The ultimate 5 day travel itinerary for Itacare, Brazil
- Rachel
- 2 days ago
- 6 min read
Tucked between the Atlantic Rainforest and the turquoise waters of Bahia’s Cacao Coast, Itacaré is a laid-back surf town that's become a hotspot for tourists and digital nomads. Once a quiet fishing village and a hub of cacao production, Itacaré today draws travelers seeking a more relaxed alternative to Brazil’s more developed beach destinations. With its plethora of beaches each with their own vibe, rainforest rails, and waterfalls, it’s a paradise for outdoor lovers - especially surfers and hikers. The town’s walkable center is full of small guesthouses, bars, and restaurants serving fresh seafood.
This five-day itinerary is designed to help you experience the best of Itacaré’s nature, food, and local charm. You’ll hike to some of the region’s most beautiful beaches, take a boat ride through mangroves to a jungle waterfall, and enjoy the stunning Bahian sunsets. In the evenings, sample local cuisine - from tapioca to moqueca to wood-fired pizzas - and catch live music and dancing under the stars. Most of Itacare's parties are free and are held on the streets by the sea.
Whether you're here to surf, relax, party, or explore the surrounding trails, Itacaré offers the perfect mix of adventure and tranquility. This 5-day itinerary for Itacare include sa range of activities to suit all travellers who want to get the most out of their stay in this amazing Brazilian beach town.
Ready to plan your trip? > Book cheap accommodation in Itacare > Book cheap bus tickets to Itacare > Read my full Itacare nightlife guide
5 day travel itinerary for Itacare, Brazil
Here’s a detailed itinerary that will show you how to spend five amazing days in Itacare, Brazil, based on my own experience living in this authentic Bahian beach town.
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Day 1: Arrival and exploring local beaches
Morning: Arrive in Itacare. Most visitors arrive by bus or transfer from Ilhéus airport (1.5–2 hours) or from Salvador (6 hours). Settle into your pousada - choose one near Concha beach, or along Coroa Beach (as long as it's not a major public holiday when concerts are held on Coroa Beach).
Afternoon: Stretch your legs with an easy walk to the beaches closest to the town center. Start with Praia do Resende, a scenic crescent of sand lined with palm trees, perfect for a swim or lounging under an umbrella. Then stroll to Praia da Tiririca, a popular surf beach where you can watch locals catching waves or book a beginner lesson. There is some basic food available at both the beaches, including espetinho (meat on skewers), grilled cheese, and acai. If you feel like it, walk on further to Costa and Ribeira beaches.
Evening: Before sunset, head to the top of the rocks at Mirante do Xaréu, located at the end of Praia da Concha. The view from here is spectacular, with the sun setting over the ocean and live music most evenings. Tuesdays are especially nice, with local forró music and dancing. During high season, there are beers and caipirinhas for sale. Just a little further up the road, there is a pastry stand MicoDose selling sweet treats.
For dinner, check out Manga Rosa, a beautiful higher end restaurant restaurant offering fresh seafood, wine, and tropical cocktails. Or, for those on a tighter budget try Esfiharia, serving up delicious pastries in a wide variety of flavours.
After dinner, head out to see some live music. There is something on every night of the week in Itacare - read my full Itacare nightlife guide to find out what is going on each night of the week.
Day 2: Four Beaches Hike
Morning & early afternoon: Fuel up on breakfast at your pousada, or head out for breakfast at Cafe Caramelo. Then take a bus or taxi to the trailhead for the Trilha das Quatro Praias—a stunning coastal hike linking four remote beaches: Praia da Engenhoca, Havaizinho, Gamboa, and Itacarezinho.
The shaded rainforest trail takes you along cliffs, through jungle, and down to pristine beaches. Stop to swim or rest at each one - Havaizinho is a local favorite for its dramatic setting, and Itacarezinho, the largest, offers a beachside restaurant if you want to stay for lunch. Plan for 4 hours, or more if you want to spend longer at each beach. Bring water, snacks, and sunscreen - some beaches have kiosks, others don’t.
If you prefer to hike with a guide, there are highly-rated tours available that include transportation.
Afternoon: Return to town and head towards the Antigo Pier. If you're hungry, grab a late lunch of shrimp moqueca at M&M restaurant, or and unwind with a cheap beer and some delicious finger food at Josas Bar. When sun starts to set, head just behind the bar to Antigo Pier, a local sunset spot overlooking River das Contas. It's a quieter alternative to Mirante do Xaréu that has a stunning view of the sunset behind local fishing boats.
Evening: Have a casual dinner at a local favorite like Sandra Tapioca, where you’ll find tapioca crepes filled with fillings of your choice. The standout choice is carne do sol (sundried beef) and plantain. Or, try acaraje at Acaraje Experto, a fried ball made of pea flower fulled with various toppings including dried shrimp (optional). Both tapioca and acaraje are typical Bahian foods.
Day 3: Praia da Concha & Cleandro Waterfall
Morning: Start your day at Praia da Concha, the calmest and most accessible beach in Itacare. Swim in the gentle water, grab a fresh juice or coffee at a beach bar, and relax in the sun. It’s a perfect spot to ease into the day.
Afternoon: Around lunchtime, take a boat across the Rio de Contas to visit the Cachoeira do Cleandro, a beautiful jungle waterfall only accessible by river. The trip begins with a scenic 1-hour boat ride through mangroves and cocoa farms, followed by a short forest walk to the falls. Keep an eye out for local birds and wildlife, including the crabs that line the shores of the mangroves.
There is a great lunch restaurant in the waterfall complex where you can try moqueca and other local Bahian cuisine. After lunch, explore the waterfall complex, which has various spots to stop and take a swim in the cool, shaded pools.
On the way back, your boat will stop for sunset at Praia do Pontal, a quiet beach where the river meets the sea. There are no vendors here, so bring your own water or snacks if you need.
Evening: Head for dinner at Saravá, a stylish outdoor restaurant by Coroa beach that blends Bahian and international flavors to create really great food.
Day 4: Jeribucaçu Beach Escape
Morning & Early Afternoon: After breakfast, head out to Jeribucaçu, one of the region’s most spectacular beaches. Take a taxi or moto-taxi the trailhead, then hike about 20 minutes down through Atlantic forest to the shore. It is also possible to go by bus, though there is a longer walk from the bus stop to the trailhead. You’ll arrive at a wide beach surrounded by green hills, where the Jeribucaçu River winds into the sea.
If you come during low tide, explore the river mouth and natural pools. There’s usually a few beach shacks selling drinks, seafood, and other finger foods.
Late Afternoon: Return to Itacaré, and make your way to Mirante do Xaréu for another epic sunset.
Evening: For your final night in town, treat yourself to dinner at Cioba Pizza, widely considered the best pizza in Itacaré. Head out to see some live samba or forro, depending on the day.
Day 5: Prainha Hike & Departure
Morning: Rise early and pack a light bag for the hike to Prainha, one of the most beautiful secluded beaches in Brazil. Be sure to bring sunscreen, plenty of water, and a picnic lunch.
The trail starts near Ribeira Beach and winds through thick forest for about 45 minutes. You’ll be rewarded with a pristine crescent-shaped beach surrounded by rainforest and coconut palms. There are no buildings here, just one small vendor stand selling water, coconuts, and watermelon. Swim, surf, sunbathe, read a book, whatever you like for your last day in Itacare.
Afternoon: Return to Itacaré in the afternoon, and grab a final lunch in town. Pick up souvenirs like locally produced cocoa, handmade jewelry, or local spices from the artisan stalls.
More resources for planning your trip
Find cheap bus, ferry, and private transfer tickets on Bookaway, where you can make reservations ahead of time from abroad. For more information on traveling by bus, read my full guide to taking long-distance busses in Brazil.
Book your accommodation on Booking.com, with thousands of options ranging from luxury hotels to budget-friendly backpacker hostels, there's something for everyone
Don't forget to read my packing check-list for Brazil
Finally, read this post to find out 10 things you should do before you travel to Brazil!
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