Ethnic Experience

Pataxó Porto do Boi Reserve provides a rich immersion into the culture and customs of the indigenous community

Heading to the Pataxó indigenous village is to leave behind the rush and shoes and open your heart to a unique experience.

The Pataxó people have a history of resistance and adaptation over the centuries. They once lived in semi-nomadic groups but eventually settled in several territories. Today, they inhabit 36 villages in Bahia, in the municipalities of Porto Seguro, Santa Cruz de Cabrália, Prado, and Itamaraju. It is believed that the Barra Velha do Monte Pascoal Indigenous Land, where the Pataxó Porto do Boi Reserve is located, has existed since 1767.

The Porto do Boi village, home to around 30 people, reveals a community that, despite being small, is vibrant and committed to keeping alive the knowledge and practices of their ancestors. Here, you will be welcomed with open arms by people eager to share their daily life and their respectful relationship with nature. Amid rituals, body painting, and typical dishes, every moment brings back traditions that have stood the test of time. It is a sensory and cultural journey that connects you with the essence and traditions of those who identify as the “people of the sea” and have a history deeply connected to the region.

ON THE WAY TO THE VILLAGE

The experience follows a route of activities that begins precisely at 9 AM. It is recommended to arrive early so you don’t miss anything from this immersive journey. Departing from Porto Seguro, the trip takes about 2 hours and 20 minutes to reach the village of Caraíva. From there, the immersion begins!

Lasting 4 hours, the experience starts with the stunning landscapes along the way. Once in Caraíva, there are two ways to reach the reserve, and you can choose the one that best suits your preferences.

The first option is by river, where you board a boat in Caraíva and travel upriver to the destination. The trip is magnificent and lasts only 30 minutes. Perfect for those who love to admire natural beauty! The other option is by buggy, departing from the Xandó parking lot in Caraíva. The route is also spectacular! The road runs close to the beach, so you can see the sea for much of the way. A truly paradise-like view!

CELEBRATIONS

The Pataxó people welcome visitors with a body painting ritual. One of the indigenous people creates designs on their body while explaining the symbolism behind the artwork. Then, Tige Maturemba Baixu, the village leader, shares how life is lived in harmony with nature, telling legends and stories from the Pataxó culture.

The rest of the morning is dedicated to some traditional community celebrations. The first is the Awê Ceremony, filled with music, chants, and dances that exalt the forces of nature, creating an infectious atmosphere. The Pataxó people present the instruments used in the music, perform some traditional dances, and invite everyone to join the circle. Participate and feel the energy of this moment!

You will also have the opportunity to witness a ceremony consecrating indigenous medicine through rapé – a powder extracted from tobacco leaves. The use of rapé is an ancient tradition, and for many, it is a form of spiritual ascension. During the preparation, the indigenous people blow the powder into the nostrils using a tool called a tipi.

GASTRONOMY

You won’t leave without experiencing indigenous cuisine. The lunch is very typical, featuring a delicious fish roasted in taioba leaf and seasoned only with salt. The heat causes the juice from the leaf to mix with the fish, resulting in an incredible flavor. Alongside the fish, you’ll enjoy banana da terra (plantain), manioc flour, and fennel tea. It’s a meal that’s truly divine!

There’s still time for a refreshing river bath before you leave. It’s the perfect moment to recharge your energy and soak in the surrounding nature! The immersion concludes with a delightful herbal bath for energy cleansing. The bath is made with leaves that have healing, calming, and purifying properties.

Before leaving, be sure to stop by the village’s handicraft shop. The pieces are well-known in the region and represent nature and indigenous creativity. Take the opportunity to bring home a souvenir from your trip!

AND THERE’S MORE!

Every month, during the full moon nights, the Pataxó Porto do Boi Reserve holds the Full Moon Ritual. This ancestral ritual takes the indigenous people to the beach to honor the creator of the Pataxó people and give thanks for abundance. You can also join this ceremony and connect with the mother moon. The experience is enriched with moments of conversation with the Pataxó people, herbal baths, traditional food, and the medicinal use of rapé.

HOW TO GET THERE

Porto Seguro Airport