Salvador de Bahia - 10 to 11 days in August
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Translated into English.

Original post
JL
Hi everyone, On August 15th, we’ll be flying from São Paulo to Salvador de Bahia (which airline should we choose?) to spend about ten days there. Since we haven’t had a vacation in two years, we’d like to avoid spending too much time on the road and instead discover some picturesque spots that aren’t too crowded with tourists... Any tips? We’re already planning to spend 2-3 days in Salvador, and then what? I think two other nearby destinations where we could wander around would be ideal: Praia do Forte, Itaparica, Loreto de São Paulo, Cachoeira, or any other must-see places? Thanks for your help
IV IvanBahiaG Regular ·
Jean Louis,

Skip Itaparica, there’s almost nothing to see there 😉.

If you’d rather have a quieter vibe, I’d recommend Boipeba Island over its neighbor Morro de São Paulo—less touristy and more authentic.

If you make it to Cachoeira, take time to explore the surroundings too, like the authentic artisan pottery village of Cocqueros or the fishing village of Maragojipe (right in the rural zone), for example.

Chapada Diamantina National Park (also known as Brazil’s Grand Canyon) might also catch your eye if you’re into scenic mountain hikes.

Tropical greetings from Salvador da Bahia,

Ivan Bahia Guide
JL Jln56 ·
Hello, Sorry for the late reply—I had a few issues. We’re finally heading to Salvador de Bahia for 10 days in August. We’ll stay 3 nights in Salvador, then plan to relax in Praia do Forte, either for a few days or the rest of our trip, with a few excursions. We’d have loved to go to Boipeba, but it seems like a long and complicated trip. What would you recommend, without long journeys, to see authentic little villages where it’s nice to wander, beautiful beaches, and without too many tourists? We haven’t had a vacation in 2 years, so we really need to rest... Thanks in advance for your tips!
IV IvanBahiaG Regular ·
Jean-Louis,

You could check out

along the coast: - Arembepe - Praia do Forte (off-season, which is the case right now or on weekdays) - Imbassai

inland: - Santo Amaro, Cachoeira, Coqueiros, Maragojipe... in the Recôncavo Baiano region

have a great trip,

Ivan Bahia Guide
JL Jln56 ·
Thanks so much for all these ideas. We’ll dive back into our guide and plan our trip......
SO Solene40 Globetrotter ·
Hi Jean Louis, I’m gonna mess up your plans again, sorry about that in advance 😉. Honestly, if you're looking for a "picturesque spot that’s not too touristy," Praia Do Forte is, in my opinion, a really bad choice. Shops, restaurants, shops, and tourist buses!! And we went there off-season at the end of September!! Nothing authentic there, if you ask me. We loved Cachoeira and the south of Itaparica (Aratuba and Cacha Pregos). You can find my travel journal in my profile—it might help a bit. Don’t hesitate if you have any questions. Happy planning! Christelle
Le monde est comme un miroir, si tu lui souris, il te sourit aussi!
GS Gs Regular ·
hi everyone, a few years ago I really loved this region (the Itaparica islands, cacha pregos, Catu, Maragogipe and little Maragogipe), especially the small fishing village of Santiago do Iguape on the Paraguaçu River—a real haven of peace and quiet.

https://www.flickr.com/photos/105926314@N04/albums/72157675675502082 https://www.flickr.com/photos/105926314@N04/albums/72157719385176456/ https://www.flickr.com/photos/105926314@N04/albums/72157704181401572/
JL Jln56 ·
Thanks so much for this info and your travel journal—it’ll really help us figure out where to spend our few days of relaxation....
IV IvanBahiaG Regular ·
hello everyone A few years ago, I really enjoyed this region (the islands of Itaparica, cacha pregos, Catu, Maragogipe, and little Maragogipe), especially the small fishing village of Santiago do Iguape on the Paraguaçu River—a haven of calm and tranquility.

I completely agree. I lived in Maragogipe for several years, and the pleasure of sailing on the Paraguaçu by boat (also in Santiago do Iguape, where a French couple lived) is something I’ll never forget. From time to time, I still go to check on my property in the rural area. In Coqueiros, you can still eat the best typical Bahian moquecas. Tropical greetings from Salvador, @IvanBahiaGuide
GS Gs Regular ·
Hello everyone, A few years ago, I really enjoyed this region (the islands of Itaparica, cacha pregos, Catu, Maragogipe, and little Maragogipe), especially the small fishing village of Santiago do Iguape on the Paraguaçu River—a haven of calm and tranquility.

I completely agree. I lived in Maragogipe for several years, and the pleasure of sailing on the Paraguaçu by boat (also in Santiago do Iguape, where a French couple lived) is something I’ll never forget. From time to time, I still go to check on my property in the rural area. In Coqueiros, you can still eat the best typical moquecas from Bahia. Tropical greetings from Salvador, @IvanBahiaGuide

I just rediscovered that the forum is open again—great news for all travelers! I think the French couple ran a hostel in Santiago do Iguape? My memories go back to 1992... Here are a few photos from our arrival back then... Greetings from France, Serge
https://www.flickr.com/photos/105926314@N04/albums/72157675675502082 https://www.flickr.com/photos/105926314@N04/albums/72157719385176456/ https://www.flickr.com/photos/105926314@N04/albums/72157704181401572/
GU Guirosama Regular ·
Hi there! We’re hoping the forum will be updated with great tips! By the way, I’ll be in Bahia for the first two weeks of January. I’ve got a base in Salvador, but I’m not sure what to do for 15 days. The last time I was in Salvador was back in 2014. My first question: which areas should I avoid? (due to over-tourism) My second question: are there any nice spots near Salvador that aren’t $$$? Either for staying or for day trips? Finally, just to note, I only use public transport, taxis, and Uber. Thanks for your discoveries, ideas, and off-the-beaten-path suggestions! Guirosama
IV IvanBahiaGde ·
Hi Guillaume, I’ve lived in Bahia for over 20 years, and there are indeed a few areas to avoid. In short: neighborhoods (bairros) like Lobato, Amarelindo, Paripe, and Mata Escuro are places to absolutely avoid. Besides, there’s strictly nothing to see there, and it’s even discouraged for those infamous tourists who feel the need to wander through favelas without knowing what they’re doing. On the other hand, it’s perfectly fine to explore almost the entire downtown area. Meeting the Soteropolitanos (residents of Salvador) in their natural vibe is always a warm experience. Have you already visited the famous Mercado São Joaquim? You could compare it a bit to the souk in Marrakech, but with less stress. A basic rule for getting around Salvador: avoid showing any outward signs of wealth (yes, like that damn smartphone we all love and some find "essential"). Don’t hesitate if you have any specific questions about Salvador. Outside of Salvador, you could also visit the famous Reconcavo Baiano, the colonial heartland of Bahia, including the charming historic town of Cachoeira along the Paraguaçu River. There you go—enjoy your stay in Brazil. Tropical greetings from Salvador, Ivan Bahia
Découvrez l'art de vivre à Bahia
GU Guirosama Regular ·
Thanks, Ivan. I now only have one week left. Is the Mercado São Joaquim the same as the feira in front of the big avenue? I thought it was just a huge fresh produce market. I’ll check it out. Thanks for the tips
IV IvanBahiaGde ·
Yes, Guillaume, that’s exactly it. At this market, you can find just about everything for the home (except furniture and appliances). A real treat for those looking for total immersion with Salvador’s local population. Tropical greetings, Ivan Bahia
Découvrez l'art de vivre à Bahia

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