Caraiva is based in Bahia, one of the most beautiful and enjoyable regions of Brazil with a lot of African influence: which makes this region great for experience a mixture of Brazilian and African culture.

According to documentation from the National Historical and Artistic Heritage Institute (IPHAN), available at the Museum of Discovery in Porto Seguro, the community of Caraíva is the oldest village in Brazil

Caraiva is the right place where to indulge in superb sandy beach and great surrendered nature but also the right place where to shake your legs at night learning how to dance the local dance called “Forro“.

The most interesting thing about this little village, where you cannot definitely get lost as is basically one main road and few little cross streets, is that the inhabitant here has lived without proper electricity until 2007! It is easy to understand that this is one of the major reason why people would like to visit the village.. trying to experience a little of rural life.. although the downside on this is that regardless the village get electric power only for 10 years.. they developed quite fast.. as a matter of fact you will find Internet in almost every hotel/hostel and you can pay by card everywhere.. so the charm of the traditional no-power village got a little bit lost. But hey.. wait for a second and keep reading as there is a new charm about this village.

Based at the foot of Monte Pascoal, first part of land viewed by Portuguese explorer Pedro Álvares Cabral, allegedly the first European to arrive in Brazil, in 1500, which gives to Caraiva and the whole area of Trancoso a very much important historical spot, Caraiva will offer you more than just beaches and river.. : for the sporty travelers is occasion for a nice hike up to the Mount, or get to know the local Indigenous tribes.

 

                                              HOW TO GET TO CARAIVA

In order to get to Caraiva you need to reach Arraial d’Ajuda : coast side of Porto Seguro easy to reach by ferry boat from Porto Seguro Pier.

 

 

 

• From Porto Seguro : reach The Pier either walking or by bus (cost is 3.25 reals per way)
• Purchase a ticket to get on the ferry boat ( cost is 4.50 reals with return)
• Ferry boat works 24h all year long, with a frequency of a boat each 10-15 minutes (little longer at night)
• The cross last 5 minutes, on the pleasant view of the sea
• Once you get off the ferry boat your turn right and you will see few bus and minivan parked. Asked for the one going to Caraiva

TIMETABLE : ARRAIAL – CARAIVA

07.15/ 11.30/15.00

TIMETABLE : CARAIVA – ARRIAL

06.20/16.00

There also also private minivan, but you need to find them on spot – random time

COST and DURATION:  20 reals per way , around 3 hour… on a very much bumpy road (if yo are not comfortable with this you might want to consider another transport to Caraiva ( Regular flights to Porto Seguro by airlines Gol, Latam and Azul) . If you can get the front seats on the bus. Also you can opt for a taxi ride , price TBA.

• Once you reach Caraiva in front of view there is the river: there is a 10 reals voluntary fee to pay (in order to help the native of the village to keep the environment clean and traditional) : get on a Kayak to cross the river with a cost of 5 reals per day ( same on the way back).