Itacaré village is located at the coast of Bahia, close to Ilheus airport. It is the only beach with rocky mountains that hide, in their secluded coves, small and delicate fine sand beaches surrounded by dreamy coconut groves. The climate is tropical, with an average temperature of 27ºC (80ºF), a sunny and pleasant weather all year round. Streets made of stone and colonial houses preserve historical relics from the Black Gold era, when the cocoa barons helped the city flourish. It is impossible not to fall in love with the beauty, flavors, history, swinging rhythm and colors of Itacaré.

Cocoa (Cacau in Portuguese), a plant native to the Amazon, was first brought to Bahia in seed form in 1746 and planted on the Cubículo farm in Canaveiras, located 110 km away from Ilheus. Cocoa was to bring unprecedented wealth to this part of Bahia, the golden era being from the late 19th century until relatively recently. It has been wonderfully documented in a number of novels by the late Jorge Amado author, Bahia’s greatest gift to Brazilian literature, tracing the glories and tragedies of the cocoa trade.

Suggested itinerary – 5 days/ 4 nights

Day 1 – ILHEUS/ ITACARE
Arrival at IOS airport and road transfer to Itacaré beach. Accommodation at chosen hotel and balance of the day at leisure.

Day 2 – COCOA & CHOCOLATE EXPERIENCE
Breakfast at the hotel and departure towards the city of Ilhéus, represented in Jorge Amado literature.
We visit the scenario which inspired the novelist, most of it very well conserved, a true recollection of the golden age of cocoa in the area. Then we leave the city behind and head to a local farm where lunch will be served. The farm has a traditional production of cocoa, a sustainable way of production that preserves the traditional forest, reducing the impact of agriculture on local ecosystems. We have an overall introduction of the chocolate process of production and will be able to taste chocolate on site.

Return to the hotel at the end of the day. Evening at leisure.

Day 3 – COCOA & CHOCOLATE EXPERIENCE
Breakfast at hotel and departure for the visit at two of the most important cocoa farms in the region.
Our first visit takes us to Santa Tereza farm, leading production of organic cocoa, aiming excellence in grain quality. Then we head to Vila Rosa farm, where lunch will be served. We take the time to visit the house, now partially converted into a museum. We also visit the chocolate process area, where grains are fermented and dried. Finally, we visit the chocolate manufacturing facilities, where we are able not only to taste but also try our hands on chocolate making (subject to availability). Return to the hotel at the end of the day. Evening at leisure.

Day 4 – ITACARE
Breakfast at hotel and day at leisure to enjoy the paradisiacal Itacare beach.

Day 5 – ITACARE/ ILHEUS
Breakfast at hotel and road transfer to Ilheus airport.

Package includes:
– Private services according to the mentioned above;
– Accommodation at chosen hotel, with daily breakfast;
– Entrance fee at mentioned touristic sites;
– Lunches inside Cocoa farms (beverages not included).

Not included:
– Flights and airport taxes;
– Beverages and any other extra;
– Any service not mentioned in the program;
– Early check in and Late check out;

Reservations are according to availability
Our reference: 11342