Home » Bahia Travel Guide » Discovery Route in Bahia: History, Culture and Tourism

The Rota do Descobrimento (Route of Discovery) includes the municipalities of Belmonte, Porto Seguro, Santa Cruz de Cabrália, Trancoso, Arraial d’Ajuda, among others, and is the second largest tourist destination in Bahia.

The name “Rota do Descobrimento” refers to the historic milestone in 1500, when the Portuguese arrived in Brazil, led by Pedro Álvares Cabral.

This event is considered to be the beginning of Portuguese colonisation in Brazil, and to this day the region preserves this historical link through monuments and sites that keep this memory alive.

Videos about the Route of Discovery

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Porto Seguro na Bahia - Dicas de Passeios06:48

Santa Cruz de Cabralia - Drone03:33

Trancoso na Bahia01:04

Drone - Arraial d´Ajuda05:45

Centro Histórico de Belmonte na Bahia11:32

Main towns on the Rota do Descobrimento (Route of Discovery)

1. Porto Seguro

Porto Seguro, the most famous town on the route, is known worldwide for its beautiful beaches and vibrant atmosphere, especially during Carnival and other cultural festivities. In addition to modern tourism, Porto Seguro is rich in history.

In the Historic Centre of Porto Seguro are some of the most important colonial churches:

• Church of Nossa Senhora da Pena (1535) – patron saint of the city, located on the top of the hill.
• Chapel of São Benedito – built by the Jesuits in the 16th century.
• Church of Our Lady of Mercy – also of colonial origin.

The Marco do Descobrimento, located in the city, marks the exact spot where the Portuguese landed, and the city is also the gateway to the Parque Nacional do Descobrimento, a haven of natural and historical biodiversity.

2. Santa Cruz de Cabrália

Santa Cruz de Cabrália, Porto Seguro’s neighbour, is also historically important. It was here, in 1500, that Pedro Álvares Cabral and his fleet made their first contact with the indigenous peoples, beginning the history of Portuguese colonisation in Brazil.

Today, the city is an important centre for environmental conservation and is home to the Monte Pascoal National Park, an area of great biodiversity and historical importance, symbolising the resistance of the region’s indigenous peoples.

3. Trancoso

Trancoso, another key town on the Route of Discovery, is an enchanting haven known for its quiet beaches, the charming Praça do Quadrado and the Church of St John the Baptist, one of the region’s historical icons.

Trancoso maintains a perfect balance between tourism and conservation, with breathtaking landscapes and a cosy village atmosphere, making it a popular destination for those seeking tranquillity and natural beauty.

4. Arraial d’Ajuda

Arraial d’Ajuda, next to Porto Seguro, is famous for its paradisiacal beaches and its rustic, cosy atmosphere.

In addition to the beautiful scenery, Arraial d’Ajuda is rich in local culture, with typical festivals, dances and cuisine.

The Church of Our Lady of Help, founded in the 16th century in Arraial d’Ajuda, is one of the oldest temples in Brazil.

Built by the Jesuits, it became a centre of pilgrimage because of the miracles attributed to the saint. Overlooking the sea and a water well considered holy, the church is a landmark of faith and colonial history in Bahia.

5. Belmonte

Belmonte, located in the south of Bahia, is a city that prospered during the cocoa cycle, especially between 1890 and 1930, and this wealth is reflected in its historical and cultural heritage. Located between the Jequitinhonha River and the Atlantic Ocean, the city served as an important trade route to Minas Gerais, using the river as a waterway.

The Historic Centre of Belmonte is home to well-preserved colonial mansions, such as the Belmonte Rural Union from the 19th century and the City Hall from the early 20th century. The town is also known for its Monazite sand beaches and beautiful river landscapes, which offer tranquillity to visitors.

The Portuguese influence is evident in the local architecture, and Belmonte keeps its cultural traditions alive by promoting events that involve the community. With its combination of history, culture and nature, the town remains a charming destination on the coast of Bahia.

Rota do Descobrimento

The Discovery Route (Rota do Descobrimento), with its natural landscapes, national parks, historical monuments and charming cities, offers a unique experience for those who want to discover not only the beauty of Bahia, but also its rich history, culture and traditions, dating back to the first moments of Portuguese colonisation in Brazil.

Bahia.ws is the largest tourist guide to Bahia, Salvador and the Northeast.

Written by Willy Sievert

Editor of Bahia.ws since its founding in 2009. Based in Salvador, he travels frequently across the Northeast and all of Brazil to keep the guides up to date. Learn more about Willy Sievert →

Published on 30/12/2012 · Updated on 30/03/2025

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