Lagoa Encantada, located in Ilhéus in the southern region of Bahia, is a large water mirror covering 15 square kilometres.
In this natural paradise, there are floating islands that move with the wind, as well as waterfalls formed at the mouths of the Apepique and Caldeiras rivers, and four caves set in an area of entirely 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 Brazilian ports to foreigners, the German travellers Maximilian of Wied-Neuwied, Martius and Spix explored and described this paradise of still intact forest.
Known in the past as Lagoa de Ilhéus, it carries interesting legends that are part of local folklore. The floating islands, for example, have inspired stories about mystical beings such as the werewolf and the headless mule.
Among the myths, there is talk of an inaccessible 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, decimated by hunting.
The majority of the inhabitants are fishermen and riverside farmers, who today find in visitor tourism a new opportunity to make a living.
In addition to Lagoa Encantada and the Almada River, with its potential for water sports, the main attractions of APA Lagoa Encantada include waterfalls – one of which is six metres high – rapids, trails in the Atlantic Forest and caves.
Video about 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). From there, it’s another 13 kilometres along a dirt track, which can be difficult to access during rainy periods.
2. By river
The best option is to take a boat trip down the Almada River from the village of Sambaituba.
Bahia.ws is the largest tourist guide to Bahia, Salvador and the north-east of Brazil.
