North-East Region
The Ultimate Brazil Travel Guide: Trancoso
Walk for miles along tranquil beaches where the river meets the sea
Trancoso, a small coastal village in Bahia, is famous for its rustic charm, upscale boutique hotels, and stunning beaches like Praia dos Nativos and Praia do Espelho. The village's central square, the Quadrado, is lined with colorful colonial houses and a historic white church overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. Trancoso has become a high-end travel destination, attracting celebrities and visitors seeking luxury with a relaxed, bohemian vibe.
Top 5 Things to See & Do in Trancoso
Relax at Praia dos Coqueiros
Eat a seafood dinner the Quadrado
Visit Igreja de São João Batista
Walk along Praia do Rio da Barra
Take a day trip to Mirror Beach (Praia do Espelho)
How long to spend in Trancoso
Spend at least 2 days in Trancoso to visit the local beaches and have dinner in the Quadrado.
See my full travel itinerary for visiting Southern Bahia in one week, with stops in Porto Seguro, Arraial d'Ajuda, Trancoso, and Caraiva:
How to spend 7 days in Southern Bahia, Brazil: Travel Itinerary for Porto Seguro
Where to stay in Trancoso
There are several popular areas to stay in Trancoso: nearby the Quadrado, Praia dos Nativos, Praia do Rio da Barra, and Itapororoca. The Quadrado is located in the historic centre with shops, restaurants, and accommodation located nearby. Praia dos Nativos and Praia do Rio da Barra are beachfront areas with hotels and pousadas, while Itapororoca is a quieter, less developed beach area further north.
Find cheap accommodation for your stay in Trancoso, or check out my personal recommendations:
Hotels & Resorts in Trancoso
Hotel Fasano Trancoso - best for those seeking an international hotel (availability)
Hotel e Resort Villas de Trancoso - a local resort by the seaside (availability)
Boutique Hotels & Pousadas
Hotel Boutique Bahia Bonita - features an infinity pool with view over the coast (availability)
Hotel Vila São João - boutique hotel close to the Quadrado (availability)
Pousada Mundo Verde - guesthouse with pool in a lush garden setting (availability)
Flamboyant Residence Quadrado - apartments decorated with rustic decor (availability)
Backpacker Hostels in Trancoso
Teiú Hostel Trancoso (availability)
Igreja de São João Batista in Trancoso, Bahia
Where is Trancoso, Brazil
Quick Facts about Trancoso
Population of Trancoso, Brazil
18,618 people (IBGE, 2022)
Nickname
People from Trancoso do not have a specific nickname, however people from Bahia State are called baianos.
Closest airport
The closest airport is located in Porto Seguro (BPS)
Main bus terminal
Busses depart from Rodoviaria de Trancoso
Minivans to Arraial d'Ajuda and Caraiva stop in front of Padaria Filadelfia
Read my free 7 day travel itinerary for Southern Bahia!
How to get to Trancoso
Most visitors to Trancoso first pass through the nearby cities Porto Seguro and Arraial D'Ajuda, which have an airport and good intercity bus connections. It is also possible to reach Trancoso from the south of Bahia.
See all bus connections and find cheap tickets to Trancoso
How to get to Trancoso from Porto Seguro
First, take the ferry from Porto Seguro to Arraial D'Ajuda departing from Balsa Para Arraial D' Ajuda. When you get off the ferry, you will see several minivans in the carpark (map). The drivers will be happy to point you towards the van for Trancoso. Alternatively, if you wish to visit Arraial D'Ajuda first, upon arrival there are taxis and mini vans to transport you to the central tourist area - from here you can also take a bus to Trancoso.
There are also convenient transfer services with hotel drop-off available.
How to get to Trancoso from Arraial D'Ajuda
Take a minivan from nearby the church (map) called 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.
How to get to Trancoso from Caraiva
To get to Trancoso from Caraiva, there is a cheap public bus that runs twice per day from the carpark next to the canoe station (map). It will drop you off at Terminal Rodoviário de Trancoso. The schedule changes, so ask in Caraiva for the latest bus schedule. There are also more frequent minivans that travel to Trancoso for a higher price. These also depart from the carpark.
How to get to Trancoso from Eunapolis
For those coming from other locations in Bahia or further south, it is not always necessary to transit through Porto Seguro. A bus runs from Eunapolis directly to Trancoso several times per day, and the trip takes 2 hours (tickets & timetable).
Eunápolis is well connected with bus routes to other cities.
Note that the travel time varies greatly depending on the weather due to the condition of the dirt roads. Travel times can double in wet weather.
Top tours to Trancoso
How to get around Trancoso
The city center is small and easy to walk around. It is also possible to walk to the main beaches including Praia dos Coqueiros, 16 minutes walk from the quadrada, and Praia dos Nativos, 20 minutes walk from the quadrada. If you prefer not to walk, there is a minivan that runs between the town and the beach.
Things to know before you go
Trancoso is a small tranquil town in Southern Bahia, close to Porto Seguro. Known for its beautiful beaches and historic quadrado (town square), Trancoso is the perfect place to unwind. The main beaches in Trancoso are Praia dos Coqueiros and Praia dos Nativos.
Increasingly, there are beach clubs that play music during the day. Head to the quadrado, or main square, in the evenings to try local cuisines such as a seafood moqueca. The quadrado also has a small white church, and view out over the ocean, making it a beautiful place to watch the sunset. In the quadrado, there are a few small bars and restaurants that play live music, and later in the night you may find samba or a DJ at Lá no Dom, one of the town's few late-night venues.
The weather is typically warm and tropical, so pack light, breathable clothing, and plenty of sunscreen. Additionally, it's a good idea to bring cash, as smaller establishments may not accept credit cards. Finally, while Trancoso is generally safe, it is best to stay in the main tourist areas at night.
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