Active Brazil: Remote Bahia and Fernando de Noronha
15 days from £3,975
Explore the tour day by day, from the highlights to the quieter moments in between. Here’s how each day unfolds and what to expect along the way.
Transfer to your hotel in the colonial centre of Salvador da Bahía, one of Brazil’s most historically significant and culturally-rich cities, with a strong African influence devolving from the slave trade.
The most vibrant and innovative district is colonial Pelourinho in the upper part of the city, Cidade Alta, which for pedestrians is linked to the lower port area of the city and commercial centre, Cidade Baixa, by art deco funicular elevators.
Pousada Solar dos Deuses an historic townhouse brimming with Bahian flavour.
Pousada Solar dos Deuses is a charming guesthouse with an unbeatable location in the heart of lively Pelourinho – the colourful historical quarter with its churches aplenty, cobbled streets and buzzing cafés and bars. The pousada overlooks the church of São Francisco on one of the city’s most picturesque squares. There’s just a handful of rooms in all, each decorated to represent an orixá – deities of the Afro-Brazilian religion of Candomblé each different in style and, colour scheme and décor but all have antique furniture, hardwood floors, high ceilings and views over the square or side street. Your breakfast choice is pre-ordered the evening before and delivered to your room each morning. The hotel lacks a central social focus, however it offers good quality, versatile accommodation making it suitable for families. For local dining you could not be better located, with plenty of choice nearby.
Salvador has its own music, dominated by a throbbing African drum beat, its own distinctive cuisine and even its own religious traditions, where Catholicism melds with African mysticism, voodoo and revivalist Protestantism. All of this is in evidence on the streets, where there is always an excuse for a party. Capoeira, the martial arts dance invented by the African slaves, has its home here.
Your guided walking tour explores the historic Upper City (Cidade Alta) which has some of the best preserved (or restored) Portuguese colonial architecture in Latin America: graceful façades are painted in contrasting light pastel shades reflecting the sunlight. You’ll stroll along steeply cobbled streets flanked by the pastel-washed buildings of a bygone age. Take the Lacerda elevator down to the lower city and explore the Modelo Market then ride the Carmo elevator back up to Cidade Alta.
Pousada Solar dos Deuses an historic townhouse brimming with Bahian flavour.
Pousada Solar dos Deuses is a charming guesthouse with an unbeatable location in the heart of lively Pelourinho – the colourful historical quarter with its churches aplenty, cobbled streets and buzzing cafés and bars. The pousada overlooks the church of São Francisco on one of the city’s most picturesque squares. There’s just a handful of rooms in all, each decorated to represent an orixá – deities of the Afro-Brazilian religion of Candomblé each different in style and, colour scheme and décor but all have antique furniture, hardwood floors, high ceilings and views over the square or side street. Your breakfast choice is pre-ordered the evening before and delivered to your room each morning. The hotel lacks a central social focus, however it offers good quality, versatile accommodation making it suitable for families. For local dining you could not be better located, with plenty of choice nearby.
Travel by public coach inland to the Chapada Diamantina, a beautiful, sparsely populated area of scrubby vegetation and humid tropical forest studded with steep-cliffed table-top mountains. The park is run through with crystalline rivers and waterfalls tumbling through boulder strewn valleys. At its heart is the laid-back little town of Lençois, your base for visits and hikes in the area.
The town was originally founded to service diamond prospectors who flocked to the region in the 18th and 19th centuries in search of precious metal and stones. These hopefuls have now mostly departed but their rustic houses have been converted into family homes, guesthouses, cosy little restaurants and bars or craft shops
The drive is along a somewhat bumpy but paved road through the dusty sertão, a region susceptible to drought where it’s very hard to scratch a living from unforgiving soils. In the past, the remote region has been a centre for political and religious upheavals but now low key tourism is bringing a modicum of prosperity. The journey takes about 5-6 hrs.
Amid tropical gardens, Hotel de Lençóis is located at the top of a sloping cobbled street up from Lençois’s main square, offering good views over the city.
This attractive ranch-style building mixes colonial and modern styles, with walkways set in luxuriant hummingbird-filled gardens and forest. Charming guest rooms are adorned with wood furnishings and artwork, arranged around a large swimming pool with terrace or veranda and forest or garden view.
The main restaurant and bar has seating inside and al fresco, ideal for relaxing on balmy evenings. The hotel also has a library, fitness room, games room, children’s play area, sauna and spa treatment rooms.
After breakfast there’s a full day guided tour of the stunning Chapada Diamantina National Park. The park, established in 1985 to protect a rapidly declining natural habitat for flora and fauna, has little infrastructure, but that is part of its attraction. Gazing out from the many viewpoints you scarcely notice the signs of human interference as the forbidding-looking tablelands stretch towards a hazy blue horizon.
On today’s guided exploration, drive from Lençois to the Mucugezinho river, and trek to the black lake of Poço do Diabo. From here there’s an opportunity to visit Lapa Doce cave, which involves about an hour’s walking underground. Also visit Pratinha Cave, a beautiful subterranean river and lake. Later, drive to Pai Inacio plateau and walk the last 500m (20 mins) for some very rewarding views.
Amid tropical gardens, Hotel de Lençóis is located at the top of a sloping cobbled street up from Lençois’s main square, offering good views over the city.
This attractive ranch-style building mixes colonial and modern styles, with walkways set in luxuriant hummingbird-filled gardens and forest. Charming guest rooms are adorned with wood furnishings and artwork, arranged around a large swimming pool with terrace or veranda and forest or garden view.
The main restaurant and bar has seating inside and al fresco, ideal for relaxing on balmy evenings. The hotel also has a library, fitness room, games room, children’s play area, sauna and spa treatment rooms.
Today’s hike is a moderately strenuous activity involving a 3hr trek (in each direction), in part scrambling over boulders, with stops to cool off in natural pools en route. The Sossego falls crash over a wedged cliff of black stone creating a myriad of small cataracts. You can swim in the tea-coloured pool at the foot of the falls among smooth submerged rocks.
Following an al fresco picnic you’ll return towards Lençois, stopping at Ribeirão do Meio, an impressive natural waterslide. The brave hearted can toboggan down the slippery rock surface or swim in the lagoon below. In the event of heavy rain, the trail to the Sossego may not be possible and an alternative excursion may be offered.
Amid tropical gardens, Hotel de Lençóis is located at the top of a sloping cobbled street up from Lençois’s main square, offering good views over the city.
This attractive ranch-style building mixes colonial and modern styles, with walkways set in luxuriant hummingbird-filled gardens and forest. Charming guest rooms are adorned with wood furnishings and artwork, arranged around a large swimming pool with terrace or veranda and forest or garden view.
The main restaurant and bar has seating inside and al fresco, ideal for relaxing on balmy evenings. The hotel also has a library, fitness room, games room, children’s play area, sauna and spa treatment rooms.
Today there are two alternative hikes. One is a full day guided excursion to one of the park’s major highlights – Fumaça Falls. Drive to Vale do Capão in the heart of the Chapada Diamantina from where it is a 6km trek (2 hrs partly uphill, part along the plateau) to the vantage point above the falls.
The water is sprayed by the breeze before it touches the ground, giving it the impression of a funnel of smoke. The views from the top at 340m are fabulous. Return to the village of Vale do Capão and cool off at Riachinho waterfalls and natural pools before arriving back in Lençois
The alternative trek involves a drive to Vale do Capão in the heart of the Chapada Diamantina, the main gateway for walking excursions in the park. Spend the whole day trekking, covering 25km of breathtaking scenery of lakes, rivers, waterfalls and canyons.
Amid tropical gardens, Hotel de Lençóis is located at the top of a sloping cobbled street up from Lençois’s main square, offering good views over the city.
This attractive ranch-style building mixes colonial and modern styles, with walkways set in luxuriant hummingbird-filled gardens and forest. Charming guest rooms are adorned with wood furnishings and artwork, arranged around a large swimming pool with terrace or veranda and forest or garden view.
The main restaurant and bar has seating inside and al fresco, ideal for relaxing on balmy evenings. The hotel also has a library, fitness room, games room, children’s play area, sauna and spa treatment rooms.
Travel by public coach back to Salvador.
Pousada Solar dos Deuses an historic townhouse brimming with Bahian flavour.
Pousada Solar dos Deuses is a charming guesthouse with an unbeatable location in the heart of lively Pelourinho – the colourful historical quarter with its churches aplenty, cobbled streets and buzzing cafés and bars. The pousada overlooks the church of São Francisco on one of the city’s most picturesque squares. There’s just a handful of rooms in all, each decorated to represent an orixá – deities of the Afro-Brazilian religion of Candomblé each different in style and, colour scheme and décor but all have antique furniture, hardwood floors, high ceilings and views over the square or side street. Your breakfast choice is pre-ordered the evening before and delivered to your room each morning. The hotel lacks a central social focus, however it offers good quality, versatile accommodation making it suitable for families. For local dining you could not be better located, with plenty of choice nearby.
Transfer to the airport and fly to Recife. This major port sprawls across three small islands connected with each other and the mainland by over two dozen bridges. Continue by road to Olinda, one of Brazil’s most beautiful and best-preserved colonial towns. A maze of steeply cobbled streets, pastel coloured houses, baroque fountains and elegant squares blankets the hills. Olinda is renowned for its wild and raucous Carnival.
This small and friendly Pousada Quatro Cantos hotel captures Olinda’s distinctive cultural blend, from the colonial architecture and antique furniture to the tropical breakfast buffet and abundance of colourful Pernambucano art on the walls. Located in the heart of the historical town, it is an ideal starting point for wandering around the pretty pastel-painted streets.
Occupying a restored 19th century townhouse, the hotel exudes character and is crammed with local art and ornaments – it even has its own handicrafts shop. Reception and relaxation areas are beautifully decorated, with the simple white walls showing off their adornments to optimum effect. There is a garden with a small pool overlooked by lovely flowers and wild grasses, and a restaurant and bar (you can also choose to take meals outside on the sunny terrace). Some of the rooms have a balcony looking out over Olinda’s rooftops and beyond, or a veranda with a hammock.
Transfer to the airport and fly to the archipelago embracing Fernando de Noronha. The only populated island in a protected volcanic archipelago way out in the Atlantic Ocean, Fernando de Noronha is almost off the map. But those who go there (and numbers are restricted), especially divers and surfers, are well rewarded. Craggy cliffs jacketed in close garrigue-like vegetation (the original forests were destroyed) close in on gorgeous little bays of sugary sand, and the waters here, warm year-round, are sapphire-clear.
Since colonial times, the valley of what is now known as Elizabeth Garden has been a corner of Fernando de Noronha where the conditions of climate and water supply have allowed a particularly prolific flourishing of flowers, fruit and vegetables: what started as subsistence agriculture has matured into the kitchen garden of the island. The agreeable Pousada do Vale enjoys a bucolic location in the valley, with its own orchard; and is just a short stroll from the sea and the little town of Vila dos Remedios.
The accommodation may be low-key, but there’s an impressive provision of services and facilities, including air-conditioning, TV with Sky, Wifi and internet access – albeit low speed. There are 16 simply furnished suites, including an apartment for families, each individually themed with images and ornaments of one of the many exotic species of wildlife which inhabit the island. The restaurant offers a varied menu including dishes devised especially for children.
Much of the Fernando de Noronha is designated a marine park, for good reason: sharks, dolphins, turtles and stingrays and a multitude of fish species thrive here. There are no luxury facilities here: it’s a dream destination for lovers of nature, especially the undersea world. You spend four full days here, enough time to really get to know the place and explore the gorgeous scenery.
There are 26 deserted beaches, where swimming is permitted on just a few. Some are excellent surf beaches. At Baia do Sueste you can swim with turtles. Snorkelling and diving are especially rewarding and here are local companies which offer services for visitors.
Since colonial times, the valley of what is now known as Elizabeth Garden has been a corner of Fernando de Noronha where the conditions of climate and water supply have allowed a particularly prolific flourishing of flowers, fruit and vegetables: what started as subsistence agriculture has matured into the kitchen garden of the island. The agreeable Pousada do Vale enjoys a bucolic location in the valley, with its own orchard; and is just a short stroll from the sea and the little town of Vila dos Remedios.
The accommodation may be low-key, but there’s an impressive provision of services and facilities, including air-conditioning, TV with Sky, Wifi and internet access – albeit low speed. There are 16 simply furnished suites, including an apartment for families, each individually themed with images and ornaments of one of the many exotic species of wildlife which inhabit the island. The restaurant offers a varied menu including dishes devised especially for children.
Transfer to the airport and fly to Recife; continue by road to Olinda for the final night of the holiday.
This small and friendly Pousada Quatro Cantos hotel captures Olinda’s distinctive cultural blend, from the colonial architecture and antique furniture to the tropical breakfast buffet and abundance of colourful Pernambucano art on the walls. Located in the heart of the historical town, it is an ideal starting point for wandering around the pretty pastel-painted streets.
Occupying a restored 19th century townhouse, the hotel exudes character and is crammed with local art and ornaments – it even has its own handicrafts shop. Reception and relaxation areas are beautifully decorated, with the simple white walls showing off their adornments to optimum effect. There is a garden with a small pool overlooked by lovely flowers and wild grasses, and a restaurant and bar (you can also choose to take meals outside on the sunny terrace). Some of the rooms have a balcony looking out over Olinda’s rooftops and beyond, or a veranda with a hammock.
The places you’ll stay and explore on this tour. Here’s a closer look at each one and what makes it worth the trip.
Brazil - Recife, Olinda and Fernando de Noronha
Brazil’s north-east rarely gets the same airtime as Rio or the Amazon, which is exactly why Fernando de Noronha holidays reward the traveller who goes looking: colonial cities with a gritty, musical edge, and an island so protected that sharks and turtles outnumber the visitors.
Brazil - Salvador, Lencois and the beaches of Bahia
Afro-Brazilian culture, colonial architecture, tropical beaches and dramatic mountain landscapes combine in Bahia to create one of Brazil’s most vibrant and diverse regions. From the colourful streets of Salvador Brazil to the waterfalls of Chapada Diamantina and the palm-fringed beaches of the Bahian coast, these Bahia holidays capture Brazil at its most captivating.
Many people who visit Brazil stay on the coast but if you’d like to participate in active adventures, the interior beckons. Here you combine trekking in the heart of Brazil’s tableland scenery with snorkelling off the coast of the remote island of Fernando de Noronha.
The interior of the north-eastern state of Bahía is scenically alluring and historically interesting. This is plantation country: cotton and sugar were cultivated here in Portuguese colonial times and thousands of African slaves worked on them, resulting in today’s eclectic culture in this exotic region of Brazil. Beyond the plantations are forested hills punctuated by Lost World-like tablelands, remote and sparsely populated, separated by rushing rivers and tumbling waterfalls, and criss-crossed with delightful hikes.
Move on to Fernando de Noronha, the natural tropical beauty of which is protected by the Brazilian government. Some the world’s best diving sites are to be found here, and the snorkelling off the rugged bays is equally spell-binding.
Charlotte Daubeney
All of our experts have lived or travelled extensively in Latin America, so you will receive unrivalled advice based on unique personal experiences.
The practical detail for this tour, all in one place. Transport, accommodation, what’s included and what to pack, so you know exactly what to expect before you go.
- Transport
The holiday includes internal air and ground transportation starting at Recife airport on day 1 and ending at Salvador airport on day 15. The longest road journey is around 7 hours.
- Accommodation
The accommodation on this holiday consists of small and friendly pousadas: locally run hotels and guesthouses.
- Meals
Breakfast daily; lunch days 4, 5, 6.
- Guides
We carefully select our local partners, some of whom we have worked with for over 25 years. Their English-speaking guides understand the expectations of our clients very well, and are consistently singled out for praise by the latter on their return.
- Summary Of Nights
15 days, 14 nights: Salvador 2; Lençóis 4, Salvador 1, Olinda 1, Fernando de Noronha 5, Olinda 1.
- Currency
The unit of currency in Brazil is the ‘real’ (plural reais).
- How To Take It
Cash machines are available in all major cities and towns, and so taking a debit or credit card with a PIN number is the most convenient way of withdrawing money while on your trip, and in most shops and restaurants you can also pay by card. However, since cards can get lost, damaged, withheld or blocked, you should not rely exclusively on a card to access funds.
We recommend that additionally you take a reasonable quantity of US dollars cash (no more than is covered by your insurance), which you can exchange into local currency, and possibly some travellers’ cheques (American Express are the most widely accepted), though these are gradually falling out of use. Dollar bills should be in good condition, soiled or torn bills may be refused. You can take sterling, but the exchange rate is not always competitive or even available, restricting the number of places where you can change money. Acquire your local currency needs before heading to Fernando de Noronha. - Daily Spend
It is very difficult to give a guideline for essential expenses but a budget of around US$40 per day per person will cover food, drinks and the odd souvenir. Eat at the best restaurants and you will pay more.
- Tipping
Tips are expected and local guides often rely on their tip as a significant proportion of their income.
Most service industry workers will expect a tip of some kind and so it is useful to have spare change for hotel porters, taxi drivers and the like. It is common to leave 10 – 12% in restaurants.
- Insurance
Travel insurance is essential.
Details of our recommended policy can be found on our Travel Insurance page.
- Airport Taxes
If you have purchased your flights through Journey Latin America, the international departure tax is usually included in the ticket.
- Trip Suitability
This is an active trip conceived for those who wish to explore on foot and take part in outdoor activities, but nothing requires you to have more than a good level of fitness. There are a couple of long public coach journeys, and three internal flights.
This holiday includes a couple of hikes in rocky and hilly terrain where it will be hot in summer. No special equipment or extra training is necessary. If you have a disability or other special requirements, please call us.
In the summer months of December to March the weather is extremely hot and humid.
- Climate
Salvador is an all-year destination, hot and humid with most rain falling from April to July. The Chapada Diamantina is also hot (27-32°C) all year round with most rain April to July.
In Fernando de Noronha, it’s hot with plenty of sunshine all year round, but most rain falls between March-July, so the Brazilian summer is relatively dry.
- Clothing And Special Equipment
Bring practical, comfortable clothing and a light-weight jumper. If you plan to eat in smart restaurants, although clothing is not formal (no need for jacket and tie), something quite smart would be appropriate.
For the excursions light and protective clothing, a sun hat and practical sandals (they will get wet) are advised. For both the evenings and nights, bring warm and comfortable clothing; a light fleece jacket. Trousers, skirt or shorts made from light, quick-drying synthetic materials work well. For your stay in Fernando de Noronha bring swimwear for swimming and water-sport activities. You could bring your own goggles and maybe a snorkel though you can hire one locally.
Strong, comfortable shoes or trainers are advisable and you should bring insect repellent, sun block and sun glasses.
Please get in touch with the office before departure if you have any doubts. Good equipment is very important and hard to come by in Latin America.
- Vaccinations
Preventative vaccinations are recommended against the following; typhoid; polio; tetanus; hepatitis A. For specific requirements you must consult your GP.
As of 2018, visitors to Brazil travelling on our holidays should be protected with a vaccination against yellow fever, and carry the corresponding certificate. In April 2013, the World Health Organisation Strategic Advisory Group of Experts on Immunisation concluded that a single primary dose of yellow fever vaccine is sufficient to confer sustained immunity and lifelong protection against yellow fever disease, and that a booster dose is not needed.
You can also find helpful information on the Masta Travel Health website.
- Visas
Holders of a full British passport do not require a visa, although passports must be valid for at least 6 months after the trip begins. Anyone with a different nationality should enquire with us or check with the relevant consulate.
If flying to the US, or via the US you will need to fill in your online ESTA application.
- Do I need a visa to visit Brazil?
British passport holders don’t need a visa for tourist visits of up to 90 days. Your passport should be valid for at least six months from the start of your trip. If you’re routing through the US, you’ll need an ESTA in advance. Always check the latest entry requirements before you travel, as rules can change.
- How do I get to Brazil from the UK?
British Airways flies direct from London Heathrow to both Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo, taking around 11.5 hours to Rio. There are also connecting routes via Lisbon, Madrid and other European hubs. We arrange all flights and transfers, and can quote them separately based on your dates.
- What’s the best way to travel around Brazil?
The country’s size makes domestic flights the most practical way to cover long distances, with most routes connecting through São Paulo or Rio. Within regions, we arrange private transfers and guided excursions. In the Pantanal, travel is by 4×4 and boat from your lodge, and in the Amazon, river transport is part of the experience.
- What currency does Brazil use?
The official currency is the Brazilian real. Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in cities and tourist areas, and ATMs are available in most towns, though some have withdrawal limits. Carry some cash for tips, smaller purchases and rural areas. We’ll advise on the latest currency situation before you travel.
- How long should I spend in Brazil?
Two weeks works well for a first trip, pairing Rio with Iguazú Falls and either the Amazon or the Pantanal. To go further and add Salvador, the northeast beaches or Fernando de Noronha, allow three weeks or more. We’ll help you build an itinerary that makes the most of your time.
- What language is spoken in Brazil?
Portuguese is the official language, and Brazil is the only Portuguese-speaking country in South America. English is spoken in hotels and tourist areas, less so beyond them, so a few words of Portuguese go a long way and are always warmly received.
- Is Brazil safe for travellers?
The tourist areas of Brazil are generally safe and well visited. As in any large city, take sensible precautions in Rio and São Paulo, keeping an eye on your surroundings, avoiding flashy valuables and using licensed taxis or ride apps. We plan every itinerary carefully with trusted local partners, and our Travel Experts will advise on anything specific to your route.
- What countries can I combine with Brazil?
Brazil pairs naturally with Argentina, taking in both sides of Iguazú Falls and adding Buenos Aires or Patagonia. Peru combines well for a broader South America itinerary, and Uruguay is an easy connection from the south. Our Travel Experts can design a multi-country trip around you.
Why choose Journey Latin America for your holiday
We’ve been planning trips to Central and South America for over 45 years, longer than any other UK specialist. Every holiday is built around you by a Travel Expert who has been to the places they recommend, with support from your first enquiry to the day you fly home.
Rosie embarked on a year-long backpacking trip across Latin America. She is excited to share her knowledge and experiences with others.
Finn discovered his passion for travel on an extensive 18-month trip to Latin America, experiencing the vibrant Carnaval in Rio, the end-of-the-world city of Ushuaia, trekking the Andes and volunteering on the Galápagos Islands.
Maggie visited Latin America on her first backpacking trip when she was 19. Since then, she has taken every opportunity to travel, and has managed to explore a lot of the region in subsequent trips.
Gary discovered what he had been missing with his first foray into the wilds of Latin America. In his role as Product Manager, he combines this personal obsession with years of industry experience to help ensure that travellers will fall for the region every bit as much as he has.
Things to do
We proudly offer the widest range of activities, excursions and one-of-a-kind experiences across all our destinations, tried and tested personally by our travel experts.
Accommodation
Browse our unrivalled portfolio of accommodation. Every option has been carefully chosen by our team of travel experts, so you can rest assured that you will relax in utter comfort
Beautiful neo-colonial hotel set in delightful landscaped grounds in Lençóis.
An eco-friendly guesthouse in rich gardens close to beaches and a small, friendly town.
Papagaio
Our exciting range of articles on Latin America explore everything from iconic destinations and lesser-known cultural gems to delicious traditional recipes. You’ll also find exclusive travel tips, first-hand client reviews and the chance to get your personal questions answered by our travel experts.
Featured Articles
To round the corner of a mountain and see the lost citadel of Machu Picchu unfold beneath you remains one of the most awe-inspiring experiences in Latin America, one of those dreamlike experiences that makes travelling here truly extraordinary.
The Pantanal wetlands cover an area almost the size of the British Isles and offers better wildlife opportunities than the Amazon. Writer and photographer Alex Bellos discovers them.
Small, breathtakingly beautiful Costa Rica is a treasure trove for the nature lover. Trees laden with orchids are home to quetzals and hummingbirds, while the Caribbean shore hosts volcanic beaches and palm-sheltered coves.
