Our fourth day in Bahia wasn’t spent in Salvador like the previous days were. Instead, we ventured to Morro de São Paulo, a carless island inhabited by Brazilians and transplants from other South American countries.

HOW WE GOT THERE:

From Salvador, it was a three hour trip – a 40 minute slow boat ride, then a 1.5 hour spacious, air-conditioned coach bus ride, and finally a 15 minute speedboat ride. Fortunately, we didn’t have to figure this out on our own. A tour company, Cassi Tourismo – offers this set itinerary and we booked directly through them (it was very easy and cost R$200/$50 USD roundtrip).

A DAY ON THE ISLAND:

Shortly after arriving, we set out to explore the island. It was hilly, my calves and hamstrings got an unexpected workout. Fortunately, we landed at a treehouse hideout overlooking the water where we rested and kicked our feet up.

Sipping coffee and feeling the cool breeze while playing with a puppy and baby. Does it get any better than this?! Lol.

After lounging around for a bit, we made our way to a bigger, more lively beach which is the second beach or “Segunda Praia” (there are five on the island). We laid out for a little bit and then went into water. It was amazing to remind ourselves that, despite it being winter there, the temperatures were in the 80’s.

What I enjoy about destinations with a big beach culture is how relaxed and mellow the people are, as well as how inclusive and NOT body conscious they are. It’s incredibly liberating because you can be comfortable in your own skin. It also serves as a reminder for how much we need to find opportunities to be able to let our hair down and relax.

The natural thing to do after swimming is what? To eat! We plopped down at a small eatery off the beaten path where we ate fish and rice sprinkled with farofa, the yellow flour substance made from toasted cassava. The taste is subtle and adds a nice flavor and texture to the food. It’s popular in Brazil and I’m determined to find it here in the States.

As you can see, we started outside but migrated inside because it rained.

Our evening was spent working out / dancing, learning capoeira. It was fun, but HARD. I believe I was sore for about two days afterward. Apparently it takes decades to become a capoeira master because of how intricate the practice is, having to learn the moves and history and teachings. Wow.

After the workout, we stayed up and vibed for hours, laughing and dancing before we ran out onto the rooftop to watch the sunrise (captured below). We completely lost track of time because we were supposed to have gone to a party on the beach but forgot, lol.

DAY 4 HIGHLIGHTS:

• Kicking our feet up in the treehouse overlooking the water
• Frolicking in the warm water at the beach
• Learning capoeira
• Watching the sunrise from one of the highest points on the island

READY FOR MORE SALVADOR ADVENTURES?

• Day 1 — Celebrating Festa Junina in Pelourinho
• Day 2 — Checking out the historic sites and attending a Candomblé ceremony
• Day 3 — Hanging out at Barra beach and going on an Afro-Brazilian history tour

Stay tuned for Day 5 posted tomorrow, our last day in Salvador, hanging out and partying in Rio Vermelho.