Things to do in

Santo Amaro

Following pick-up from your hotel in São Paulo, journey to the coastal cities of Santos and Guarujá, approximately 80 kilometers from the capital. Relax in air-conditioned comfort on the 1-hour drive through expansive sections of the Atlantic Forest, and then discover the largest maritime port in Latin America upon arrival at Santos. Marvel at the countless shipping containers and cargo vessels in the Port of Santos, where thousands of immigrants arrived in Brazil at the end of the 19th century to work on the great coffee plantations. Get to know the main tourist attractions of the city, both in the historic city center and on the edges of the city. Learn how coffee production influenced the local way of life and customs, and hear more about the important historical figures of the area who affected not only the state of São Paulo but the country as a whole. Then, take the ferry to Guarujá on Santo Amaro Island, known for its large selection of beaches, restaurants and lookout points. Since the 1970s, following a boom in the local real estate market, the island has become one of the most popular tourist destinations in the state of São Paulo. Go to a lookout point to get some amazing views and take some excellent souvenir photographs. Stop at an excellent local restaurant to enjoy the local seafood before making your way back to São Paulo.

The Bahian Recôncavo is a region renowned for its history of struggles for the independence of Brazil. The architecture of its cities, especially of the city of Cachoeira, reflects the Portuguese colonial heritage, along with the African legacy which is present in the faces of its inhabitants, its intellectual, religious and cultural traditions in the daily life of its inhabitants.  The tour begins in Santo Amaro, a city whose economy was mainly driven by the sugar cane plantations and enslaved labor until 1888. This town is of great historical significance, particularly in the context of resistance against Portuguese colonization. You will stroll around the local public market and its ancient colonial houses, as well as visit the Samba Museum and the Parish Church. You will then drive by sugar cane, cassava and tobacco farms towards Cachoeira, the main city in the Recôncavo region. The city was declared as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, located alongside the Paraguaçu River. It's a singular scenario in terms of architectural and cultural preservation. You will visit the churches of Carmo and Rosário, the City Hall and the former jail from the colonial era. You will also visit the House of the Religious Sisterhood of Our Lady of the Good Death. This Catholic sisterhood of African Matrix is a living legacy of matriarchal religious syncretism, which fills Recôncavo's people with pride, preserving the rich history of black resistance in Bahia and Brazil. The culmination of their religious and cultural festivities takes place during the month of August. Local businesses also reflect this cultural wealth, where customers can purchase beautiful carvings, embroidery and paintings produced in the region. You will cross the Paraguassu river using the bridge built by the British in 1830, giving access to the town of São Felix towards a farm strategically located in the hills surrounding the city, which will allow you an exquisite panoramic view of the region.  On this farm, lunch with typical local dishes will be served. Then, you will visit the renowned Danneman cigar factory, founded in the nineteenth century, where the tradition of producing handcrafted cigars is maintained. You will then return to the hotel.

The Bahia Recôncavo is a region renowned for its history of struggle for the independence of Brazil. It reflects the colonial Portuguese heritage, together with the rich African legacy, reflected in the faces of its inhabitants and its religious and cultural traditions. The itinerary begins in Santo Amaro, a city whose economy was driven mainly by the sugar cane plantation and enslaved labor. Walk in the middle of the public fair and its secular houses. Then go through sugar cane, manioc and tobacco farms, towards the Quilombo Kaonge, where you will have a great opportunity to experience their daily lives and share their wisdom and tastes. Take time to talk with the griô (elder) of the community, then put your hands to practice and learn the process of making flour and oil palm oil, after lunch. In the afternoon, continue to the most important city of the Recôncavo region, Cachoeira-Ba, colonial city. Cross the Paraguaçu River on a bridge built by the English in 1830 towards the Danneman cigar factory and shortly after return to the hotel.