Central South Travel Guide

Discover the best places to visit, things to do, where to stay, what to eat, and more in Central South, Bahia, Brazil. Plan your trip to Central South with this comprehensive travel guide.


Introduction to Central South

Central South, located in the Bahia region of Northeast Brazil, is a haven for adventure seekers, history buffs and cultural enthusiasts. This region is known for its natural beauty, with scenic landscapes including crystal-clear waterfalls, mountainous terrain, and lush green forests that are sure to leave travelers in awe. There is a wide range of activities to enjoy in Central South, including hiking, biking, and exploring historic landmarks and museums.

List of Places to Visit in Central South

Central South is home to many fascinating attractions that appeal to a broad range of travelers. Here’s a list of the top things to see and do:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Cachoeira: This historical city is known for its colonial architecture and UNESCO-recognized historical center. Noteworthy sites include the Igreja do Rosário dos Pretos, where enslaved Africans once worshipped, and the House of the Museum of Remembrance, which documents the African diaspora in Bahia.
  • São Félix: While neighboring Cachoeira, São Felix is worth a visit for its colonial architecture and the São Francisco river across from Cachoeira.
  • Santo Amaro: The town was the set location for the movie “Orfeu” that won the Palme d’Or at the 1959 Cannes Film Festival. Its charming colonial architecture is remarkable.
  • Fazenda Santa Teresa is an eco-farm over 200 years old, preserved and visited for its academic and touristic importance. The site showcases ancient methods of making sugar cane, and Brazilian cachaça, accompanied by tours and tastings.
  • Engenho Velho da Yayá: A former sugar mill now a museum. It was previously incorporated into quilombos, which were settlements founded by escaped enslaved people.

Natural Attractions of Central South: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Parque das Dunas: This is the largest urban forest reserve in Brazil, located in Salvador. Visitors can hike, bike or horse ride through the park’s trails.
  • Countryside parks: Central South is surrounded by beautiful countryside parks where visitors can explore natural wonders such as waterfalls, caves, and mountains. Notable parks include Pico do Barbado and Poço Azul.
  • Chapada Diamantina National Park: Famous internationally for its caves, table mountains, canyons, and waterfalls, the park is a must-visit. Some of the park’s popular walking trails include the Cachoeira do Buracão, the Cave of Pratinha, and the Poco Azul.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Central South

Central South is a hiker and biker’s paradise as it boasts of several well-marked trails and pathways that pass through breathtaking landscapes. Here are some routes to consider:

  • The trail from Lençóis to Morro do Pai Inácio: This trail promises a stunning view of the valley of Pati.
  • Trilha da Fumaça: This trail offers sweep views of breathtaking waterfalls and valleys in the park.
  • Trilha do Vale do Pati: One of the best hiking routes in Brazil, it passes through four different municipalities in the state from Andaraí to Mucugê.

Best Things to Do in Central South: Activities and Tours

Central South is brimming with activities and tours that cater to all types of vacationers, from the adventurous to those seeking a relaxing getaway. Here are some of the best things to do in Central South:

  • Take a city tour in Salvador to learn about the rich cultural heritage of Bahia.
  • Join a guided tour of the Chapada Diamantina National Park to admire its natural wonders.
  • Take a leisurely bike ride through Poço Azul and Pico do Barbado to take in the beautiful scenery.
  • Visit an eco-farm such as Fazenda Santa Teresa to learn about traditional sugar cane and cachaça making.
  • Take a cooking class to learn how to prepare traditional Bahian cuisine such as feijoada, acarajé, and moqueca.

Week-Long Itinerary for Central South

For those planning a week-long trip to Central South, here’s a suggested itinerary:

  • Day 1: Salvador City Tour
  • Day 2: Hike the Trilha do Vale do Pati
  • Day 3: Explore the Chapada Diamantina National Park
  • Day 4: Relax and unwind at Pico do Barbado
  • Day 5: Take a trip to Fazenda Santa Teresa
  • Day 6: Explore the waterfalls and caves in Poço Azul
  • Day 7: Visit the Cachoeira and São Félix.

Food and Drink Scene of Central South

Bahian cuisine is known for its rich flavors, influenced by African and Portuguese culinary traditions. Here are some must-try dishes and local beverages:

Must-Try Dishes

  • Acarajé: A fritter made from black-eyed peas, onions, and palm oil, typically filled with shrimp, dried shrimp, and vatapá or caruru.
  • Moqueca: A hearty stew typically made with fish, coconut milk, and dendê oil, served with rice and pirão (a manioc flour bread).
  • Vatapá: A mixture of coconut milk, bread, dried shrimp, onions, and peanuts, thickened with cashew nuts and spices. Served as a side-dish with acarajé.

Local Beverages

  • Caipirinha: A refreshing cocktail made with cachaça, sugar, and lime.
  • Cerveja: Try the beer brands of Bahia such as Devassa, Eisenbahn and Schin.
  • Cachaça: An alcoholic drink made from fermented sugarcane juice. Served as a tasting at some eco-farms, or at the nightly pulse of Pelourinho neighborhood.

Where to Stay in Central South: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Central South offers a wide range of accommodation options to fit every budget. Here are some popular choices:

  • Pousada do Bosque: A lovely guesthouse that offers comfortable rooms at an affordable price.
  • Hotel Villa Santo Antônio: A charming hotel located in the heart of Salvador, offering breath-taking views of the city and bay.
  • Casa do Amarelindo: A boutique hotel in the Pelourinho neighborhood, with elegantly appointed rooms and an excellent restaurant.

What to Buy in Central South: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Central South has several unique souvenirs and local products to offer that make for perfect gifts or mementos of your trip. Here are some popular choices:

  • Artisanal Goods: Local artists create handicrafts such as paintings, sculptures, and textiles, often on display in art festivals, markets or shops.
  • Cachaça: Several eco-farms offer tastings of cachaça, a distilled alcoholic drink made from sugarcane juice.
  • Afro-Brazilian Jewelry: Baianas use vibrant colored beads, stones and metalwork to create unique Afro-Brazilian jewelry.

Local Culture and Customs of Central South

Bahia, as a historical gateway to the African `diaspora, has its cultural traditions and customs such as the Afro-Brazilian religions of Candomblé and Umbanda. These two religions retain African customs, especially those of the Yoruba and Dahomean peoples, mixed with Catholicism. Visitors can learn more about these traditions by attending religious ceremonies.

Best Time to Visit Central South

The best time to visit Central South is between September and March when rainfall is minimum, and temperatures are mild. This season balances the tropical climate, the temperature lows are around 17 C and highs are around 30 C.

Do’s and Don’ts of Central South

Here are some helpful tips to keep in mind when traveling to Central South:

Do:

  • Dress modestly when visiting religious and cultural sites.
  • Try the local food and drinks, including African-inspired cuisine and cachaça.
  • Bring comfortable footwear for hiking and exploring.

Don’t:

  • Carry large amounts of cash in crowded areas.
  • Wear flashy jewelry or expensive accessories that can attract unwanted attention.
  • Ignore hygiene standards, especially when trying street food.

Safety and Health

Safety in Central South

Bahia has its share of criminal activity such as pickpocketing, bag snatching, and mugging. That said, keeping your valuables safe and taking caution is advisable. Some other safety tips include:

  • Familiarize yourself with the neighborhood and avoid walking around at night.
  • Book a taxi ride or Uber after dark especially in tourist areas.
  • Be vigilant in crowds and avoid carrying expensive electronic on display.

Health in Central South

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), travelers should be up-to-date on routine vaccinations, including measles, mumps, and rubella, and also Hepatitis A and B. It is advisable to consult a physician before traveling to Central South.

Getting to Central South: Transportation Options and Logistics

Central South is accessible by air and road, and there are several options to consider:

Airports Near Central South

  • Salvador International Airport (SSA): located about 195 km from Central South and offers frequent flights to several destinations.

Bus Stations Near Central South

  • Salvador bus stations: It is easy to get buses that ply between Salvador and Central South on a regular schedule. Buses are a preferable means of transportation because of the affordability, accessibility, and convenience.

Other Options

  • Car rental: It is possible to rent a car either at Salvador International Airport or in the city of Salvador. There are highways to get to Central South that lead to the rural roads that connect to the countryside towns.

How to Get Around in Central South

Traveling within Central South is easy primarily by car for individual travelers. Public transportation is also available in Central South though it not recommended for travelers. Some options include:

  • Taxis and Ubers: These are found only in the central town’s areas. Hailing while calling is the best recommended option.
  • Motorbike taxis: For locals, they are known as “mototaxis” that provides affordable transportation options. Be cautious when using this mode of transportation.

Where to Go Next from Central South: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Central South is a gateway to exploring more of Bahia and other northeastern states such as:

  • Praia do Forte: Over 60 km from Salvador offering beautiful beaches, and the Tamar project works to protect endangered sea turtles.
  • Aracaju: Located over 5 hours by car or bus from Salvador and has some top beaches.

Conclusion

Central South, Bahia, Brazil, is a perfect destination for nature enthusiasts, historians, and culture seekers. This region is rich in natural beauty, culture, and tradition. Exploring Central South will leave you with unforgettable memories that will last a lifetime. Plan your trip today!



    Lençóis
    Vale do Capão
    Vitória da Conquista