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Brazil is chock a block with tropical beaches and picturesque Jungle. So why is Itacaré, the gorgeous region in the north-east, often viewed as one of Brazil’s best-kept secrets? Does it have more to offer than any of the other picture postcard-perfect stretches of beaches and jungle in South America?
I would say the answer is a resounding yes. But why not judge for yourself? In this beginner’s guide to Itacaré, Brazil, I’ll share some of the things I love most about this amazing place – having lived here now for several years…
Relax
Itacaré is one of those places where time seems to stand still. If you’re looking for a relaxing getaway from the day-to-day humdrum, this could well be the place for you. By day, the village is quiet, smells quietly exotic and is hidden from the rest of the world by the surrounding jungle.
Want to relax and get away from it all? Itacaré is the perfect place to do just that.
Hit the beach
But eventually, you may want to actually do something (or do a “relaxing very little” somewhere else). So why not hit the beach?
The Itacaré area absolutely spoils the beginner traveller when it comes to glorious beaches. But only the locals know the best ones to go to. Check out:
- Resende is almost directly beside the better known (and much more crowded) beaches called Tiririca and Praia Concha. It has waves which are perhaps not quite as good if you’re an avid surfer, but it’s a lovely little cove if you want to avoid having too many people sharing the sands with you. It’s very easy to get to from the village.
- Prainha is for you if you really don’t want much company! You’ll need to take a 45-minute hike through a particularly lovely section of rainforest – worth doing in itself, see below! – and you should probably consider taking a guide on your first time. You don’t strictly need one but there are rumors of occasional tourist muggings on the trail. The trip is totally worth it though – some people say this is the most perfect beach in all of Brazil.
Go surfing or kayaking
As you’re already on the beach, why not hire a board and hang ten? After all, the words “surfer’s paradise” do often crop up in wave riding circles when Itacaré is mentioned. Or, if you’re not into surfing, why not hire a kayak and paddle yourself down one of the local rivers?
These rivers are beautiful, passing through what’s known as the “Atlantic Rainforest” on their way past plenty of little local bars and rest stops which you can simply tie up at and hop out for a quick food or drink break before paddling onwards.
Party!
Though Itacaré might look like the most relaxed place in the world to a casual inspection, don’t let that fool you. When the summer’s here, parties come with it. Parties on the beach… parties in local bars… Parties are always happening! So you won’t be stuck for things to do if you fancy a bit of a livelier evening.
Go on an ayahuasca retreat with yoga
An ayahuasca retreat with yoga simply has to feature on this list. After all, it’s experiencing one of these which completely transformed my life – turning me from a city-slicking techie to living a healthier and balanced life.
Secluded ayahuasca retreat locations are dotted throughout the Brazilian portion of the Amazon – as well as many places elsewhere, of course. Because of the mind-universe-nature connection promoting effects of ayahuasca, they tend to be situated in places of extreme natural beauty.
The effects of a retreat can – literally – change your life. When paired with yoga, which is also practiced by many people in the region who’ve never had an ayahuasca experience, it’s an awareness and consciousness promoting dream. Perfect for anyone who wants to expand their mind as well as relax their body.
This retreat I attended also had workshops that taught profound tools to continue working on myself after the retreat which lead to deeper insights and profound changes in perception.
Seek out some capoeira
If you’ve relaxed, beached and partied to your heart’s content, why not try something a little more energetic?
Even if you only fancy watching, capoeira is massive in Bahia, so you won’t have to go far to find some. This brilliant, wonderful to watch fusion of martial arts, dance and music is a specialty of the local area.
Whichever party you end up attending or wherever you end up staying, simply ask someone local for the best places to go to find it. These tend to move around, but the capoeira scene is a big one, so you’re almost certain to find someone who’s in it or who knows someone who is!
Take a walk in the jungle
Another way to get in touch with the natural world is to take a walk through the jungle. Unless you really know what you’re doing, you’ll be best off finding a local guide the first time you try this because, while Itacaré is safe in general, like pretty much anywhere in the world, getting lost in the jungle is quite easy.
With a guide to shepherd you, a walk in the many picturesque areas of the local jungle is definitely worthy of your time. Something called the “four beaches walk” is probably a good place to start. It includes most of the best, more remote natural sights to see in the local area.
Visit the rest of Bahia
Bahia is very diverse and has a huge amount to offer the visitor. It’s relatively easy to get around too. So if you’ve sampled a little of what Itacaré has to offer, why not try something further afield?
How about Chapada Diamantina, for example? Brazil’s very own table-mountains. Or the unusually pretty town of Salvador?
One of the best things about Itacaré is that it still seems to be on the down-low as far as the global tourist trade is concerned. This hidden paradise will still be here waiting for you when you get back.
About the author
Tom had a fast-paced career in software development before he visited Itacaré for an ayahuasca retreat with yoga back in 2014. A year later he went freelance and moved to live in nature full time to have a healthier and balanced life.
