North-East Region, State of Bahia
The Ultimate Brazil Travel Guide: Arraial D'Ajuda
This tourist town combines beautiful beach with plenty of shopping, restaurants, and lively nightlife.
Arraial D'Ajuda is a charming coastal village in southern Bahia, known for its stunning beaches, vibrant nightlife, and bohemian atmosphere. It is accessible by ferry from the Porto Seguro. The town's historic churches, boutique shops, exciting waterpark, and eco-tourism activities, such as snorkeling, make it a popular vacation spot.
Top 5 Things to See & Do in Arraial d'Ajuda
Relax at Pitinga Beach and Taipe beach
Eat out and watch live music at Mucugê Street
Spend a day at the waterpark, Arraial Eco Park (tickets)
Take a boat trip to Ilha dos Aquários
Visit the Nossa Senhora d’Ajuda Church
Where to stay in Arraial d'Ajuda
Find cheap accommodation for your stay in Arraial d'Ajuda, or check out my personal recommendations:
Hotels & Pousadas (Guesthouse)
Hotel Paraiso do Morro - a beautiful swimming pool providing a panoramic view of the beach (see prices)
Hashigute Spa e Hostel - boutique hotel with outdoor pool and deck (see prices)
Guest House 4 Anjinhos - cosy bed & breakfast with a hot tub (see prices)
Na Casa 11 - Pousada e Hostel - private and shared rooms with a courtyard pool (see prices)
Hostels
Vila Mucugê Pousada e Hostel - shared rooms and common areas (see prices)
Adios Amigos Hostel - great for backpackers (see prices)
Where is Arraial D'Ajuda, Brazil
Closest airport
The closest airport is located in Porto Seguro (BPS)
Main bus terminal
The closest bus terminal is located in Porto Seguro
N/A
Main ports
Check out my epic 7 day travel itinerary for Southern Bahia!
How to get to Arraial D'Ajuda
Arraial D'Ajuda is accessible from Porto Seguro. Porto Seguro is well connected with flights and intercity busses to other destinations (tickets & timetable).
See all bus connections and find cheap tickets to Porto Seguro
How to get to Arraial D'Ajuda from Porto Seguro
Arraial D'Ajuda can be accessed by ferry from Porto Seguro. The ferry departs from Balsa Para Arraial D' Ajuda (map) and transports both cars and pedestrians. The ferry towards Arraial D'Ajuda costs R$5, however the return journey to Porto Seguro is free. Upon arrival, there are taxis and mini vans to transport you to the central tourist area for R$4. It best to bring small change as the driver will have limited change.
How to get to Arraial D'Ajuda from Trancoso and Caraiva
There are busses and minivans connecting Arraial D'Ajuda with Trancoso and Caraiva. From Trancoso, the public bus to Arraial D'Ajuda departs from the rodoviario, while more frequent minivans depart from the small park in front of Padaria Filadelfia.
From Caraiva, both the minivans and public bus depart from carpark by the canoes.
How to get to Trancoso and Caraiva from Arraial D'Ajuda
The minivan leaves from nearby the church Igreja Matriz Nossa Senhora D'Ajuda. There are no signs, but there is a little shelter and you'll likely see others waiting. Bring cash to pay the driver, and note that there is a different price for tourists and locals.
Top transfers to Arraial D'Ajuda
How to get around Arraial D'Ajuda
Both a minivan and bus run a loop from the ferry terminal to the center of town, which can be taken any distance for a fixed price (approx. R$4). The minivan is the easiest way to travel between the ferry, beaches, and the center of town. The main central area is paved and easy to walk around. Though Uber is available there are only a few cars in the area.
Things to know before you go
The city center is lined with bars, restaurants and shops - though most only open at night, so don't plan any day time shopping. Most nights you'll find a few bars playing live music with samba or forro. However, this is a very touristy area. The beaches lining the northern coast (closer to the ferry terminal) are quieter, and can be reached by foot or by taking the minivan towards the ferry.
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