Things To Do
in Pau Brasil

A rich coconut milk, dendê and fish stew—best experienced in coastal restaurants in nearby towns like Itacaré or Ilhéus, but variations appear in local eateries.

Must-Try!

Black-eyed pea fritters fried in dendê and filled with vatapá and caruru—common street food sold by baianas in markets and on the street in the region.

Shrimp and manioc cream cooked with coconut milk and dendê; popular at seafood restaurants near the coast and sometimes served inland on special menus.

Local desserts and chocolates made from Bahia cacao are widely available at markets and farm shops; try fresh brigadeiro variations made with local cocoa.

Small local market selling fresh fruit, fish, vegetables and snacks—ideal for trying quick bites, buying spices, and observing daily life; vendors often sell regional sweets and coffee.

A weekend market where residents sell produce, baked goods and street classics like acarajé; great for tasting homemade items and buying inexpensive meals.

Warm, friendly greetings matter—say 'Olá' or 'Bom dia' and shake hands or exchange light cheek kisses (common among acquaintances) in social settings.

Conversations are cordial and expressive; don’t rush interactions—small talk about family and local matters is common before business.

Casual, modest clothing works in town; beachwear is fine at the coast but not appropriate for restaurants away from the shore or religious sites.

Ask permission before photographing people, especially vendors and community members; a smile and a simple 'Posso tirar uma foto?' goes a long way.

A 10% service charge is common in restaurants and often included on the bill; if it's not included, leaving 10% is appreciated. Small change for porters, restroom attendants and helpful guides is customary.

Brazil uses the real (BRL). Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in towns and nearby coastal centers, but carry cash for markets, street food and remote services. Mobile payments and PIX are common locally—ask if merchants accept instant transfers.

Hot and humid with the heaviest rains falling between December and March. Expect lush vegetation, higher river levels and occasional short but intense downpours; pack rain gear and plan flexible outdoor activities.

Transition to drier weather with warm days and fewer storms—good time for hiking, birdwatching and coastal trips as trails dry and mosquitoes may reduce.

Warm and drier than summer, with comfortable temperatures and lower humidity—ideal for outdoor adventures, beach visits and experiencing clear skies in the mornings.

Increasing humidity and the start of the rainy season later in the period; landscapes bloom and wildlife becomes active, but late rains can begin toward November.

Short to moderate trails through forest fragments near town offering birdwatching and native flora; best with a local guide for navigation and interpretation.

A protected area with more extensive trails, waterfalls and biodiversity—excellent for longer hikes and guided nature tours (access varies by permit and trail condition).

Day trips toward Una include access to reserves and lowland forest hikes with opportunities to see endemic species and community-run conservation projects.

Combine forest and beach scenery on trails near Itacaré and surrounding beaches—options for scenic coastal walks and visits to surf-friendly beaches.

Vegetarian options are available but often limited; ask for bean- and vegetable-based dishes, rice, salads and regional sides. In markets and larger nearby towns you'll find more choices.

Vegan dining requires communication—dendê-based dishes may still contain shrimp or fish stock. Carry snacks and use apps or translation phrases to explain restrictions.

Rice, manioc (cassava) and many traditional dishes are naturally gluten-free, but packaged foods and breads contain wheat—confirm with cooks when dining out.

Seafood is common in Bahian cuisine. If allergic, emphasize your restriction in Portuguese and avoid coastal restaurants that specialize in fish and shrimp dishes.