Self-Drive Bahia

Day 1 PORTO SEGURO – ARRAIAL D’AJUDA

Today, you will pick-up your car at Localiza, in Porto Seguro Airport, where you will start your self-drive tour, heading to the charming little town of Arraial d’Ajuda.

Accommodation: Pousada Coqueiros

Day 2 – Day 3 ARRAIAL D’AJUDA (B)

Arraial d’Ajuda is set about 20 km south of Porto Seguro. It was founded in 1549 around the church with the same name “Nossa Senhora d’Ajuda” and it is characterized by its tranquility in contrast with its noisy northern neighbour, Porto Seguro. This part of the self-drive tour offers you the possibility to enjoy the peacefulness of the surrounding Atlantic rainforest, the beauty of the town’s beaches and its picturesque historic town centre, all within easy reach of Porto Seguro and its famously exuberant nightlife.

Accommodation: Pousada Coqueiros

Day 4 ARRAIAL D’AJUDA – ITACARE (B)

Today you will leave Arraial d’Ajuda and head north, following the scenic coastal road along the Atlantic Forest all the way to Itacaré, approximately 460 km north of Arraial d’Ajuda.

Accommodation: Pousada Burundanga

Day 5 ITACARE (B)

The quiet colonial fishing town of Itacaré was founded at the estuary of the Rio das Contas on Bahia’s “Costa do Cacau” (Cocoa Coast).

The region is a true ecological and tropical paradise. Kilometres of stunning, nearly-deserted beaches with reliable surf breaks and endless untouched coconut groves share the coastline with a lush variety of vegetation from the native Atlantic Forest to mangroves and cocoa plantations.

From 1980 onwards Itacaré turned itself into a tourism destination and the paving of the road into town has led to a tourism boom. Itacaré is a place particularly appreciated by surfers, hikers and eco-tourists. It is a perfect setting for adventure sports, such as rafting, scuba diving, canoeing, kayaking, paragliding, biking, surfing etc.

Accommodation: Pousada Burundanga

Day 6 ITACARE – MORRO DE SAO PAULO (B)

Today you will leave Itacaré, heading to Morro de São Paulo on the island of Tinharé. Upon arrival in Valença you will hand in your hire car and board a ferry to the island.

Accommodation: Porto do Zimbo

Day 7 – Day 8 MORRO DE SAO PAULO (B)

Morro de São Paulo is picturesquely perched on top of a hill on the northern side of Tinharé Island. The island, baptized “Tynharéa” in 1531, was the site of many attacks by French and Dutch troops. It was a free zone for pirates and corsairs during the colonial period.

The island’s pristine beaches are well-known throughout Brazil and it is a true little piece of heaven where cars are prohibited. However, most hotels have small boats at the disposal of their guests, helping them to carry their luggage to the hotel. The ruins of an old Portuguese fortress can be visited on foot.

Day 9 MORRO DE SAO PAULO – LENCOIS (B)

You will board the ferry from Morro de São Paulo, Tinharé Island, back to Valença, where you will collect your hire car again and head to Lençois. This approximate 360 km drive will take you about the whole day (7 – 8 hours approximately).

Day 10 – Day 12 LENCOIS (CHAPADA DIAMANTINA) (B)

The “Chapada Diamantina”, or Diamond Plateau, is a continuation of the Espinhaço Mountain Range and runs north-south through Bahia State and is located in the hinterland about 400 km west of Salvador. Lush green valleys dotted with bright tropical flowers surround table-topped mountains, offering stunning views of the region. Numerous small rivers carve their way through the highlands, splashing over waterfalls, amongst them the famous “Cachoeira da Fumaça” (Smoke Waterfall), the second tallest waterfall in Brazil. There are also many hidden caves with intriguing rock formations, nature wells of crystal clear water and trails in every direction. The Chapada Diamantina is a 1520 km² National Park and it is famous for its unusual and very varied flora and it is a definite paradise for adventure seekers.

Lençois, a charming colonial town nestled in the foothills of the Chapada Diamantina, was, in its heydays, the capital of the diamond and the scene of extensive diamond mining. Today the town preserves its colonial character.

From your hotel, you will be able to join several half-day rambling tours along the streams and in the heart of a impressive scenery composed of high flat top plateaus separated by valleys and deep canyons. You will be able to admire the waterfalls and to discover caves with stalagmites, stalactites and subterranean rivers. One of the tours will bring you to the top of the “Morro de Pai Inácio”, where you will have the possibility to admire a magnificent sunset, whilst soaking up the awe-inspiring scenery.

We have included a day tour in this self-drive, where you will discover the Serrano River and the Ribeirão do Meio. During this tour you will be accompanied by a bilingual local guide.

Accommodation: Hotel de Lencois

Day 14 LENCOIS (CHAPADA DIAMANTINA) (B)

You will start your day early, heading east to Salvador, the capital of Bahia State, an 8 to 9 hour drive of about 430 km. In Salvador you finish your self-drive tour and return your hire car at “Localiza” at Salvador’s International Airport. If you wish to spend time in Salvador, we can organize a extension program for you!

End of our services

Food Code = (B) – Breakfast, (L) – Lunch, (D) – Dinner.

LHIDBAH007 *Please note: prices based on twin share, per person, low season, 3 star accommodation. Tour has been quoted using a Fiat Palio 1.0 a/c or similar (C) + insurance. Hotels can be replaced for similar. Higher category of hotels available at an additional cost. Optional tours not included and are at extra cost. Important: this itinerary is only a suggestion and if you wish we can customize the self-drive tour to your needs. The itinerary & pricing can change at any time due to availability & of activities. Please check our website for full terms and conditions*

More information on Brazil:

Brazil – with the country’s name, one associates endless Amazon jungle, wonderful beaches, Rio de Janeiro, carnival and samba. This is all correct but in reality: Brazil is much more than a country of the superlatives!

Brazil, a country of immense proportions and contrasts, is a mysterious attraction for many people – The country, alone, is almost the size of Europe and covers half of the South American continent. The climate changes from the permanent warm, tropic north over all sub tropic variants to the moderate south. Since the 16th century – when the Portuguese began to settle in the country – Brazil has always had a magic attraction for foreigners. First there was the gold and then rubber and coffee, and today it is above all the rhythm and the exotic that attracts tourists. People over there show a lot of happiness, kindness and spontaneity. The biggest country of South America is a mirror of fascinating pictures.

More information about Bahia:

This self-drive tour will give you the chance to discover all facets of this unique state, called Bahia: Porto Seguro, Arraial d’Ajuda, Itacaré, Morro de São Paulo, Lençois (Chapada Diamantina), Salvador.

Known as the “Land of Happiness”, the state of Bahia is home to a unique melting pot of cultures and ethnicity, making it one of the world’s most intriguing and exotic locations. For Brazilians Bahia State is synonym for all that Brazil represents: colour, music and religion, undoubtedly the consequence of its tight roots to the African continent. Salvador was the major port of entry for slaves in Brazil. 80% of its inhabitants are Afro-Brazilians and you can find their African roots everywhere: from their spicy cuisine to their festive music.

More information on visa requirements:

Australians are required to pre-arrange a visa. Visa normally will give you the right to spend 90 days in the country.

For more information, visit: http://camberra.itamaraty.gov.br/en-us/tourist_visa.xml