An Exquisite 10 Day Visual Journey

Hidden Bahia: Coast, Color & Light

Explore a coastline alive with light, color, and the rhythms of local Brazilian life

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  • Day 1

    Arraial D’Ajuda: Street Food & Boutique Markets

    Meet at Porto Seguro Airport and transfer to your boutique hotel. Relax by the pool, enjoy the ocean breeze, or explore lively streets filled with coconut, lime, and dendê oil aromas.

    A.M. Transfer from Porto Seguro Airport to Arraial d’Ajuda (30 mins)

    P.M. Chill time — pool, beach, town

    Night Wander artisan markets and soak in Bahian culture and listen to samba, forró, and bossa nova under the stars.

    Stay Arraial d’Ajuda

    Visual Highlights
    - Romantic ocean views
    - Markets & street food

  • Day 2

    Trancoso: Candlelit Evenings

    Drive to Trancoso, a pastel-colored village with the grassy Quadrado at its heart. Explore historic streets and beachfront paths. As evening falls, enjoy candlelit restaurants, boutique bars, and the rhythm of soft Bahian music blending with ocean sounds.

    A.M. Drive: Arraial d’Ajuda to Trancoso (1.5 hours)

    P.M. Explore beaches and the Quadrado

    Night     Dine by candlelight, enjoying local and global flavors

    Stay Trancoso

    Visual Highlights
    - Pastel-colored houses
    - Candlelit Quadrado
    - Beachfront paths

  • Day 3

    Caraíva: Time Slows & Magic Lingers

    Travel to Caraíva by boat. This car-free village of sandy lanes, colorful houses, and smiling locals feels a world apart. Relax, wander, and experience the simple, authentic coastal life.

    A.M. Drive and boat crossing to Caraíva (3 hours)

    P.M.     Explore village streets and lagoon views

    Night     Enjoy a fragrant moqueca from local fishermen

    Stay Caraíva

    Visual Highlights
    - Lagoon & boats
    - Secluded island views
    - Hidden village streets

  • Day 4

    Monte Pascoal: Rainforest & Indigenous Encounters

    Drive to Monte Pascoal in the Discovery Coast National Park. Explore rainforest trails, spot wildlife, and meet a Pataxó Indigenous family. Discover the interaction of forest, coast, and rural life in one remarkable landscape.

    A.M. Drive from Caraíva to Monte Pascoal (1.5 hours)

    P.M. Guided hike and cultural visit

    Night     Return to Caraíva for local dinner

    Stay Caraíva

    Visual Highlights
     - Panoramic rainforest
    - Pataxó village life
    - Coastal forest views

  • Day 5

    Curumuxatiba: Untouched Coastal Charm

    Arrive in Curumuxatiba, a peaceful fishing village protected by a coral reef. Wander barefoot along the shore, watch fishermen at work, and enjoy its simple magic. Optional paddleboarding explores the reef and nearby beaches.

    A.M. Drive from Caraíva to Curumuxatiba (4 hours)

    P.M.     Relax by the sea

    Night     Dine in a local restaurant

    Stay Curumuxatiba

    Visual Highlights
    - Spectacular ocean light
    - Historic pier
    - Fishing boats

  • Day 6

    Hidden Beaches: Off the Beaten Track

    Discover secret beaches along the Discovery Coast. Follow quiet forest paths or shoreline trails to deserted coves and open sands. These untouched stretches provide solitude and a glimpse of Bahia’s hidden coastline.

    A.M. Travel to secluded beaches

    P.M.     Explore and return at leisure

    Night     Enjoy seafood and samba at a beachside bar

    Stay Curumuxatiba

    Visual Highlights
    - Ocean panoramas
    - Secluded beaches
    - Wild coastline

  • Day 7

    Corumbau: Where River Meets Sea

    Visit Corumbau, a remote fishing village where a river meets the ocean. Colorful wooden boats, everyday life, and unspoiled coastline make it a photographer’s paradise.

    A.M. Excursion to Corumbau

    P.M. Explore coastline and village

    Night Sunset caipirinha, local fish stew, or boutique dining

    Stay Curumuxatiba

    Visual Highlights:
    -     Traditional fishing boats
    - Authentic village life
     - Coastal views

  • Day 8

    Emerald Coast: Bahia’s Atlantic Forest

    Explore the lush Atlantic Forest, guided by a Pataxó local. Early walks reveal birdlife and native plants. Optionally visit a coffee plantation or working farm to see daily rural life.

    A.M. Rainforest or farm walk

    P.M. Optional coffee plantation visit

    Night Evening at a local bar with live music

    Stay Curumuxatiba

    Visual Highlights
    - Atlantic rainforest
    - Indigenous life
    - Coffee plantation

  • Day 9

    Caravelas: Islands, Lagoons & Local Life

    Drive to Caravelas, gateway to Abrolhos Marine National Park. Boat through lagoons and estuaries, capturing local harbor life and coastal scenery.

    A.M. Drive from Curumuxatiba to Caravelas (4 hours)

    P.M. Boat trip to islands or estuary tour

    Night Dinner and evening relaxation

    Stay Caravelas

    Visual Highlights:
    -     Sunset over estuary
    - Local harbor life
    - Historic town center

  • Day 10

    Abrolhos Marine Park: Islands, Reefs & Wildlife

    Spend the day in Abrolhos Marine Park, exploring coral reefs, snorkeling with sea turtles, and observing seabirds. Capture the park’s rugged islands, historic lighthouses, and unique marine life.

    A.M. Full-day boat trip in marine park

    P.M. Snorkeling, wildlife observation

    Night Share photos and celebrate the journey

    Stay Caravelas

    Visual Highlights
    - Island panoramas
    - Nesting birds
    - Lighthouses & coral reefs

  • The Route:

    COASTAL CHARM

    Day 1: Arrail D’Ajuda
    Day 2: Trancoso
    Day 3: Caravan

    DISCOVERY COAST
    Day 4: Monte Pascoal
    Day 5: Curumutxatiba
    Day 6: Secret Beaches
    Day 7: Corumbau

    WILD BAHIA
    Day 8: Rainforest Walk
    Day 9: Caravelas
    Day 10: Abrohlos Archipelago

    Day 11 - Return to Porto Seguro Airport
    for flights to international hubs — Rio de Janeiro, São Paulo, and Salvador da Bahia

Time to relax — and focus on your visual adventure!

  • Comforting Thoughts

    Every stay in Bahia reflects the Lens Explorers philosophy: keep the experience authentic, but never forget that even the most intrepid travelers deserve a touch of comfort and style.

    Our journeys combine tasteful, locally inspired pousadas near Bahia’s most photogenic landscapes with moments of quiet indulgence in hand-picked boutique retreats — places that feel both rooted in the land and effortlessly refined.

  • Rustic Charm

    Bahia’s rustic charm lies in its natural rhythm — a blend of tropical warmth, coastal simplicity, and soulful design inspired by local craft and color.

    Each stay reflects this balance, from small beachside pousadas shaded by palms to elegant boutique retreats surrounded by forest and sea. Here, you can step straight from your veranda onto golden sand, feel the breeze off the Atlantic, and experience the relaxed sophistication that defines Bahia’s unique sense of place.

  • Bahia's Secret Beaches

    Stretching for more than 1,100 kilometers, Bahia’s Atlantic coastline is one of the longest and most diverse in Brazil — a sweeping mix of palm-lined beaches, coral reefs, and river estuaries where the forest meets the sea.

    On this journey, you’ll discover some of its most untouched stretches — wild, secluded, and breathtakingly beautiful. Each stop reveals a different mood of Bahia’s shoreline, from golden dunes to quiet coves, offering a rare glimpse of the coast beyond the usual tourist paths.

  • Exquisite Culinary Experiences

    Every trip includes a balance of authentic Bahian meals, hands-on culinary experiences, and carefully selected dining options that reflect the region’s rich food heritage. Bahian cuisine blends African, Indigenous, and Portuguese traditions, shaped over centuries of cultural exchange along the coast.

    Signature dishes such as moqueca baiana — a slow-cooked fish stew with coconut milk, lime, and red dendê oil — highlight Bahia’s African roots.

  • Authentic Encounters

    Authenticity is at the heart of every trip. Step off the beaten path to meet real Bahian people and experience their warmth and charm firsthand. You’ll gain insight into ways of life and customs rarely seen by visitors, observing daily routines and local traditions up close.

    This is travel that goes far beyond a typical tour — a chance to connect with people, hear their stories, and experience the rhythms of life that have shaped these communities for centuries.

  • Experiences To Remember

    These experiences range from guided walks through the Atlantic Forest or a Pataxó indigenous village to visits with local Bahian families, offering a genuine insight into their daily lives and traditions.

    Join a cooking workshop to prepare moqueca or acarajé, or wander local markets brimming with regional produce and crafts. For those seeking a more active day, options include stand-up paddleboarding along coral reefs, snorkeling, or hiking and cycling along miles of untouched, deserted beaches.

  • Locations Matter

    Each stay is chosen for its setting — places where Bahia’s beauty is right on your doorstep. Wake to the sound of the waves, step barefoot onto the sand, or watch the forest light change through the day.

    These are stays that place you inside the landscape itself, where every moment feels close to the coast, the color, and the rhythm of Bahia.

  • Off The Beaten Track

    Step off the beaten track and explore Bahia as few travelers ever do. Follow nature trails that wind through the Atlantic Forest to hidden beaches and secret islands where the rainforest meets the sea.

    Along the way, you’ll encounter small fishing communities and see how life unfolds far from the tourist routes — simple, rhythmic, and deeply connected to the land and ocean. This is travel that goes beyond the usual itinerary: a chance to walk where few have walked, discover untouched corners of the coast, and experience the quiet beauty of Bahia’s wild side.

  • Passing Scenery

    One of the great joys of a Lens explorer journey is the freedom to respond to the unexpected joys of travel. If we pass something that’s simply beautiful - we stop to photograph it, or simply enjoy it!

  • When you arrive in Porto Seguro, we’ll arrange your transfer to a comfortable boutique hotel in Arraial d’Ajuda, where you can unwind from your flight by the pool or on the beach, then take a leisurely evening stroll to the restaurants and bars on your doorstep.

    The next day, your Bahian adventure begins — after breakfast, of course — when we collect you from the hotel and set off south to explore Bahia’s wild coastal paradise.

  • The route covers approximately 300 miles (400 kilometers) south of Porto Seguro, in southern Bahia. On the morning of Day 11, guests are transferred on a 4–5 hour journey back to Porto Seguro Airport, from where flights connect to all major international hubs — Rio de Janeiro, São Paulo, and Salvador da Bahia.

    Please provide your inbound and outbound flight details in advance so we can ensure timely transfers and allow for any delays.

  • For those who wish to extend their stay, a few extra days relaxing by a pool or on the beach can easily be arranged — just let us know, and we’ll help organize it.

  • Accommodation
    • 10 nights in hand-picked hotels, guesthouses and chalets
    • Higher grade Boutique hotels are selected for premium tours in major hubs)

    Meals
    • Breakfasts – all included
    • Lunches - Included on experiences (see below)
    • Dinners – not included

    Experiences
    • 1 x Rainforest Walk (Monte Pascoal) + Pataxo breakfast
    • 1 x Pataxo family visit & meal
    • 1 x Stand Up Paddleboard Hire
     • 1 x Bahian Cooking Experience
    • 1 x Boat Trip to Island in Caravelas (or lagoon trip)
    • 1 x Boat Trip to Abrohlos Archipelago

    Transport
    • All transport throughout
    • Day 11 transfer to Porto Seguro Airport

    Single Occupancy
    We celebrate your nomadic spirit — no single-occupancy fees apply.

    Travelling solo never carries a surcharge, so you can enjoy the journey in your own space without paying extra.

  • Not Included
    • International flights
    • Local flights

    Extras Available (surcharges apply)
    • Live-aboard Diving Trip to Abrohlos Archipelago (2 nights)
    • This will need to be booked in advance

    We always work to keep any surcharges as low as possible.

  • We know you’ve already got your camera gear sorted, but here’s some advice that past travelers have found especially useful on these trips:


    • A lightweight shoulder or hip bag for short photo hikes

    • A small, lightweight waterproof sack (that comfortably contains your camera body + main lens) for boat trips and general usage
    • A cleaning kit and large dust blower (great for protection against sand)
    • UV filters – protect your lenses
    • An optional lightweight tripod + grad filter – for those who love landscapes

  • Bahia Travel Kit List

    Clothing

    • Shorts & T-shirts - perfect for most days

    • Lightweight, breathable pants for cooler, humid days and boat trips

    • Long-sleeved shirt for sun and mosquito protection

    • Swimsuits and quick-dry beachwear (2 sets)

    • Light sweater or jacket for cooler evenings

    • Comfortable walking shoes / hiking sandals

    • Flip-flops or water shoes for beaches and rocky shorelines

    • Sunhat or cap

    Gear & Accessories:

    • Sunglasses with UV protection

    • Sunscreen (reef-safe recommended for snorkeling)

    • Insect repellent

    • Small daypack for excursions

    • Waterproof bag for electronics

    • Reusable water bottle

    Photography & Electronics:

    • Camera or smartphone with waterproof case for boat trips

    • Extra batteries / power bank

    • Travel adapter (Brazil uses Type C and N plugs, 127V–220V)

    Beach & Water Activities:

    • Light towel or quick-dry travel towel

    • Dry bag for valuables on boats

    Health & Personal Care:

    • Basic first-aid kit (plasters, antiseptic, any personal medication)

    • Prescription medications, if needed

    • Hand sanitizer and wet wipes

    Extras:

    • Optional - Lightweight binoculars for bird and wildlife watching

    • Journal or notebook for documenting your journey

    • Waterproof phone case for beaches, boat trips, or waterfalls

  • Our trips are suitable for all fitness levels.


    The Monte Pascoal trek is relaxed and can be taken at an easy pace. If you have health concerns or limited mobility, please let us know in advance.


    Strenuous activities can always be replaced with something easy going or stationary— the goal is to enjoy, not endure.

  • April to June are wonderful months to explore Bahia’s Atlantic coast — a season of soft light, gentle warmth, and vibrant landscapes.


    Expect pleasant coastal days averaging 26–30°C (79–86°F), with refreshing ocean breezes and occasional tropical showers that keep the forests lush and the air fragrant. Inland, temperatures remain comfortable at 24–28°C (75–82°F), while evenings cool slightly, ideal for dining outdoors or listening to music under the stars.


    This stretch of late autumn into early winter brings Bahia at its most balanced — fewer crowds, calm seas, and a coastline alive with color and rhythm.

  • No specialist equipment is required for this trip. However, we recommend reviewing the ‘Camera Gear’ and ‘Kit List’ sections, where you’ll find suggestions based on what past travelers have found most useful on similar journeys.

  • This isn’t mass tourism. It’s personal, creative travel — designed for people who value authenticity, comfort, and great visuals.


    We travel either on private expeditions or small friendly groups, ensuring every experience feels intimate and flexible.


    Whether you’re an artist, adventurer, or curious observer, you’ll have the space and support to connect deeply — with the landscape, the culture, and your own creativity.

  • These journeys are perfect for anyone drawn to visual storytelling and exploration.

    Whether you’re a curious beginner, an experienced photographer, or simply someone who loves beautiful places, you’ll fit right in.

    The focus is on seeing differently — learning to notice light, colour, and detail — and leaving with not just great images, but unforgettable memories.

  • At Lens Explorers, we believe in travel that gives back.
    We partner with local guides, family-run riads, and community projects to ensure your presence has a positive impact.

    Our focus is on low-impact, high-connection journeys — valuing people and place as much as photography.

    Every trip supports the preservation of Morocco’s unique cultural and environmental heritage.

  • All guests are offered an optional pre-travel video call — friendly, informal, and designed to make your journey seamless.

    It’s a great opportunity to:
    • Get advice on gear and preparation
    • Discuss your creative or cultural priorities
    • Share food preferences or dietary needs

    This helps us tailor the experience to you.

  • We require guests to hold comprehensive travel insurance.

    If travelling with high-value camera gear, consider additional equipment insurance for peace of mind.

Your Guide —
Matt Currington

Award-winning Filmmaker & Photographer

For over thirty years, Matt Currington has travelled the world as a filmmaker, photographer, and storyteller, capturing some of the planet’s most remote peoples and wildest landscapes.

Matt has created more than one hundred hours of acclaimed documentary film for National Geographic, Discovery Channel, BBC, Red Bull, Animal Planet, Travel Channel, Apple TV, NBC, France 2, and Amazon Prime, exploring themes of anthropology, natural history, adventure travel, and climate science.

His feature documentary Shooting With Mursi earned UNESCO’s ‘Best Documentary’ Award and National Geographic’s All Roads Film Festival Award for cinematography. Other notable works include Zo’é: Nomads of the Rainforest, Tribal Rites, Secrets of the Incas, Egypt from Above, Gangs of Baboon Falls, World’s Most Scenic Railway Journeys, The Natural History Museum, Mission Amazon (for the Red Bull Explorers Series), Ocean Giants: Bowhead Whales, and Polar Bear in My House.

As a published and exhibited photographer, Matt’s work has appeared in The Independent, Huffington Post, Conde Nast, Time Out, the Daily Mail, and Geographical Magazine, with exhibitions held in galleries worldwide. His long-term projects often focus on cultural and environmental narratives, bringing global attention to under-reported stories.

A Fellow of the Royal Geographical Society, Matt has lectured at the British Museum, the Peruvian Embassy, and the London Wetlands Centre, sharing his insights on exploration, environmental stewardship, and documentary storytelling.

When he is not out filming or exploring, Matt leads Lens Explorers — a series of exclusive travel and photography experiences for a small number of guests each year — offering the rare chance to experience the world through the eyes of a National Geographic Pro.