Paulo Afonso: River, Heritage and Discoveries

Paulo Afonso can be discovered through very different experiences: a trip through the canyon of the Rio São Francisco, time at Lago Capuxu, and places with cultural or historical character. Rural discoveries are part of the experience, too. To help plan your trip, first consider whether you would especially like to experience the water, engineering heritage, handicrafts or archaeological sites.

A trip through the canyon or time at Lago Capuxu

The Catamarã Raso da Catarina offers an approximately three-hour trip through the canyon of the Rio São Francisco. About one hour of the trip is set aside for swimming. The approximate duration and this swimming stop give the outing a clear time frame.

Lago Capuxu offers a different kind of experience. It is a tourist attraction for leisure, relaxation and quiet contemplation, and is frequently visited by locals and visitors alike. A raised wooden boardwalk, along with decks and pergolas facing the water, defines the site. If you are looking for a place to relax as well as a planned excursion, you can include Lago Capuxu as a separate destination in your travel plans.

Heritage and the history of the place

The Igreja de São Francisco de Assis was built in 1949 and is one of the few heritage sites preserved from the time the municipality was founded. The building makes the early history of the place visible through a tangible example. The Complexo Hidrelétrico de Paulo Afonso, regarded as part of Brazil’s engineering heritage, is another attraction. A visit to this complex requires an appointment in advance. If engineering and heritage are of particular interest during your stay, take this appointment into account when planning.

Another historic structure is the Ponte Metálica over the São Francisco. It connects Bahia and Alagoas on the BR-110. Alongside the engineering heritage, this bridge is notable for a described function directly tied to the two states and the river. The church, hydroelectric complex and bridge offer different points of interest for travelers interested in the history of the buildings and the area.

Handicrafts and discoveries in the municipality

In the district of Malhada Grande, an old weaving tradition using rustic handlooms is preserved. The district is 18 km from the city center. For those interested in culture, the subject here is not just the finished handicrafts, but also the traditional weaving technique. In the rural area of Paulo Afonso, the Museu a Céu Aberto in Povoado Rio do Sal encompasses dozens of archaeological sites and rock paintings. This collection offers a different perspective on the region: the focus is on archaeological places and pictorial traces rather than buildings or handicrafts.

Serra do Umbuzeiro is also a destination in the municipality: it is located in Povoado Riacho, 20 kilometers from the city center on the BR-110. There, a walk leads to the cross at the highest point of the Serra. When choosing what to do, the main question is whether you would like to focus on a boat trip, a stay by the water, cultural history, weaving traditions, archaeological sites or this walk.

When looking for a vacation rental in Paulo Afonso, you can start by deciding what you would most like to focus on.

More destination pages: Mimoso, Prado, Tanquinho, Santa Maria da Vitória, Palmeiras, Entre Rios, Cairu, Ipirá.

For the main travel overview: Bahia.