Taperoá

Taperoá combines water-based activities with a vibrant local tradition and a historic town center. The town is part of the Costa do Dendê tourist zone. Whether you prefer spending time by the water, exploring traces of history or discovering local culture, Taperoá’s many facets offer several practical starting points for planning your vacation.

Waterfalls, natural pools and riverbanks

In the municipality, Cachoeira de Paripe plunges 10 meters, forming a natural pool amid an extensive green area. A 700-meter path leads there from the BA-001 along the Rio Camurugi. This makes it possible to experience the height of the waterfall and its lush surroundings together as a natural attraction.

Cachoeira Mariana also has natural pools suitable for swimming. At Cachoeira de Araruna, small waterfalls and natural pools also invite visitors to swim. The waterfall is 2 kilometers from the town center and can be reached via an unpaved road beyond the Noé Bridge. If you primarily want to spend time by the water during your stay, you can consider these destinations when choosing the focus of your vacation.

In the Camurugi district, Balneário Paraíso das Ilhas offers swimming in the Rio Camurugi. The waterfront promenade in Taperoá offers something different: it has paths for walking and skating, as well as a bike path. There is also a children’s playground on the promenade. For active outdoor time, you can choose between exercise along the riverbank and trips to waterfalls and natural pools.

Historic center and Zambiapunga

Taperoá’s historic center can be explored on foot. At Praça da Bandeira, colonial homes and mansions stand alongside the Igreja de São Brás and the former Prefeitura. The former Prefeitura, or Casa de Câmara e Cadeia, was initially built as a residence at the end of the 18th century and converted into a council and jail building in the 19th century.

The Igreja de São Brás was built in 1620 on the site of the former Jesuit chapel of São Miguel. It stands at the highest point in town; 165 steps lead up from Praça da Bandeira. Preserved furnishings include images of São Brás, São Joaquim and Senhora Santana, as well as liturgical objects made of white and gilded silver. Two bells date from 1861 and 1891. If you are interested in history and sacred art, you will find several specific details here to look out for as you explore the center.

The centuries-old folk tradition of Zambiapunga is associated in Taperoá especially with the celebrations of São Brás. The 2022 festival program included a novena at the Igreja de São Brás every day at 7 p.m. from January 25 to February 2. On February 3, a morning prayer service, Masses and a procession were traditionally held. The book and documentary “Trilha Patrimonial dos Caretas e Zambiapunga” were also presented in Taperoá.

Dendê, views and regional connections

Dendê culture shapes Taperoá’s local identity in both its cuisine and religious practices. A culinary event in 2022 was the Festival Gastronômico Diversidades do Quilombo, held on March 19 in Graciosa, a district of Taperoá. Among other dishes, it showcased moquecas made with local fruit. This dated event offers a glimpse of regional cuisine without suggesting that it is held regularly.

Another view of the surrounding area can be enjoyed from the hilltop Igreja de Nossa Senhora da Boa Morte in Jordão, in the Camurugi district, about 5 kilometers from Taperoá. From there, the view stretches across the coast, dense mangrove vegetation and nearby islands. Taperoá’s place in the region’s network of connections is also notable: the Canal de Taperoá links several settlements in the Cairu Archipelago with mainland towns, including Taperoá. In Graciosa, a district of Taperoá located 7.3 kilometers from the town, there is a pier from which speedboats depart for the islands of Cairu and Boipeba.

When choosing a vacation rental, you can consider which experiences you want to shape your stay: walks through the historic town center, traditions connected with São Brás, activities along the waterfront promenade or time at the waterfalls and river pools in the municipality. Taperoá offers a variety of themes, from the town’s history to nature and regional cuisine.

Discover more places

You can also discover Boninal, Caetité, Morro do Chapéu, Camaçari, Maraú, Pau Brasil, Ruy Barbosa and Catu as other travel destinations.

For the broader travel guide, see Bahia.