Inspiration for your own tailor-made trip
Brazil - Salvador de Bahia - Lencois - Chapada Diamantina - Boipeba
100% customisable for you
It’s time for your Brazilian trip to begin, so head to the airport in good time to make the most of the lounge before hopping on the first of your two flights. The travel time to Salvador de Bahia is around 14 hours, with connections in either Europe or Brazil.
When you land, you’ll be whisked off to your hotel, where you’ll be staying for the next two nights. You’ll likely arrive in the late afternoon, so refresh with a dip in the pool, take in the views of the magnificent Sao Francisco Cathedral or sip your first caipirinha on the rooftop terrace.
After a hearty Brazilian breakfast at your hotel, it’s time to explore Salvador’s Lower City with a private guide. Set off along the incredible Itapagipe Peninsula, home to lively traditional neighbourhoods dotted along the waterfront, and stop at the famous Feira de Sao Joaquim, the city's largest market. You’ll find just about everything here, from tropical fruits and fragrant spices to authentic handicrafts. It’s truly an experience for the senses, so soak it all in as your guide shows you the best spots.
You'll also visit the Bonfim Church, the most famous Catholic church in Salvador, and the 17th-century Fort of Monte Serrate, which sits at the entrance to the bay. Last (but certainly not least), discover the quintessential fishing district of Pedra Furada, known for its seafood restaurants, breathtaking views across the bay and live music.
This morning, we’ve arranged a tour of the city through the eyes of Jorge Amado, one of Brazil’s most famous writers. Hailing from Bahia, Amado’s modernist novels launched him into the national spotlight, and his work has since been translated into 49 languages.
Begin at Casa do Rio Vermelho, the house where Amado lived with his second wife, before heading to the Casa de Yemanja, a humble home dedicated to the Afro-Brazilian goddess of the sea. Finally, visit Rio Vermelho’s neighbourhood market, stopping to try some of the local cuisine featured in Amado’s novels.
The rest of the afternoon is yours for the taking, whether you’d rather continue the culture fix with a visit to the Vila Velha Theatre or simply sip a glass of cravinho – a local drink made with Brazilian cachaca and spices – at a local bar.
Today, you’ll be privately transferred back to the airport for the one-hour flight to Lencois, a historic town known for its colonial architecture and proximity to the vast Chapada Diamantina National Park. When you arrive, you’ll be met by your friendly driver-guide, who’ll introduce you to the region’s incredible scenery over the next four days.
Once you’ve got to know your guide, head out to the Morro de Pai Inacio, a 3,800ft peak. It might sound like a lot, but don’t worry: the hike only takes around an hour, and when you reach the top, you’ll be treated to postcard-perfect views as the sun sets over the village.
Later, return to Lencois and check into your new hotel, where you’ll be staying for the next four nights. Settle in, enjoy a tasty dinner and head up to bed, ready for more exploring tomorrow.
After a big breakfast, it’s time to head out and explore the villages surrounding Lencois. Meet your guide and head into Chapada Diamantina National Park to the Rio Serrano, stopping to swim in its crystal-clear natural pools. Cameras at the ready: a little further on is the Cachoeirinha Waterfall, a picturesque waterfall surrounded by plunging rocks and lush jungle.
This afternoon, swap water for sand as your guide whisks you away to the Salao de Areias Coloridas. This maze of rocky caves features sand in every shade, from classic white to vibrant pink and shocking red.
After all those steps, you’ll likely have worked up quite an appetite, so head back to Lencois for dinner – our clued-up Concierge is on-hand to recommend some local hidden gems.
You’re heading back to Chapada Diamantina National Park today, this time with your sights set on Poco Azul, an enchanting natural well located within a cave. When sunlight hits the water at certain times of day, it takes on an electric shade of blue and, as if by magic, appears to be floating above the cave floor. If you fancy a dip, your guide can capture some epic photos of you.
After lunch, set off for Igatu, a pretty village that has changed very little since its diamond-mining days. Here, you’ll have the opportunity to visit a former mining site and a local gallery, where you can learn all about the region’s fascinating history.
We’ve left your final day in Lencois free for you to enjoy at your own pace. If you’re tired after the last few action-packed days, simply soak up the sun, take a dip in the pool or enjoy a peaceful stroll along the village streets, stopping to pick up a few souvenirs from local shops.
Fancy something a little more active? Lace up your walking boots one last time and set off on a trail along the Lencois River towards Ribeirao do Meio, a beautiful natural pool with a rocky waterslide on one side. Those who want to head out even further can hike to the Cachoeira da Fumaca, one of the tallest waterfalls in Brazil. Once you reach the top, watch as the water plunges over 1,000ft down into a tropical canyon and transforms into steam before it hits the ground – a sight that has to be seen to be believed.
After one final delicious breakfast in Lencois, you’ll be privately transferred by car and boat to Boipeba Island (read: paradise). Sitting south of Salvador, nestled between the Atlantic Ocean and the Rio de Inferno, Boipeba is the ultimate spot for some R&R. You’ll find no cars here – just mangroves, coral reefs and a balmy sea breeze.
When you arrive, check into your hotel for the next three nights and take in the views over the sparkling sea. If you’d like to stay in, simply enjoy a meal at your hotel – otherwise, set off on the short walk to the centre of Velha Boipeba for delicious local cuisine and a lively atmosphere.
You have two full days on Boipeba to spend however you please. This diverse island truly feels like heaven on earth: think white-sand beaches, sparkling sea and emerald jungle.
Visit the Mata Atlantica, a lush forest boasting mangroves, pristine shores and coral reefs, or head to Morere, a rustic fishing village home to sparkling natural pools. Make the most of the crystalline water by diving in for a dip, heading out in a kayak or donning a mask and snorkel to swim with tropical fish.
In the evenings, head up to the village of Velha Boipeba to enjoy live music, browse local markets and enjoy local delicacies.
For those who are just after a little R&R, there’s also plenty of time to soak up the sunshine, nap in swaying hammocks and toast with oysters and cocktails on a floating dock.
It’s sadly time to wave goodbye to Bahia. This morning, you’ll be transferred by speedboat and private car back to Salvador, which takes around five hours in total. When you arrive at the airport, enjoy one last tipple in the lounge before boarding your overnight flight home. With a quick stopover, the journey will take between 13 and 15 hours, and you’ll touch down in the UK the next day, armed with a golden tan and a camera roll full of holiday snaps.
Everything in this itinerary is entirely customisable, down to the smallest details. Here are some more suggestions of what could be included
Each of our trips is entirely tailor-made with originality, quality and cultural immersion in mind. Our team of destination specialists will craft itineraries based on your tastes, using their first-hand knowledge and the help of our in-country team of Concierges and guides. All trips are accompanied by a wide range of additional services, including a 24-hour helpline, the Original Travel app, fast-track airport services and much more.
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We work with you to build an ultra-personalised holiday itinerary with your choice of accommodation, experiences and activities
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