The Cocoa Coast evokes romantic images of local cacao production and artisan cottage industries of small-scale chocolate production, all wrapped up in a historic colonial context. Well, many of those presumptions are in fact quite close to the truth! Having gained prominence during the 17th century chocolate boom, the Cocoa Coast of Bahia holds the key to unlocking the secrets of the world’s favorite sweet treat, with a fascinating cultural heritage and sublime Atlantic coastline to boot.

We will travel to a handful of local farms to witness the cocoa production process first-hand, from planting to eating, visiting a historic fazenda plantation which, today, is involved in both cultivation and multiple environmental initiatives aimed at protecting the forest from over-farming, staying at a Travelife certified pousada along the way.

While there, you can enjoy a family tutorial in the craft of handmade cacao, before discovering the beauty of the Itacaré - Serra Grande UNESCO protected biosphere reserve in which it sits, a place awash with crystalline rivers, nature trails, huge biodiversity and countless outdoor activities; the perfect way to work off any overindulgence in all this irresistible and inescapable chocolate!

DAY 1 – Transfer Ilhéus Airport / Serra Grande Accommodation

Reception at the airport of Ilhéus and land transfer passing through the State Park Serra de Condurú to the Fazenda Juerana in Serra Grande, municipality of Uruçuca. Here we can rest and at night have our dinner. Accommodation.

DAY 2 – Atlantic Forest Experience

After breakfast, we will walk to discover a cocoa plantation in the middle of the Atlantic Forest.  We’ll have lunch at our pousada and in the afternoon we visit the NGO Floresta Viva where we will see the nursery of Atlantic Forest native trees and receive explanations on the project and the ecosystem. We return to the fazenda to have dinner. Accommodation.

DAY 3 – Transfer to Taboquinhas – Chocolate Factory

In the morning, transfer to Taboquinhas where we will visit a community near Rio das Contas that elaborates artisanal chocolate. After lunch here, we’ll take the afternoon to visit the chocolate factory and taste its delicious varieties. Dinner and accommodation.

DAY 4 – Transfer to Maraú Península

After breakfast, we travel overland to Cassange community within Maraú Peninsula. Here we can find some of the best beaches of the Brazilian coast which combine with a paradisiacal fresh water lagoon, both in which we can take baths and watch the sunset. Free time to have lunch. Dinner and accommodation.

DAY 5 – Free Day at Maraú Peninsula

Free day to do optional activities. We can visit the village of Barra Grande and its quiet beaches, go snorkelling in Taipu de Fora reefs, or just relax at the pousada and finish reading the novel by Jorge Amado. Free time to have lunch. Dinner and accommodation.

DAY 6 – Transfer to Ilhéus Airport

After breakfast, land transfer to Ilhéus airport to board to our next destination.