool off and have a swim. A continual ascent will ultimately lead to Pedra do Mirante lookout point, the highest point of the trek and the perfect place to enjoy panoramic views over Lençóis; a fitting reward for all the effort getting there. After lunch (not included), and only for the daring, test out the giant natural stone waterslide at Ribeirao do Meio, or get an adrenaline kick with some abseiling down a nearby rock face. Alternatively, simply relax among these most natural surroundings, before heading back to the hotel. (B)

Day 5: The caves, the views and the sunset
Making the most of the natural beauty in the state of Bahia, today travel with a guide to the cave complexes of Lapa Doce, Pratinha, and Gruta Azul, a phenomenal site around 75km from Lençóis. Here lie system of underground crystal clear rivers, which connect spectacular caverns of stalagmites and stalactites. The water is irresistible, so take a swim and enjoy this unique experience while admiring the spectrum of colors created when sun rays refract through the caves and bounce off the walls.

Having dried off and emerged back in the daylight, the day ends with a late afternoon climb to the summit of Morro de Pai Inacio in time for a sunset like no other. Watch as the sun sets over the table mountains, canyons, gorges and ravines of Chapada Diamantina National Park, a truly memorable sight.

After sunset, the support vehicle will be ready and waiting for the journey back to the hotel. (B)

Note:  Entrance fees are not included, and are approximately  $24-$28 pp/based on 2 travelers

Day 6: Lençóis to Salvador
This morning meet your (Portuguese speaking) driver for your return transfer to Salvador.  Check-in to your hotel (same as for Days 1 & 2) and enjoy free time for one last opportunity to pay a visit to any restaurants, sites, and points of interest previously missed at the beginning of the trip. (B)

Day 7: From Salvador to Tinhare Island
Travelling to the unique and peaceful Tinhare Island is an excellent contrast from the time spent in the busy cultural hub of Salvador. Begin with a guide to the Salvador marina, in time for a two-hour catamaran transfer to the Island. On arrival, check in and prepare for a few days of relaxation in the small town of Morro de Sao Paulo. This scenic beachfront fishing village is situated on the most northern part of the island and is flanked by palm trees, lush ferns and tropical flowers. Please see pricing info for location of hotel options.

The village itself is an unrefined gem, with many hidden treasures to find. There are few cars or roads on the island, so it is joyfully back to hiking trails to discover the best spots. There are plenty of beachfront restaurants to dine in, nearby walks to enjoy and local tour operators offer a huge array of activities including paragliding, paddle boarding, wildlife tours, sailing and whale watching; just to name a few. The only worry on this island is finding the time to fit in everything! (B)

Days 8, 9 & 10: A full days at leisure on Tinhare Island (B)

Day 11: Homeward bound
On the last day of the tour, a porter will be on hand at the required time for a transfer all luggage from the hotel to the port, in preparation for your catamaran crossing back towards Salvador, and onward to the airport. (B)

B=Breakfast; L=Lunch; D=Dinner