The Cocoa Coast evokes romantic images of local cacao production and artisan cottage industries of small-scale chocolate production, all wrapped up in a historic colonial context. Well, many of those presumptions are in fact quite close to the truth! Having gained prominence during the 17th century chocolate boom, the Cocoa Coast of Bahia holds the key to unlocking the secrets of the world’s favorite sweet treat, with a fascinating cultural heritage and sublime Atlantic coastline to boot.

We will travel to a handful of local farms to witness the cocoa production process first-hand, from planting to eating, visiting a historic fazenda plantation which, today, is involved in both cultivation and multiple environmental initiatives aimed at protecting the forest from over-farming, staying at a Travelife certified pousada along the way. While there, you can enjoy a family tutorial in the craft of handmade cacao, before discovering the beauty of the Itacaré – Serra Grande UNESCO protected biosphere reserve in which it sits, a place awash with crystalline rivers, nature trails, huge biodiversity and countless outdoor activities; the perfect way to work off any overindulgence in all this irresistible and inescapable chocolate!