Cachoeira & Recôncavo
Excursions in Salvador da Bahia

Bahia's African influences stem directly from the slaves that were imported to the region and many of these would have ended up in the sugar plantations, tobacco farms and cotton fields of the Recôncavo Baiano - the fertile land which surrounds Salvador and All Saint's Bay. Together, these enterprises brought wealth to this part of Bahia, particularly the towns of São Félix and Cachoeira, which sit opposite each other, either side of the Paraguaçu River. 

The glory days may be long gone for Cachoeira, but the "old glory" remains in the large, traditional houses and architecture. Here we will walk the streets to appreciate the history, culture, handicrafts and folklore. The unique culture of Cachoeira includes the "Irmandade da Boa Morte", an Afro-Catholic religious and Candomble group of old ladies dressed in long white traditional desses. There is a special Festival and processions every August.

On the way to Cachoeira, we will visit a boutique cigar factory, a cocoa and sugarcane plantation and we'll have the opportunity to sample some of Brazil's native fruits at an open air fruit market.