On the Rio de Contas, in Itacaré, Bahia, there are small sandy beaches, riverbanks and islands that allow you to enjoy a rich mangrove forest.
The Rio de Contas is a separate chapter in the life of Itacaré.
It rises at an altitude of 1,500 metres in the majestic Serra da Tromba (municipality of Piatã) in the Chapada Diamantina and flows for about 620 km before reaching Itacaré.
Its watershed covers an area of 53,334 km², which is 10.2% of the state’s territory.
Heading up from Itacaré towards Taboquinhas, you’ll find beautiful Waterfalls such as Cleandro and Pancada Grande, which offer refreshing swims in perfect contact with the Atlantic Forest.
Mangroves, Bromeliads, Birds and Islets complete the perfect atmosphere of this incomparable nursery of life and colour.
Typical restaurants on the banks of the river, among coconut trees, welcome visitors with regional delicacies and typical local friendliness.
With its crystal-clear waters, pleasant temperature and wide banks, the Rio de Contas enchants from the interior to its mouth on the beaches of Itacaré, offering a dazzling spectacle that tells the story of Bahia.
For a long time, the river was the main link between the various villages of Itacaré and other municipalities. Today it is a tourist attraction of great importance, allowing contact with the mangrove, considered by scientists to be the cradle of all life.
The Rio de Contas also provides access to several attractions, such as sport fishing, waterfalls and rafting.
The canoe trip up the river is an option that is still little explored by tourist agencies, but one that deserves to be included in your itinerary.
On the banks of the river is a typical restaurant where you can enjoy an excellent meal of regional delicacies and relax in hammocks set up in the trees.
Itacaré, literally “ruled” by surfers, offers great waves, with beaches to the north that can only be reached by boat.
Part of the APA (Environmental Protection Area), Itacaré‘s main highlights are:
- The Rio de Contas Bar
- The Prainha Ecological Reserve
- The mangroves
- The small shell beaches.
- The stunning Atlantic rainforest, which can be seen throughout the city.
For those looking for a bustle, there’s no shortage of options. Restaurants, Bars and Discos adorn Rua Pedro Longo, Praia da Concha’s main thoroughfare, which is packed with electronic and forró music.
Main hydrographic and geographic data of the Contas River in Bahia
- Length: 520 kilometres
- Source: Serra da Tromba, in the Bahia municipality of Piatã (central region of the state).
- Mouth: Atlantic Ocean, on the coast of the Bahian city of Itacaré.
- Main tributaries: Água Suja River, Brumado River, Gongoji River, Jequiezinho River, Gavião River and Jacaré River.
- Main towns through which it flows: Piatã (source), Abaíra, Jussiape, Dom Basílio, Tanhaçu, Jequié, Jitaúna, Itagibá, Ubatã, Ubaitaba, Aurelino Leal and Itacaré.
- Hydrographic basin to which it belongs: Rio de Contas basin, located in the East Atlantic hydrographic region.
- Basin area: Approximately 55,300 km².
- The Rio de Contas basin is home to a rich biodiversity, including several endemic species of flora and fauna, such as areas of Atlantic Forest and Cerrado.
- Main fish species in the river: Curimatã, piau, traíra, dourado, tilápia and lambari.
Curiosities
- In the Middle-South region of the state of Bahia, there is a city called Rio de Contas, which is one of the main ecotourism centres of the state.
- The Rio de Contas region is a popular destination for tourism, especially in areas such as Itacaré, which offers opportunities for surfing, hiking, rafting and nature watching.
This river is also popularly known as the Rio das Contas. This name is not correct.
Tourist attractions on the Rio de Contas in the municipality of Itacaré
Cachoeira do Cleandro - Passeio pelo Mangue
Cachoeira do Tijuípe entre Itacaré e Serra Grande
Cachoeira da Usina em Taboquinhas, BA
See alsoItacaré in Bahia: Discover the enchanting beaches and waterfalls
1. Cleandro Waterfall
On this tour we explore the Rio de Contas and the Cleandro Waterfall, a waterfall with three waterfalls, located in the beautiful Atlantic Rainforest.
During the journey along the Rio de Contas, passengers can witness the confluence of sea and river water, a fascinating phenomenon.
As you travel along the Rio de Contas, the guide will tell you old stories about the region, including the sinking of a steamboat during the cocoa era. As you make your way up the river, you’ll be able to spot incredible birds such as the Sparrowhawk, Heron, Vulture, Sabiá, Sete Cores and many others. In addition, the mangroves bordering the river are home to thousands of crayfish, providing a unique setting.
The final destination includes a short walk through the forest to the Cleandro Waterfall. At 26 metres high, the waterfall has three cascades and two natural pools, ideal for a refreshing dip.
Next to the waterfall is a restaurant offering food, drinks, sweets and handmade products. For those who wish, a lunch can be arranged on the spot or at another location to be agreed with the boatman.
The tour lasts approximately 3 to 4 hours, depending on what is agreed with the boatman.
2. Tijuípe Waterfall
- Located near BA-001, between Itacaré and Serra Grande.
- Although it is outside the direct course of the Rio de Contas, it is fed by its tributaries.
- The Tijuípe River forms a beautiful waterfall and is also an excellent opportunity to explore the Fazenda do Carioca.
3. Usina Waterfall
The Cachoeira da Usina is located in Itacaré, in the Taboquinhas region, a district of the municipality. This waterfall got its name because of its proximity to an old power station that used to supply the town. It’s an easily accessible spot, much visited by those exploring the area, especially due to its proximity to the Rio de Contas.
If you’re planning a visit, it’s advisable to check the local conditions or consult a guidebook for detailed information on trails and accessibility.
4. Pancada Grande Waterfall
- Located in the Taboquinhas region, a district of Itacaré, the Pancada Grande Waterfall is one of the region’s most famous attractions.
- It is about 40 metres high and can be reached via a trail through cocoa plantations.
- It’s a great place for swimming and nature watching.
Taboquinhas District
- The Taboquinhas region is famous for its rapids on the Rio de Contas, which is also a popular rafting spot.
- There are other natural attractions in the area, such as the Cachoeira do Fumo waterfall, which can be visited on trips around the region.
- The “prainhas” mentioned are small areas of sand or river banks that have formed naturally in the course of the Rio de Contas.
Bahia.ws – Tourist Guide to Bahia, Salvador and the Northeast
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