Discover the Pataxó Villages in a 5-Day Immersion in Brazil

Porto Seguro, in the state of Bahia, is much more than just a tourist destination. In addition to stunning beaches and vibrant nightlife, the region offers a unique opportunity to get closer to the routines, customs, and cultural traditions of the Pataxó people. Immersing yourself in the villages of the region is a transformative experience that you will never forget!The Pataxó PeopleThe Pataxó are an indigenous people living in various villages in the far south of the state of Bahia and in northern Minas Gerais. The oldest 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 new generations.
Did you know? The history of the Pataxó people tells that on full moon nights, the elders would go to the sea to eat fish and shellfish. They sang and danced around the campfire. Then they would stop to listen to the sound the sea made as it crashed against the rocks: “Patá…” to which the sea would respond: “Xó”. And thus the name Pataxó was born.Full Moon and New Moon ExpeditionThe expedition departs from Porto Seguro and takes place throughout the year. But what you need to know is that it only occurs during the weeks of the full moon and new moon. Over the 5 days, you will visit the Jaqueira Reserve Villages, Juerana, Imbiriba, and Barra Velha, in addition to the charming Caraíva with its sandy streets.
In total, you will travel approximately 100 kilometers, sometimes near the sea, other times in the forest, and still others in between. There will be dirt roads, asphalt, and waterways, by 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 DayThe first day of this experience is a true orientation. You will meet the guide in Porto Seguro and from there you will travel by van to the Portal of the Jaqueira Reserve Village. The Pataxó, who will invite you to immerse yourself in their cultural world and 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 amazed by so much beauty!
After settling in, interacting with the community, and familiarizing yourself with the place, you will participate in a purification ritual with amescar – a sacred resin that purifies the environment, strengthens the spirit, and wards off negative things from the body – and optional face painting. Then, there will be a talking circle where you will learn more about the Pataxó people.
With such a beautiful forest around you, there’s 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 celebrating the forces of nature – and then the ritual of fellowship and gratitude. You even deserve a river bath!
The day ends with a typical Pataxó dinner – with fish cooked in patioba leaves, cassava flour, and plantain – 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 DayThe 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 area of organic agriculture with various crops, visit a flour house, and taste delicious beijus and cakes prepared in banana leaves right there.
And that’s not all! Taking advantage of the immersion in the organic agriculture area, lunch will also be at Juerana Village.
After lunch, the guide returns to Jaqueira Village. In the afternoon program, you can choose between two options. The first is to enjoy 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 extracted – participate in a craft workshop, and take a delicious river bath.
At night, everyone gathers again for dinner and a conversation around the campfire. Enjoy your last night in Juerana Village to absorb as many stories and legends as possible from this rich culture!Third DayHave a hearty breakfast because the day promises to be exciting! After saying goodbye to the community, the guide will take you to the Craft Center of Imbiriba Village. Along the way, you will see a lot of beauty before reaching your destination! You will pass through the incredible Buffalo Valley and the historic Frades River.
Crossing remote landscapes and canoeing across the Caraíva River, you will arrive at the ancient indigenous village of Cramamoã, now called Caraíva. The small and charming fishing village with sandy streets, where no motorized vehicles pass, will enchant you right away! And it is in this little paradise that you will stay for the next two nights!
The guide will drop you off at the inn, and you will have time to settle in, have lunch, and rest a bit from the trip. 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!
At night, choose a restaurant in the village, stroll through the shops, and if you still have energy, dance a forró.Fourth DayGet ready for an immersion in history! This is the day you will visit the Barra Velha Village, called Mother Village for existing 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!
Upon 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 its people. The most painful part of this story is not omitted! 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 Barra Velha Village. You will 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 perhaps another forró to end in style!Fifth DayThis experience has come to an end. After breakfast, the guide will take you back to Porto Seguro. The trip takes about 3 hours and 30 minutes. If you already have a flight scheduled, the driver can take you directly to the airport. Otherwise, he will drop you off at the location 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