Porto Seguro, in the state of Bahia, is much more than just a tourist destination. Beyond the stunning beaches and vibrant nightlife, the region offers a unique opportunity to get up close and personal with the routines, customs, and cultural traditions of the Pataxó people. The immersion through the region’s villages is a transformative experience you will never forget!
The Pataxó People
The Pataxó are an indigenous people living in various villages in the extreme south of Bahia state and the north of Minas Gerais. The earliest records of this people’s presence date back to the 16th century. It is estimated that there are about 12,800 Pataxó spread across several villages. With colonization, this people adopted the Portuguese language, but the Patxohã language is being revived by the new generations.
Did you know? The history of the Pataxó people tells that on full moon nights, the elders went to the sea to eat fish and shellfish. They sang and danced around the fire. Then they stopped to listen to the sound the sea made when hitting the rocks: “Patá…” to which the sea replied: “Xó”. And so the name Pataxó was born.
Expedition on the Full Moon and New Moon
The expedition departs from Porto Seguro and takes place throughout the year. But what you need to be aware of is that it only happens during the weeks of the full moon and new moon. Over the 5 days, you will visit the Reserve Villages of Jaqueira, Juerana, Imbiriba, and Barra Velha, as well as the charming Caraíva with its sandy streets.
In total, you will cover approximately 100 kilometers, sometimes near the sea, other times in the forest and still others halfway. There will be dirt roads, asphalt, and river paths, in car and canoe. The landscape will constantly surprise you with a mix of natural beauties formed by the Atlantic Forest, reefs, mangroves, colorful cliffs, and semi-deserted beaches!
First Day
The first day of this experience is a real orientation. You will meet the guide in Porto Seguro and from there you will go by van to the Portal da Aldeia Reserva da Jaqueira. The Pataxó, who will invite you for an immersion in their cultural world and their way of being and living, will welcome you. Here you will stay for two nights!
The Reserve is a true oasis of preserved Atlantic Forest and a sacred land for the Pataxó people. You will be impressed by so much beauty!
After settling in, interacting with the community, and getting familiar with the place, you will participate in a purification ritual with amescar – a sacred resin that purifies the environment, strengthens the spirit, and drives away negative things from the body – and optional face painting. Then, there will be a discussion circle where you will learn more about the Pataxó people.
With such beautiful forest around you, there is nothing like a walk through it! But of course, you won’t go alone! Accompanied by a village representative, you will learn about different types of traps, visit the shaman’s kijeme and also the craft kijeme. Ah, kijeme is the Pataxó word for hut!
Think it’s over? The day continues with a series of rituals! First, you will participate in the Awê – a sacred ritual for the Pataxó people with lots of music, songs, and dances exalting the forces of nature – and then the fellowship and thanksgiving ritual. It even deserves a river bath!
The day ends with a typical Pataxó dinner – with fish cooked in patioba leaves, cassava flour, and plantains – and legends and stories around the campfire. When it’s time to sleep, you will go to your kijeme to rest in your hammock!
Second Day
The second day starts early. After breakfast, the guide will take you to visit the Juerana Village. There you will have the opportunity to experience an organic farming area with various plantations, visit a flour house, and taste delicious beijus and cakes prepared on banana leaves right there.
And that’s not all! Taking advantage of the immersion in an organic farming area, lunch will also be at the Juerana Village.
After lunch, the guide returns to the Jaqueira Village. In the afternoon program, you can choose between two options. The first is to enjoy your free time to contemplate the spectacle of nature, feel the energy of Mother Earth, and reconnect with your essence. On the other hand, you can visit a village school, take a walk to the colorful cliff – from where the ochre clay used in the children’s baptism ritual is taken – participate in a craft workshop, and take a delicious river bath.
In the evening, everyone gathers again for dinner and a chat around the campfire. Enjoy the last night at the Juerana Village to absorb as many stories and legends as possible from this rich culture!
Third Day
Have a hearty breakfast because the day promises! After saying goodbye to the community, the guide will take you to the Imbiriba Village Craft Center. Along the way, you’ll see a lot of beauty before reaching your destination! You will pass through the incredible Buffalo Valley and the historic Frades River.
Following remote landscapes and crossing the Caraíva River in a canoe, you will reach the old indigenous village of Cramamoã, currently called Caraíva. The small and charming fishing village with sandy streets, where motorized vehicles do not pass, will dazzle you right away! And it is in this little paradise that you will stay for the next two nights!
The guide will leave you at the inn, and you will have time to settle in, have lunch, and rest a bit from the journey. The afternoon is free for you to explore Caraíva, take a river bath, visit the craft shops, and do whatever fits into your afternoon. But at sunset, the meeting is by the river to watch the spectacle that nature has prepared for you!
In the evening, choose a village restaurant, stroll through the shops, and if you still have energy, dance some forró.
Fourth Day
Get ready for a dive into history! This is the day you will visit Barra Velha Village, called the Mother Village as it has existed since 1767. Right after breakfast, the guide will take you by buggy to the village. Along the way, you will see preserved and paradisiacal landscapes that will leave you impressed!
Arriving at Barra Velha, you will be welcomed by the Pataxó people. After participating in some village activities, the shaman and the older indigenous people will tell the history of the village and their people. The most painful part of this history is not left out! It is the Fire of 51 when a violent repression resulted in the death of one indigenous person, the imprisonment of 38, and the burning of the Barra Velha Village. You will even be taken by the Pataxó to the place where it all happened!
After this intense moment, there will be a break for lunch and rest. You can enjoy the village beach for a delicious swim before returning to the inn!
On your last night, choose a delicious local restaurant and maybe another forró to end on a high note!
Fifth Day
This experience has come to an end. After breakfast, the guide will take you back to Porto Seguro. The journey takes about 3 hours and 30 minutes. If you already have a scheduled flight, the driver can take you directly to the airport. Otherwise, he will drop you off at the place where you chose to stay in Porto Seguro. There are many attractions to enjoy in the city for a few more days!
Source: Visit Brasil