Excursion Pataxó indigenous reserve tour at Porto Seguro

Take a trip into the Jaqueira Reserve via Porto Seguro. In this region, the nature reserves are sacred areas for the Pataxó communities. Those areas work mainly as centers of cultural tradition and affirmation, sustainable tourism (there is a limit on the number of people per day allowed to visit each reserve), and the preservation of nature.

The community you are visiting has created this eco tourism project in order to bring the Pataxó culture and traditions back.

Located in Santa Cruz Cabralia, near the city of Porto Seguro, Jaqueira Reserve received its name thanks to a huge trunk of Jaqueira trees that fell naturally many years ago. Today, approximately 34 families live on the reserve.

Drive approximately 30 minutes through Porto Seguro with panoramic views, and continue towards the north shoreline to reach the gateway for the Indigenous reserve. Be greeted by the Indigenous Pataxó leader and invited to learn about their way of being and living. With your guide, walk to the center of the reserve, where there is a community welcome presentation at this traditional meeting place.

Learn how the Pataxó have persisted with their customs and traditions throughout the centuries, even though they also adopted some of the modern world technologies. The speech is followed by the ritual of the purification, using the amescar, a sacred resin, and the demonstration of face painting, made with clays taken from the cliffs of the village.

After the welcome ceremony, you have the option to participate in different activities, such as archery; walk through the Reserve, learn about medicinal herbs and their cultivation of native plants for reforestation; seeing the popular indigenous hunting traps; or visiting the Pajé kijeme (indigenous house and its meaningful aspects) and souvenir shopping in the Market.

Pass by the school where children learn the patxohã (their own language), there is also time to taste tropical fruits, a fish cooked in the banana leaf, and tapioca snack. Continuing along the tour, visit the crafts tent, and finally, participate in the Awê, the Pataxó ritual of thanksgiving with singing and dancing.

You will also visit the Discovery Memorial, a monument with replica of the Nau Capitânia the vessel that brought Pedro Álvares Cabral and his crew to Brazil in 1500, during the age of Discovery or Exploration.

Note

Please note: This excursion involves 0.4km (0.25 mile) of walking over uneven natural terrain, making parts of this tour unsuitable for guests with limited mobility. Light clothing, comfortable walking shoes, and sun protection are recommended.  Order of sites visited may change. This Community started this Eco Tourism Project, in order to bring back their culture and traditions and now share it with visitors. Electricity and Modern tools and infrastructures are part of their daily life and therefore are visible in the site.