CHOCOLATE HAVEN ON THE COAST OF BRAZIL

by CLAUDIO SILVA (Brazil)

I didn't expect to find Brazil

For generations the isolated shores of the small coastal town of Itacaré – on the ‘Cacau’ coast of Bahia – Brazil – was a refuge for the cacau/chocolate magnates of the late 19th early 20th century. In those times the craving for the exquisite drink, called by the native peoples of the Americas as a ‘godly gift’ to humans - was at a special historical high world round. Hidden amongst the high cliffs and the lush Atlantic forest the still colonial styled Itacaré was a place the rich and powerful could relax whilst absorbing the lavish nature emerse amongst waterfalls, beaches and ocean on what must be one of Brazils most beautiful spots. Some 60 km from the famous city of Ilheus – the cacau capital of Bahia and Brazil – Itacaré sits at the base of the ‘Serra Grande’ in a unique mixture of preserved Atlantic forest, waterfalls, idyllic beaches and memorable blue ocean. Itacaré derives from the native family language of Tupi which was/is broadly used by several peoples occupying coastal Brazil back in the XVI century AD. Meaning ‘cayman rock’ or ‘roaring rock’ – a reference to the rock formation that characterizes the river opening into the Atlantic ocean, Itacaré has steadily grown from idyllic outpost to a comfortable destinations for all pockets. Though billionaires are rumored to have their refuges in the region there’s still plenty of room for the most humble of travelers to have an unforgettable experience. With some 30k inhabitants the small coastal paradise – which is has steadily become a top attraction on the Brazilian coast easily spotted as the Brazilian Hawai. Notorious for staging several surf championships the sports fans are not the only contemplers of the raw beauty of this region of Bahia as more visitors check out the coastal haven year by year. From humble camping's to resorts and everything in between the region is a fantastic choice for just letting in all out and relaxing in the typical Bahia atmosphere. And just down the spectacular road from Itacaré lays the Sargi beach on the Serra Grande formation on the way to Ilheus. This region of Bahia is famous for its cocoa production which brought an uncommon characteristic of the preservation of the Atlantic forest which harbored Brazilian cocoa plantations. Mix that with the Serra Grande formation and the blue ocean and you get an idea of where Sargi stands on the great beach experiences scale. A paradise setting of white sand, green nature and warm blue water, the region is renowned for its cocoa production and makes for a special retreat from the mundane issues with the wild mixes of natural forest, waterfalls and cliffs all by the warm Atlantic ocean. To one side down the BA – 001 ocean route you reach the cocoa capital of Ilheus – made famous by Jorge Amado’s novels. To the other side you’ll come upon the world famous surf haven Itacaré a top destination for the favored water sport on Brazil’s coast. Though hostelling infrastructure is scarce you can make a comfortable stay and access delicious Bahia food though it could cost a substantial amount for the dire budget. On the other hand several kinds of accommodations – from cheap camping's to beach hostels are available. Food can be found in the markets in near by villas and at restaurants and snack bars on the beaches. With Itacaré and its beaches just round the corner the other some 30 km up the delicious BA- 001 ocean road Sargi is a great option for those wanting to get away from it all and just chill out on the blue Atlantic ocean surrounded by nature.