Brasil - Trancoso - WHAT TO DO

While there are very few finer pursuits in Trancoso than laying on a perfect beach under bright sunshine, visitors are tempted each day by countless ways to enjoy the beauty and culture of the area.

BEACH VOLLEYBALL
When one thinks of beaches in Brazil, thoughts can turn to this sport. With the many beaches in the area hosting nets, there’s no loss for sand on which to stake personal volleyball battlegrounds. And if visitors are short a player or two, locals are almost always more than happy to oblige. Currently the popular court in Trancoso is located at UXUA Beach Bar

BIKING
Because of Trancoso’s size and accessible nature, bicycles are tailor-made for traversing its small roads and trails. The area surrounding Trancoso is no different, provided one doesn’t mind dirt roads. Virgin bush, flowing rivers, spectacular valley views, and even glimpses of local life await bikers heading out for the lush green yonder, and guided tours are available if you are in a less spontaneous frame of mind

CANOEING / KAYAKING
With 2 rivers in tiny Trancoso alone, canoeing is an ideal pastime while staying at UXUA. Guests can explore the exotic plant life lining the river beds, commune with nature and get a workout, all at the same time. For more adventurous souls UXUA recommends guided tours starting hours upstream from Trancoso, and take a one- to two-hour trip back armed with helmet and paddle. Sea kayaking is also growing in popularity in Trancoso

CAPOEIRA
Visiting Brazil can be an opportunity for learning a Brazilian sport, and this afro-infused martial art may very well be the thing. Once seen as a self-defense method, capoeira is now considered a national sport. Classes can be taken at either the Casa da Cultura (“Culture Center”) or surrounded by the balmy breezes on the beach. Capoeira exhibitions take place almost every afternoon at the Quadrado. The local academy of capoeira is sponsored by UXUA to offer free classes to local children

COOKING
Anyone visiting Trancoso can enlist a local cook to teach some Bahian specialties such as moqueca (fish stew), bobó (stew thickened with manioc), acarajé (deep-fried bread), cocada (coconut sweets), or simply to learn how to cook (maybe even catch and clean!) a fresh fish in the local style. UXUA guests have the advantage of the use of their own kitchens for such lessons, or for experimenting

DANCE
The most popular dance of the town is forro, and locals are passionate about it. Other dances such as zouk or or lambada can be enjoyed nightly, or studied during the day with local instructors

FISHING
Visitors face plenty of options when planning to fish in Trancoso; to try to learn a native technique of net fishing, or even spear-fish, or to go out with a charter-boat. Either way, UXUA’s cooks are happy to clean and prepare any catch which guests may return with, and in local tradition its popular to share the catch with others, meaning guests returning with a good haul of fish can sometimes be cause for a spontaneous party

FOOTBALL (SOCCER)
Brazil = “the beautiful game”. The sport that made Brazil famous around the world is played all over the country, including in Trancoso; Brazilian soccer fields are so ubiquitous that even a world heritage site like the Quadrado sports one (actually up to 3 simultaneous soccer games sometimes occur in the Quadrado in the afternoon). Visitors are invited to play, though they may want to be sure of their skills before challenging the (usually barefoot) local players, who welcome any challengers but show mercy to no-one

GOLF
While no tropical paradise nowadays seems complete without golf courses, Trancoso offers one which is truly spectacular. Terravista Golf (www.terravistagolf.com.br) looms above the ocean on cliffs about 12 km from Trancoso. It claims to be the first course in Brazil to feature Tif-Eagle grass on all 18 greens, paving the way to a precise and fast putt. Golf carts and equipment are, naturally, available for rental. Golf carts and equipment are, naturally, available for rental, and through exclusive arrangement UXUA guests enjoy member access with special rates

HORSEBACK RIDING
While UXUA guests won’t be expected to round up any cows, dude ranch-style, they are frequently found cantering along the beach with wind in hair on the back of one of the many local horses available for use of guests. This is one of the more romantic activities in town. Rides can be guided by local cowboys, and organized tours can be arranged along the beach, dirt road, or forest trails

INDIAN RESERVATION & NATIONAL PARK
Members of the Pataxó Indian tribe – who gave UXUA its “marvelous” name – live on this reserve, at the entrance of a national park 36 km from Trancoso. Called the Indian Reserve Barra Velha, 500 Pataxo tribe families call this naturally beautiful strip of coastline home, living off of their agricultural, fishing and handicraft efforts and demonstrating a lifestyle probably in evidence when the first Portuguese arrived to these shores. The Monte Pascual national park next to the Indian reservation displays much of the spectacular virgin Atlantic forest that has made the area renowned for its beauty

KITE & WINDSURF
August-December, when the Northeast wind blows into the town, can be considered “kite and windsurfing season” at Trancoso. Locals take advantage of this as often as they can, while can rent equipment in town or in the neighboring village of Arraial D’Ajuda, which has its own sought-out windsurf beach named Pitanga. Kite-surfing lessons available any morning on Trancoso’s beaches

SKIN DIVING
An ideal way to commune with the creatures of the sea at Trancoso, where a confluence of rivers and coral reefs prove ideal for fishing or skin diving. A variety of fish, crustaceans and other marine life can be fished independently or in the company of expert guides who can arrange organized tours even kilometers away

SNORKELLING
Snorkellers should do this math: there are 16 kilometers of coast along Trancoso. That spells paradise for lovers of flippers and funny headgear, who have an astonishing 8 beaches and countless reefs to explore. The best beaches for this activity: Nativos, Coqueiros, Itapororoca and even the privacy-loving Patimrim

SURFING
Trancoso’s surf spot is called Itaquena, a beautiful, often-deserted beach with cashew nut trees growing behind it. Near the full moon is the best period for waves, as any local will tell you

TREKKING
If vehicles of the two-wheeled variety aren’t of interest, it’s possible to explore with two feet on the ground. The area is rich in trails that cross rivers and plumb the forest depths, revealing to visitors the extent of the natural beauty that comprises southern Bahia. These treks are generally accompanied by professional guides and can include 4-wheel drive, canoeing, cavalcade, and just about anything else that might enhance the trekking experience. Destinations are also variable, including Red Indian villages, historic churches, and fruit plantations

L A D A T C O T O U R S
HOME	South America	Falkland Islands	Antarctica	Unique Destinations	Unique Experiences	Newsstand	e-mail