Things To Do
in Entre Rios

Entre Rios is a small coastal town in Bahia, Brazil, situated along the river and not far from Salvador. Its streets reveal a mix of colonial charm, colorful façades, and friendly locals. The town is known for fresh seafood, riverside scenery, and a relaxed pace that invites strolls and sunsets.

As a gateway to the Recôncavo region, it offers easy day trips to nearby beaches, markets, and cultural sites.

Day Trips

Spend a day exploring around

day 1
Exploring Historic Center
morning
:

Start your day with a visit to the beautiful Praça da Independência, soaking in the historical architecture surrounding this central square. Stop by the local bakery for a fresh pão de queijo and a cup of strong Brazilian coffee. As you stroll through the cobblestone streets, admire the vibrant murals that tell the story of the city's rich culture.

afternoon
:

Visit the Museu de Arte de Entre Rios to appreciate local artists and their stunning works. Enjoy a leisurely lunch at a nearby restaurant, sampling some regional specialties like barreado. Afterward, take a guided walking tour to learn about the significant historical landmarks that shaped the city.

evening
:

As the sun sets, head to a riverside café to enjoy a refreshing caipirinha while watching the sunset over the Paraná River. Attend a local musical performance or cultural event, immersing yourself in the lively atmosphere. Wind down the evening with a stroll along the riverbank, taking in the sights and sounds of the city at night.

day 2
Nature and Wildlife Exploration
morning
:

Kick off your adventure with an early morning hike in the lush surroundings of Parque Nacional de Ilha Grande. Look for native wildlife such as capybaras and diverse bird species as you explore the trails. Enjoy the tranquility of the area while breathing in the fresh air and listening to the sounds of nature.

afternoon
:

After your hike, relax at a picnic area in the park, savoring a packed lunch while taking in the beautiful scenery. Spend the afternoon canoeing through the park's waterways, where you can spot more wildlife and enjoy the peaceful environment. Capture the stunning views and moments with your camera as the sunlight filters through the trees.

evening
:

Return to the city and treat yourself to dinner at a local churrascaria, where you can enjoy a variety of grilled meats served right at your table. After dinner, take a leisurely walk through the town, enjoying the warm evening breeze. Consider finding a local bar to enjoy some live samba music, immersing yourself in the local culture.

Cost Guide

Prices

ItemPrice
🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant$6-12
🚕Short taxi ride$2-5
🧃Bottled water (1 L)$0.50-1.50
🏨Budget hotel (per night)$25-50
Coffee in cafe$1-3

Strengths and Weaknesses

  • Relaxed pace and friendly locals
  • Excellent Bahian seafood and street food
  • Close to Salvador with easy day trips
  • Limited English in some areas
  • Public transport can be infrequent
  • Heat and humidity can be intense
  • "Olá, tudo bem?" - Hello, how are you?
  • "Por favor" - Please
  • "Obrigado / Obrigada" - Thank you
  • "Quanto custa?" - How much does it cost?
  • "Onde fica o banheiro?" - Where is the bathroom?

Places to Visit in Entre Rios

Visit one of these nice places.

Praça da Matriz

Historic square with a colonial church, colorful façades, and lively street life perfect for golden-hour photography.

Ribeira Waterfront

Long riverfront promenade with palm trees, boats, and pastel houses; ideal for sunsets and candid portraits.

Rua do Carmo and the Blue House

A cluster of bright colonial houses along a narrow lane, offering vibrant textures and shadows for photography.

Culinary Guide

Food in Entre Rios

Entre Rios' cuisine is deeply shaped by Bahian flavors: coconut milk, dendê oil, fresh seafood, and bold herbs. Expect bright citrus, grilled fish, stews, and a mix of street snacks and seaside feasts.

Entre Rios Famous Food

Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food

Moqueca Baiana

A fish stew simmered in coconut milk, dendê oil, peppers, and cilantro; best enjoyed with rice and farofa.

Must-Try!

Acarajé

Fried black-eyed pea balls served with vatapá and caruru; a staple street food found at markets and carts.

Bobó de Camarão

Shrimp mashed with manioc, coconut milk, garlic, and dendê oil; creamy and fragrant.

Vatapá

A creamy blend of bread, coconut milk, peanuts, and dendê oil, often served with fresh seafood.

Caruru

Okra-based dish with onion, nuts, and dried shrimp; a traditional Bahian accompaniment.

Food Markets

Explore local food markets

Feira Municipal de Entre Rios

Morning market offering fresh fruit, seafood, cassava snacks, and regional sweets.

Ribeira Street Food Stalls

Casual stalls along the riverfront serving tapiocas, acarajé, cocadas, and cold coconut water.

Climate Guide

Weather

Entre Rios experiences a tropical climate with hot, humid summers and mild winters. The rainy season brings heavier showers, especially in the afternoon, while the dry season features sunny days with clear skies. Humidity remains high year-round, making the heat feel more intense on busy street corners and beaches.

How to Behave

Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior

Greetings

Greet with a friendly “bom dia”/“boa tarde” and a handshake; addressing elders as Senhor/Senhora is common.

Cultural Respect

Show interest in local crafts and music; ask before taking photos of people; dress modestly when visiting churches.

Social Conduct

Public displays of affection are generally accepted in tourist areas but keep conversations polite and respectful.

Safety Guide

Safety

Petty theft can occur, especially in crowded markets or on crowded buses. Keep valuables secure, use licensed taxis or rideshares, and stay vigilant at night near the waterfront. Carry a copy of important documents and be cautious when withdrawing cash from ATMs in dimly lit areas.

Tipping in Entre Rios

Ensure a smooth experience

Tipping Etiquette

In restaurants, 5-10% is customary if service isn’t included; rounding up the bill is common in casual places. For street vendors, cash is appreciated.

Best Time to Visit

And what to expect in different seasons...

Summer

Hot and humid with frequent showers in the late afternoon; bring sun protection, light clothing, and a waterproof bag.

Autumn

Warm days and cooler nights; generally drier with pleasant conditions for outdoor exploring.

Winter

Milder temperatures by coastal Bahia; evenings can be cool; expect lower humidity and calmer seas for coastal walks.

Spring

Balanced weather with blooming landscapes; good for photography and riverfront strolls.

Nightlife Guide

Entre Rios at Night

The nightlife in Entre Rios tends to be relaxed and family-friendly, with bars and seaside cafes offering live forró and Samba rhythms, and occasional small concerts. Expect casual venues where locals gather for casual drinks, seafood platters, and light music rather than high-energy clubs. Many evenings are centered around the waterfront or praça with street performances and friendly crowds.

Hiking in Entre Rios

Immerse in an unforgettable hike.

Mangrove and River Edge Trail

Flat and shaded trail along the river with opportunities to observe birds and mangrove ecosystems.

Coastal Lookout Path

Moderate hike with ocean views and sunset vantage points near the waterfront.

Airports

How to reach Entre Rios by plane.

SSA - Deputado Luiz Eduardo Magalhães International Airport

Serves Salvador and the wider region; transfer by road to Entre Rios takes about 1-2 hours depending on traffic.

IOS - Ilhéus Jorge Amado Airport

Regional airport offering flights to major Brazilian cities; farther from Entre Rios but an option for broader trips.

BPS - Porto Seguro Airport

Coastal airport with seasonal international flights; typically a longer drive to Entre Rios but useful for weekend trips.

Getting Around

Walkability

The historic center is compact and walkable, with most sights within a short stroll. Sidewalks can be uneven or crowded, so watch your step. For longer hops or nights out, taxis or rideshares are easy to access.

Demographics

Explore demographics in this area.

Afro-Brazilian communities

A core cultural influence in the region, visible in music, cuisine, and art.

Fisherfolk and river communities

Communities living along the river with a strong tradition of seafood trades.

Students and commuters

People traveling to and from Salvador for work or education.

Popular Sports

Explore popular sports in region.

Football (Soccer)

Widely played and watched across Bahia, from beach games to local leagues.

Futsal

Indoor or street futsal is a common pastime in towns and neighborhoods.

Beach Volleyball

Popular on the beaches near Salvador and in coastal towns during dry season.

Transportation

Traffic

Traffic is usually light in the town center but can get congested on the main roads during peak hours toward Salvador. Public buses run but schedules can be irregular; ridesharing and taxis are convenient options for visitors.

Accomodations

Find the best place to stay when visiting Entre Rios.

Dietary Restrictions

Tips for restricted diets.

Vegetarian

Bahian cooking is meat- and seafood-rich, but you can enjoy rice and beans, dendê-free moqueca with vegetables, bobó with no shrimp, and fresh fruit juices. Ask for dishes prepared without fish stock or shrimp-based sauces and look for vegetarian options at the market stalls.

Health & Medical

Healthcare

Basic healthcare is available in local clinics, with larger hospitals and more advanced care in Salvador. Carry travel insurance; in emergencies, go to a public hospital or a private clinic in Salvador if specialized care is needed. Pharmacies are common and staff often speak some English or Portuguese basics.

Discover Brazil

Read more in our Brazil 2025 Travel Guide.

Brazil Travel Guide