During a visit to Bahia your eyes will take in wonderful vistas of dramatic coastline, you will taste delicious dishes of African influence and perhaps listen to the exciting musical rhythms of forró or salsa. This incredibly vibrant and energetic part of Brazil is said to awaken every one of the human senses!

You visit Trancoso, a village of incredible beauty and one of the earliest settlements founded by the Portuguese in Brazil (1586). This captivating village lies at the top of a grassy cliff; below it lie fantastic beaches stretching on for miles. Colourful guesthouses, bars and shops line the wide main street, which is peaceful since it is a car-free zone. At night the trees are lit by hundreds of lanterns.

Another delight during the ride is the chance to spend some time in Caraiva. Without electricity, banks or even cars, the remote and pretty village of Caraiva has long been attracting those looking for a quiet place to relax and unwind. Only a dozen or so shops and restaurants line the sand streets, but if you want to see the village from a different perspective, then hire one of the taxi-cabs which are pulled by donkeys! The village is surrounded by mangroves and the Rio Caraiva runs parallel to the main street. You arrive at New Caraiva on horseback and are taken across to Caraiva by water taxi.

Our ride starts and finishes at Pousada do Outiero, which is approximately two hours drive from Porto Seguro. This hotel is part of a larger complex which incorporates a number of holiday homes as well as a golf course, club house and polo field. Pousada do Outeiro is situated on the cliffs above Espelho Beach. The spacious guestrooms have en-suite shower-rooms, a mini-bar and seating area. There is a central dining room with a deck and also a seating area with comfortable chairs and hammocks in which to relax. There is a large pool and decking area with sun-loungers; staff will be happy to bring drinks out to the pool for you if you wish.

Stay in comfortable guesthouses in Trancoso and Caraiva. In Trancoso, you stay at Hotel da Praca, a characterful guesthouse which is situated just off the main street. With pretty gardens, ‘chill-out areas’, a garden bar, restaurant and individually styled en-suite rooms, this guesthouse has everything you need along with a good helping of colourful Bahia charm.

Stay two nights at Cores do Mar in Caraiva, a colourful beach-front guesthouse set in lovely gardens. The bedrooms are spacious with en-suite facilities. Most rooms have a compact deck area with a hammock.

You will be accompanied by an English speaking guide and also a local guide. Both guides have good knowledge of the local area and will be keen to show you the delights of Bahia.