Cruz the Coast from Rio to Salvador
Uncover the many great finds from Rio to Salvador by bus, from deserted beaches, colonial cities to all those little miracles you may miss when not travelling with someone who knows the area.
This trip does away with the need of hauling your backpacks from hostels to buses and back to hostels and you don't need to look for accommodation along the way as well.
This is the quickest, safest and most fun way to get between the highlights of what lies between Rio and Salvador by bus. See below for the RIO DE JANEIRO TO SALVADOR BUS ROUTE AND DETAILED ITINERARY
Rio de Janeiro to Buzios by mini bus via Arraial do Cabo
Arraial do Cabo is often referred to as the South American Caribbean, you will end up stunned by gem-whitened coast, transparent waters and abundant ocean-life of the area. Included is a boat trip where you have lots of opportunities to swim, snorkel and sun-bake with assorted lunch options available. Then it is mere 40 minutes quick drive to Buzios.
Buzios
Buzios has sure changed from a small coastal village in the 60's into todays place to be seen by movie stars, rock and roll legends and the who's who of Rio's entertainment industry. Today it is a funky beach town which has to be seen to be believed! Spend your free day here exploring the many beaches and shops and it is the best place to find Bikini's in Brazil
Buzios to Guarapari by mini bus
This leg is going to be the longest travel day arriving to Guaripari located in the Espirito Santo State. Everyone feels energized after sleeping here! It could be due to that unusual mix of cool mountain air with warm sea breezes? or it could be waking up to the sounds of nature, with fresh spring-water running below. Whatever it is you will almost definitely feel like an incredible hike of the area behind the hostel, with the aim of getting the very best views that exist of the valley and coastline below.
Guarapari to Itaunas by mini bus
Today we drive to Itaunas which is a colourful and vibrant village situated around the banks from the Itaunas River. Should you walk along the bridge you will discover a huge environmental reserve comprised of sand-dunes towering as high as 30m. It is said that the historic town used to be situated 1km nearer to the sea, but since the 1950's has become completely engulfed by sand-dunes. Itaúnas also is a huge center for forro music, one the most popular and simple-to-learn dances of South America.
Itaunas
Loads of options to try today with the majority of them located inside the ecological reserve. Why not try horse riding along pristine beaches until you reach the river which divide's the states of Espirito Santo and Bahia? Also on offer is bike-riding, hiking, sand-buggy, canoeing & kayak down the river spotting wildlife along the way. Chances to see capybara's, otters, turtles, monkeys, sloth, lizards, numerous birds and perchance a sight of a jaguatirica cat. Tonight party on the dunes under the star-filled skies of Itaúnas.
Other Included Activities:
1. Learn to make your own Caipirinha's (Brazilian Beverage) and of course sample a few as well!
2. Learn the steps to the Brazilian forro and samba
3. Choose an activity - beach horse riding OR kayak a river.
Itaunas to Arraial d'Ajuda by mini bus
Crossing into Brazil's famous state of Bahia where palm trees sway, paradise looms around every bend, and the culture abounds! Next stop is Arraial d'Ajuda is only a short distance from the exact site where by Brazil had been discovered by the Portuguese. In 1500, this was where European explorers first glimpse the pristine shores and the local people prompting an interesting history with the mixing of many cultures.
Visit to Tranosco from Arraial d'Ajuda
Today, for those keen, we will walk for 3 hours all the way along the beach to the quaint little town of Trancoso. The timing of this walk will depend on the tides, but we'll try to arrive for lunch. Since the founding of Trancoso in the 16th Century hardly anything has changed. The town has a beautiful long grassy square with a little whitewashed church at the far end overlooking the dramatic coastline below. The colonial styled Portuguese houses is a photographers dream. When ready we'll return to Arraial d'Ajuda by bus.
Arraial d'Ajuda to Itacare by mini bus
Back on the road, we continue our travels north up the coast to Itacaré, with plenty of time to visit the Ilheus chocolate factory along the way. There are only a few places in the world where nature has been so generous, offering such diverse attractions in one single place. Coconut-fringed beaches, tropical rainforest, waterfalls, adventure sports and some of THE best surfing and caipoeira in the world! You won't be disappointed in the nightlife here either - they are especially known for their reggae.
Itacare
Today you will be taken on an included excursion to what is often known as the 'lost' or 'hidden' beach. To get to the stunning beach of Prainha we must hike through the rainforest for 40mins - passing by various cascades and streams. On the way back, if you're feeling adventurous, you'll have the option to go on a jungle canopy zip-line tour.
Later on, we will also be offering you a free capoeira lesson on the beach closest to the town centre. Your instructor, Jamaica, is not only known throughout Bahia, but all over the world as one of the most respected capoeiristas and teachers of this Afro-Brazilian martial arts, now embraced as a national sport and practiced by over 60 million Brazilians - young and old.
For the rest of your time in Itacare there are loads of fun activities on offer. You could go whitewater rafting, parasailing, snorkelling or scuba-diving. There are also nature walks, canoe trips and of course many beautiful beaches to choose from - If everyone is keen we can organise a special boat trip up the river and waterways to a place where we'll get off the boat and walk through the forest to one of the most beautiful waterfalls of this area. Perfect for taking a refreshing dip before returning to the boat for sunset. BBQ (fish in banana leaf), caiparinhas and beers will be served on-board!
Itacare to Morro de Sao Paulo / Salvador
This is the last day and final transfer, it's a 2.5 hour drive up to the small town of Valença from where you can get a 40min boat over to the island of Morro de São Paulo. Then from Morro to Salvador it's an easy catamaran boat trip direct, or a boat back to Valença and 2 hour bus to Bom Despacho where the ferry-boat takes you to Salvador. We will explain in depth about getting there on the trip!
Whats Included:
Private transport by reliable, spacious & comfortable van/micro-bus for the whole trip (big windows AND air-con).
Accommodation in share dorms, or upgrade to private rooms. We will stay in hostels and guesthouse chosen for their location and atmosphere. All are not far from the beach and many even have swimming pools!
- Pickups-drop-offs to hostels & guest-houses which we pre-book,
- English speaking Reps to give insider's tips in each town,
- Informal Portuguese lessons offered on the road;
- Arraial do Cabo boat trip with snorkeling + unlimited soft-drinks & water;
- Caipirinha cocktail making and tasting class;
- Day trip to the historic little town of Trancoso & surrounding beaches;
- Visit to chocolate factory in Ilheus;
- Beach capoeira class (for all levels) with the famous Mestre Jamaica;
- Guided rainforest trek to Prainha, Itacare - one of Brazil's top beaches;
- Tips for best surf breaks/beaches throughout trip...feel free to bring your own board!
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