Lagoa Encantada, located in Ilhéus in the southern region of Bahia, is a large mirror of water covering 15 square kilometres.
In this natural paradise, there are floating islands that move with the wind, waterfalls that form at the mouths of the Apepique and Caldeiras rivers, and four caves in an area of fully preserved Atlantic Forest.
Lagoa Encantada was discovered in 1570 by Pero Vaz Gândaro, a Portuguese explorer who wrote a book about the southern coast of Bahia.
At the beginning of the 19th century, after the opening of the Brazilian ports to foreigners, the German travellers Maximilian von Wied-Neuwied, Martius and Spix explored and described this paradise of still intact forest.
Known in the past as Lagoa de Ilhéus, it has interesting legends that are part of local folklore. The Floating Islands, for example, have inspired stories of mystical creatures such as the Werewolf and the Headless Mule.
Myths include an unapproachable underwater kingdom, illuminated ships and clarion roosters at dawn. It is said that those who fish in the lagoon on full moon nights never return. Despite the legends, there are historical records that the lagoon was once home to manatees, which were decimated by hunting.
Most of the inhabitants are fishermen and riverine farmers who have found a new livelihood in visitor tourism.
In addition to Lagoa Encantada and the Almada River, with its potential for water sports, the main attractions of the Lagoa Encantada APA include waterfalls – one of which is six metres high – rapids, trails in the Atlantic Forest and caves.
Video of Lagoa Encantada in Ilhéus
How to get to Lagoa Encantada in Ilhéus
1. By Land
Lagoa Encantada is 16 kilometres from Ilhéus on the BA-001 (Ilhéus-Itacaré) road. From there, it’s another 13 kilometres along a dirt road that can be difficult to negotiate during rainy periods.
2. By river
The best option is a boat trip down the Almada River from the village of Sambaituba.
Bahia.ws is the largest tourist guide to Bahia, Salvador and the Northeast of Brazil.
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