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Cycling
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Ilhéus
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Ilhéus
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English, Portuguese
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14
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Transfer Included
- Hassle-Free Booking
- Handpicked Local Partners
- Sustainable Travel
- Book with Flexibility
About the adventure
Experience the ultimate Bahia cycling tour with a 7-day journey through the enchanting Cocoa Route, which connects the historical streets of Ilhéus to the stunning landscapes of Serra Grande and Itacaré.
This route offers a diverse adventure across sun-kissed beaches, rugged rocky coastlines, and immersive trails within the lush Atlantic Forest. Beyond the breathtaking scenery, you will explore the rich cocoa culture of the region through guided tours at local farms to learn about the heritage of chocolate in the area.
Designed for comfort and authenticity, the trip also features overnight stays in various charming guesthouses. Each hand-picked accommodation offers a cozy and inviting atmosphere that reflects the region’s bucolic, laid-back beach vibe. Everything you need for an unforgettable vacation!
⭐ Custom private tour: Looking for more adventure? Private groups can customize their tours for a different experience in southern Bahia. Contact us for more information!
Highlights of the adventure
- Cycle through Brazil’s historic cocoa hubs in southern Bahia.
- Visit traditional cocoa farms and learn about sustainable chocolate production.
- Explore a variety of landscapes, including beaches, rocky shores, rivers, lakes, waterfalls, and trails that cut through the Atlantic Forest.
- Stay in cozy guesthouses in Ilhéus, Serra Grande, and Itacaré.
- All-inclusive experience: round-trip transfer, accommodation, meals, and local guides.
Day by day
📍 Departure from Ilhéus, Bahia: PlanetaEXO’s local partner will pick you up from Jorge Amado Airport (IOS) and take you to the hotel. It’s recommended to arrive at the airport before 2 PM.
Check into your accommodation, and let’s start our cycling trip in Brazil with a tour through Ilhéus, including a cultural visit to the city center to discover its history, secrets, architectural landmarks, and connection with the renowned Brazilian writer Jorge Amado.
As the day wraps up, we’ll take some time to adjust our bikes and go over safety tips so everyone’s ready for the days ahead.
The route to Serra Grande begins with a tour that traverses a stunning beach featuring light-colored sand, coconut groves, and small streams. It’s the perfect way to appreciate the beauty of Ilhéus, Bahia, and get familiar with your bike!
Take advantage of the free afternoon to stroll and relax at the paradisiacal Sargi Beach, the area where the group will be staying the night.
Biking distance (total): 25 km
Setting out from the charming village of Serra Grande, cycle past scenic viewpoints and along country roads until you reach one of the region’s most beautiful and well-preserved cocoa farms: Fazenda Juerena Milagrosa, which stands out for its Private Reserve and unique agroecological production system.
The bikes will be left at the farm’s main house while the group takes a walk—lasting about 30 minutes—towards the Milagrosa Waterfall to cool off. The hike is a beautiful adventure in its own right, winding through cocoa plantations and vegetation typical of the Atlantic Forest.
After lunch, we’ll ride back to the village. Along the way, take a break at Prainha de Serra Grande to end the day with the highest of notes.
- Biking distance (total): 16 km
- Hiking distance (total): 9 km
Kick off your day with a lovely ride across the beach towards the rural zones, biking on dirt roads shaded by the lush Atlantic Forest. After challenging climbing sections, enjoy panoramic views of Bahia’s blue sea and feel the cool ocean breeze as we pedal along.
The next stop is a cocoa farm that also produces chocolate, vanilla beans, and dairy products—all organic. The group will be welcomed by a fantastic brunch and, of course, delicious chocolates.
After a short tour of the farm, we’ll cool off in a lake near Serra do Conduru State Park and then bike back to the hotel to enjoy a free afternoon at the beach.
- Biking distance (total): 40 km
The fifth day of our bike tour in Brazil is marked by four stunning beaches in the Itacaré area: Itacarezinho, Gamboa, Havaizinho, and Engenhosa. After a 20-minute drive, the group explores all of them in a smooth hike with sections at the beach, rocky shores, and the Atlantic Forest.
Back in Itacaré in the late afternoon, it’s time to paddle in Hawaiian canoes on the calm water of the Rio das Contas. Perfect to watch the sunset, this is a team activity that requires no prior experience.
Today’s accommodation is a different one: Vila do Dengo, a cozy and charming inn that perfectly captures the peaceful atmosphere of the Bahian coast.
- Biking distance (total): 6 km
- Canoeing distance (total): 3 km
Discover the hidden gems of the quaint Vila de Taboquinhas. Starting from Itacaré, we’ll bike on an asphalt road, running parallel to the Rio de Contas. Our journey takes us to the center of the village and onto the charming Fazenda Vila Rosa.
Once at the farm, we’ll be welcomed by beautiful gardens, natural pools, and a lake perfect for a quick dip. A guided tour will let us in on the secrets of cocoa harvesting, fermentation, and drying, as well as the art of handmade chocolate-making—with tastings included, of course!
Have lunch in a local restaurant by the banks of Rio das Contas and then head back to Itacaré by boat.
- Biking distance (total): 29 km
Our tour cycling in Bahia ends with one last breakfast in Itacaré. You’ll be transferred back to Ilhéus shortly after.
📍 Departure from Itacaré, Bahia: PlanetaEXO’s local partner will transfer you back to Ilhéus after breakfast. The drive to the airport or your hotel takes around 1 hour and 40 minutes. Flexible departure and arrival (according to your preferred schedule).
What is included?
- Round-trip transfer (Ilhéus ⇌ Itacaré)
- Luggage transfer between hotels
- Accommodation at your selected lodge in Ilhéus (1 night)
- Accommodation at your selected lodge in Serra Grande (3 nights)
- Accommodation in Vila do Dengo, Itacaré (2 nights)
- Breakfast at hotels
- 3 full meals (lunch and brunch, according to the itinerary)
- Guided tours as mentioned in the itinerary
- Bike + welcome kit
- Bike repair services
- Support vehicle with water and snacks
- Local, English-speaking guides
What is not included?
- Flight tickets
- Travel insurance
- Meals and drinks not listed as included in the itinerary
- Personal expenses at hotels (e.g., laundry service, phone calls, spa services, etc.)
- Optional tours and services
Accommodation
The stay experience of the Brazil Cycling Tour in the Cocoa Route of Ilhéus, Bahia, includes the following:
- 1 night at the selected hotel in Ilhéus
- 3 nights at the selected hotel in Serra Grande
- 2 nights at Vila do Dengo in Itacaré
Accommodation choices vary based on availability and each traveler’s preferences.
Ilhéus
Pier do Pontal
Located directly in front of the beautiful Pontal Bay, Pier do Pontal offers a blend of comfort and convenience for both leisure and business travelers. The establishment features 26 well-appointed rooms with a cozy atmosphere, complemented by common areas that include a swimming pool and a restaurant.
Standard or Superior accommodations only.
Green 53
Green 53 is a boutique hotel situated in the historic center of Ilhéus, offering an exclusive experience with only 9 rooms of different categories, all equipped with private bathrooms, smart TVs, minibars, and safes. Common areas and services emphasize sustainability and local culture, including a meeting room, dining room, and social spaces.
Serra Grande
Vila Cacau
Vila do Cacau is a charming guesthouse focused on tranquility and nature. Near Sargi Beach, it offers accommodations in the form of bungalows and two-bedroom chalets, all featuring private patios, balconies, and air conditioning. Guests can enjoy a stunning infinity pool, an on-site restaurant, and lush garden areas.
Aldeia Setemares
Aldeia Setemares provides a “wild tourism” lodging experience with a focus on wellness. It features comfortable bungalows equipped with air conditioning, minibars, and dressing areas. Its common facilities include a beach-view bar and lounge, a children’s playground, and extensive gardens. The hotel stands out by offering holistic activities such as yoga classes and full-body massages.
Ilhéus North Hotel
Situated between Ilhéus and Itacaré within an environmental preservation area, Ilhéus North Hotel is a family-oriented resort facing Sargi Beach. It features 32 well-structured apartments and a wide range of common areas, including multiple swimming pools, an on-site restaurant, and sports courts.
Itacaré
Vila do Dengo
Vila do Dengo is designed to offer a sense of coziness away from the urban rush. The inn features 41 spacious apartments equipped with king-size beds, TVs (with cable), and air conditioning. Its impressive infrastructure includes a bar, a restaurant, a semi-olympic lap pool, a second leisure pool, a spa with a sauna, a game room, and a children’s space.
Standard or Superior accommodations only.
Food
The Cocoa Route cycling tour in Bahia features meals at hotels in each region (Ilhéus, Serra Grande, and Itacaré) and at the cocoa farms visited during the tours. The meal plan already included in the package price changes according to the day’s activities. Please check the daily meal schedule in the itinerary.
On days when lunch or dinner is not included in the package, travelers can choose where to eat—either at the hotels or at local restaurants (cost borne by each person). Need recommendations? Talk to the guides!
At the hotels and farms, meals are served buffet-style, but local restaurants may also offer à la carte dishes. Enjoy delicious international, Brazilian, and typical Bahian recipes, as well as options for guests with dietary restrictions (vegetarians, vegans, lactose-intolerant, allergic, etc).
Breakfast usually includes bread, cheese, cold meats, fresh fruit, cake, Brazilian-style tapioca, eggs, coffee, milk, juice, etc. For lunch and dinner, eat wonderful meals with white rice, beans, meat or chicken/pork, fish, pasta, and vegetables.
Frequently Asked Questions
The Bahia cycling tour is recommended for active and healthy people who value authentic experiences, have a team spirit, appreciate good food, and enjoy contemplative nature trips. Great for families, couples, and solo travelers.
Please note: while cycling is a big part of this trip, it’s not designed for professional cyclists.
This experience is recommended for travelers aged 14 and over who are used to cycling and in good physical condition. Due to the length of the routes and the risk of accidents, the Cocoa Route is not suitable for younger children.
No, the itineraries are pre-established and cannot be altered.
The activities are led by PlanetaEXO’s local partner in Ilhéus, Bahia, which has expert guides on the Cocoa Route with extensive experience in cycling, as well as a support team and mechanics to repair the bikes (if necessary).
The 7-day Cocoa Route tour operates on the following dates in 2026:
- April 24th to 30th
- May 16th to 22nd
- October 24th to 30th
- November 7th to 13th
- December 5th to 11th
New private groups may be opened on specific dates. Contact us to check availability.
Groups for pre-scheduled outings consist of 8–14 people.
Private groups must have a minimum of 8 people (subject to availability). Contact us for more information.
Yes, solo travelers can book this tour. In this case, you can have your own private room at hotels or share an accommodation with someone else if both are willing (subject to availability).
Private groups with at least 8 people can customize the number of days of this tour (subject to availability).
If you want a different experience, you can enjoy the 5-day Cocoa Route or the 8-day Maraú Peninsula trip, both in southern Bahia. Contact us for more information!
- Starts at (first day): Ilhéus, Bahia (airport or hotel) – Departure before 2 PM, according to your preferred schedule.
- Ends at (last day): Ilhéus, Bahia (airport or hotel) – Flexible arrival, according to your preferred schedule.
- Ilhéus ⇌ Itacaré: around 75 km (approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes).
Land at Jorge Amado Airport (IOS), then head to your accommodation. This tour includes round-trip transfers.
Traveling in comfortable vehicles, PlanetaEXO’s local partner will take care of transporting you to Itacaré and back to Ilhéus—whether to the airport or a hotel in the city.
We recommend arriving in Ilhéus by 2 PM at the latest so you’ll have enough time to enjoy the city tour.
Overnight stays are in charming guesthouses in Ilhéus, Serra Grande, and Itacaré. For a more personalized service, we offer two accommodation categories: Standard and Superior.
Luggage is transported between guesthouses by a transfer service.
Yes, our local partner can easily accommodate specific dietary needs (such as vegetarian meals or food allergies). Just make sure to note these details on your registration form prior to your trip so they can prepare accordingly.
The tour has a moderate difficulty level of 3/5, as a large part of the course runs along beaches and low-grade country roads, making it suitable for any healthy and active person who knows how to cycle.
The tour already includes bikes suitable for the route. Our local partner works with the Cannondale Trail line and other equivalent brands and models, also offering 4 electric bikes (ideal for beginners) and helmets for rental.
The bikes are 29-inch-wheel with hydraulic disc brakes, front suspension, a modern frame with a comfortable riding position, and a light gear ratio that guarantees safety, comfort, and ideal performance for the tour.
Deserted beaches and quiet dirt roads, as well as paved roads (with little traffic) in specific locations.
We cycle 20 to 35 km/day at a leisurely and unhurried pace. On average, we spend 2.5 to 3 hours a day on the bike so that we have enough time to explore and enjoy the natural and gastronomic beauty of the area.
In addition to 4 days of cycling, we have a day of hiking along idyllic beaches in the morning and a Hawaiian canoe paddle at sunset, perfect for resting your legs between cycling days.
Itacaré, Ilhéus, and Serra Grande are located in southern Bahia, a region with a hot and humid tropical climate year-round. During summer (December to March) and spring (September to December), the average temperature ranges from 24 to 28°C. In winter (June to September) and autumn (March to June), temperatures range between 21 and 28°C.
The best time for the Cocoa Route is during the autumn and spring months, when the weather is milder and pleasant.
Don’t forget to pack the following items for your Bahia cycling trip across the Cocoa Route of Ilhéus:
- Cycling clothing and shoes (jersey, shorts, socks, gloves, etc.)
- Cotton t-shirts
- Shorts
- Pants
- Jacket/Windbreaker
- Hats/Caps
- Hiking shoes
- Hiking socks
- Flip-flops
- Reusable water bottle
- Documents
- Medication
- Sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher)
- Insect repellent
- Sunglasses
- Universal power adapter
Citizens from certain countries require a visa to enter Brazil, while others are exempt under specific conditions.
👉 Learn more: Entry Visas to Brazil – Ministry of External Relations
The Brazilian government doesn’t require foreign tourists to be vaccinated, but the Ministry of Health advises that visitors arrive in the country with a complete vaccination schedule for diphtheria, tetanus, polio, rubella, and measles.
For extra safety, getting shots for yellow fever and hepatitis A/B is also recommended.
👉 Learn more: Vaccination and Traveller’s Health (Brazil) / CDC Travelers’ Health (USA) / Foreign Travel Advice (UK)
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Only the best!
By Renata C.from BrazilOctober 28, 2023This cycling trip was one of the best experiences I've had. The organization was impeccable, the team accompanying us super competent, experienced, supportive and motivating at all times. The route was incredible. We were able This cycling trip was one of the best experiences I've had. The organization was impeccable, the team accompanying us super competent, experienced, supportive and motivating at all times. The route was incredible. We were able to get to know the cocoa plantations and better understand the impact of this cycle on the culture and economy of Bahia (and Brazil). In addition, we mixed cycling, hiking, Hawaiian canoeing and much more. Perfect! Only the best! …read more read lessDate of Experience: October 20, 2023 -
Impressive trip!!
By Marotefrom BrazilOctober 27, 2023The Cocoa Route exceeded my expectations. A very balanced route with pedaling, hiking, canoeing and boating. Beautiful places! I'll be back!!! For sure!!!Date of Experience: October 19, 2023 -
Fantastic!
By Melina Marsonfrom BrazilOctober 21, 2023The Cocoa Route was wonderful! The itinerary is very well thought out, with a balance between pedaling and time to enjoy the fantastic nature of the Bahia coast. The hotels chosen were also very good. The Cocoa Route was wonderful! The itinerary is very well thought out, with a balance between pedaling and time to enjoy the fantastic nature of the Bahia coast. The hotels chosen were also very good. I recommend it! …read more read lessDate of Experience: October 13, 2023 -
An unforgettable week!
By Beatriz C.from BrazilOctober 16, 2023It was a wonderful ride! Combination of bike, beach, waterfalls, hiking, Hawaiian canoe, with incredible views! Excellent guides, bikes, lodges and food! Miss you!Date of Experience: October 08, 2023 -
Great experience!
By Sebastianfrom CanadáOctober 14, 2023This bike tour was fantastic. We had many beautiful views and visited places we wouldn't have seen otherwise. An incredible trip! Thank you so much!Date of Experience: October 07, 2023 -
Flawless Trip with Excellent Staff and Stunning Scenery
By Gabriella P.from BrazilSeptember 30, 2023Every day was very well planned, the staff are excellent, attentive to every detail. The places we passed through were beautiful, whether by bike, trail, canoe or boat. I highly recommend the trip.Date of Experience: September 19, 2023 -
Far beyond expectations!
By Alain Arcaljifrom BrazilSeptember 21, 2023I was looking for a sports trip, but it was much more than that. Incredible routes in various disciplines, exuberant nature and very special places. All this with all the safety, attention and professionalism of I was looking for a sports trip, but it was much more than that. Incredible routes in various disciplines, exuberant nature and very special places. All this with all the safety, attention and professionalism of the team. And a group with a lot of camaraderie and mutual support. An unforgettable trip. …read more read lessDate of Experience: September 13, 2023 -
Fantastic trip!
By Cinara H.from BrazilSeptember 20, 2023Doing the Cocoa Route was one of the most beautiful experiences of my last few years. The trip itinerary was masterfully planned! There was cycling along paradisiacal beaches, hiking in the middle of the Atlantic Doing the Cocoa Route was one of the most beautiful experiences of my last few years. The trip itinerary was masterfully planned! There was cycling along paradisiacal beaches, hiking in the middle of the Atlantic rainforest, swimming in waterfalls and even paddling in a Hawaiian canoe! In addition to all this contact with nature and lots of sport, there are also visits to cocoa farms where you can get to know the whole process from planting cocoa to producing handmade chocolates. It was fantastic! …read more read lessDate of Experience: September 12, 2023 -
Incredible experience!
By Paola F.from ItalySeptember 12, 2023We had a great time going on a cycling trip along the beach, it's not a simple tourist experience, it's something real that became unforgettable. We loved everything about the trip, even the equipment was We had a great time going on a cycling trip along the beach, it's not a simple tourist experience, it's something real that became unforgettable. We loved everything about the trip, even the equipment was perfect. Take this tour, I'm sure you won't regret it!!! …read more read lessDate of Experience: September 02, 2023 -
Wonderful route!!
By Marco M.from BrazilAugust 23, 2023
A sensational tour and a must for bike lovers! Getting to know different parts of the region on two wheels was wonderful, we did trails with breathtaking paradisiacal views. I highly recommend it, and I'll A sensational tour and a must for bike lovers! Getting to know different parts of the region on two wheels was wonderful, we did trails with breathtaking paradisiacal views. I highly recommend it, and I'll be back to do it more often!!! …read more read lessDate of Experience: August 09, 2023
Terms and Conditions
- If the trip is not confirmed due to not reaching the minimum number of participants (8) up to 30 days before the scheduled start date, the pre-booking will be fully refunded.
- In cases of cancellation by the client, the refund considers the advance notice in relation to the trip date:
- More than 30 days: 50% refund (total)
- Between 29 and 15 days: 30% refund (total)
- Less than 15 days: no refund
- For rescheduling the trip, the client receives a credit voucher (personal and non-transferable) valid for use within one year, subject to availability, current rates for the new chosen date (one rescheduling per traveler), and deduction of the penalty:
- More than 30 days: 5% of the total value
- Between 29 and 8 days: 10% of the total value
- Less than 7 days: 20% of the total value
