Expan Experience: Discovering Porto Seguro, Arraial D’Ajuda and Trancoso

In southern Bahia , where the Atlantic Ocean meets the rainforest , there is a three-destination route in Northeast Brazil that seems designed for travelers looking for more than just sand and sea: Porto Seguro , Arraial D'Ajuda , and Trancoso .

Denis Jamett , Head of Operations and Customer Service at Expan Tours , tells us in this new edition of Expan Experience about his most recent trip to these treasures of Bahia , which share the same golden coast , but beat with different rhythms: the vibrant nightlife of Porto Seguro , the romanticism of Arraial D'Ajuda and the feeling of a secret paradise in Trancoso .

It all begins in Porto Seguro

A trip along the southern coast of Bahia is an invitation to discover three unique destinations: Porto Seguro , Arraial D'Ajuda , and Trancoso . These three stops, though close to each other, offer different experiences and atmospheres for those seeking more than just sun and sand.

The journey begins in Porto Seguro , the gateway to this small paradise, where the international airport is located, connecting travelers from Chile , via São Paulo or Rio de Janeiro .

" Porto Seguro surprises with its 84 kilometers of beach protected by law: no hotel can be built on the beachfront to protect the coral reefs , coastal vegetation , and the delicate cycle of the sea turtles that nest there. For this reason, all the hotels are built further back, separated from the sand by a road that serves as a coastal promenade ."

Families are advised to travel with older children (10, 12 or 14 years old), as hotels are often located across the road and some areas may be less convenient for younger children.

" To make access easier, the hotels set up exclusive beach areas on the other side of the road, with buffets , lounge chairs , and staff who help cross the flow of travelers during peak hours. Hotel staff members help stop cars while tourists quickly cross to the beach area ."

For nightlife lovers

" The atmosphere in Porto Seguro is more lively and festive. Its famous street, called Passarela do Alcohol (Alcohol Walkway ), renamed Passarela do Descubrimiento (Discovery Walkway) by the municipality to soften its touristy image, is packed with restaurants , bars , and live music , especially on weekends. Here you can feel a young and vibrant energy, ideal for those looking for parties and nightlife ."

The accommodation options in Porto Seguro are more varied: from all-inclusive resorts to simple guesthouses , many built in the 80s and 90s, low-rise and with a nostalgic feel. However, staying for several nights is generally not recommended.

" It's best to consider it as the entry or exit point of the itinerary, staying only one or two nights, depending on the arrival or return flight times ."

From Porto Seguro to Arraial D'Ajuda: short ferry ride

Crossing by ferry , a short journey of about 10 minutes, you arrive at Arraial D'Ajuda , where the atmosphere changes completely.

" Arraial feels more peaceful, authentic, and rustic. Its streets are mostly dirt, which is no coincidence: the locals decided not to pave them to avoid it becoming as massive a destination as Rio de Janeiro or Búzios ."

This decision reflects the eco-friendly spirit that defines Arraial : cabin-style inns , eco-resorts, and eco-lodges built with wood , stone, and local materials, minimizing the use of plastic and metal. Many of these accommodations emerged after the hippie revival of the 1980s and 90s, when travelers arrived seeking a simpler lifestyle, connected to nature .

" The most famous beach in Arraial is Pitinga , long and full of charming inns . It is a perfect place for couples , especially for a honeymoon or romantic getaways , thanks to its intimate atmosphere, boutique accommodations and paradisiacal beaches hidden among cliffs and vegetation ."

Trancoso, an exclusive destination

Continuing the journey, after two nights in Arraial , the route leads to Trancoso , even more secluded and protected. To reach it, you must pass through Arraial , which reinforces the feeling that Trancoso is hidden from the world.

" Its hotels follow the same boutique , natural, and low-rise spirit, with two luxury exceptions: Club Med , a larger resort, and the exclusive, five-star superior Fasano . The rest are small inns , lofts , and carefully decorated cabins ."

The heart of Trancoso is its famous " Square ," a rectangular plaza that was originally square, where a historic church stands prominently. From the ravine behind the church , incredible panoramic views open up across the bay and beaches.

" Around the Square rise restaurants , bars and inns that are softly illuminated at night, creating a warm and romantic atmosphere. The architecture preserves the traditional Bahian style, with low houses in muted colors that seem frozen in time ."

Interestingly, Trancoso is also a refuge for Brazilian and Hollywood celebrities seeking privacy: " Many actors from Hollywood or Brazil itself, who have a lot of money, have their summer homes in Trancoso , as if to hide away from the world a little ."

It's important to note that internet access is limited in Trancoso . The signal is weak due to the vegetation and hills, forcing visitors to truly disconnect . For many, this is precisely its greatest appeal: a place to disappear off the grid .

The perfect itinerary starts and ends in Porto Seguro

This seven-night tour, with two nights in Porto Seguro , two in Arraial , and three in Trancoso , is ideal for combining relaxation , beaches, and local culture . However, it's advisable to plan your return transfers carefully, especially if your flight from Porto Seguro departs early.

" You have to take into account the journey from Trancoso to Arraial (about 45 minutes), the ferry , and then the trip to the airport for your return flight. That's why travelers are advised to spend their last night in Porto Seguro to avoid any problems ."

Although all three destinations are purely beach resorts , each has its own character: Porto Seguro is more lively and family-friendly, with all-inclusive options and nightlife ; Arraial D'Ajuda is more bohemian, eco-friendly and romantic ; and Trancoso is the perfect retreat to get away from it all, enjoy nature and understated luxury .

" And all these destinations share something in common: the warmth of their people , who usually serve directly in their small hotels and restaurants , inviting you to discover the true essence of southern Bahia , a region of Brazil that is well worth discovering ."

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