This post is also on:
Português 
English
On the Rio de Contas in Itacaré, small sandy beaches are formed, as well as 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 runs for around 620 km until it reaches Itacaré. Its watershed covers an area of 53,334 km², which corresponds to 10.2% of the state’s territory.
Going up from Itacaré towards Taboquinhas, you’ll find marvellous waterfalls such as Cleandro and Pancada Grande, which offer refreshing swims in perfect contact with the Atlantic Rainforest.
Mangroves, bromeliads, birds and islets complete the perfect atmosphere of this unparalleled nursery of life and colour.
Typical restaurants on the banks of the river, among coconut trees, welcome visitors with regional delicacies and the 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 major tourist attraction, allowing contact with the mangroves, considered by scholars to be the cradle of all life.
In addition, the Rio de Contas is the access route to various 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 is well worth including in your travel itinerary.
On the banks of the river, there 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 ‘dominated’ by surfers, offers great waves, with beaches to the north that can only be reached by boat.
Belonging to the APA (Environmental Protection Area), Itacaré ‘s greatest highlights are:
- The Rio de Contas bar
- The Prainha Ecological Reserve
- The mangroves
- The small shell-shaped beaches
- The breathtaking Atlantic Rainforest, present in every part of the municipality.
For those looking for excitement, 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 geographical data of the Rio de Contas
- Length: 520 kilometres
- Source: Serra da Tromba, in the Bahian municipality of Piatã (central region of the state).
- Mouth: Atlantic Ocean, on the coast of the Bahian town of Itacaré.
- Main tributary rivers: Água Suja River, Brumado River, Gongoji River, Jequiezinho River, Gavião River and Jacaré River.
- Main towns it passes through: 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 Eastern Atlantic hydrographic region.
- Basin area: Around 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 found in the river: Curimatã, piau, traíra, dourado, tilápia and lambari.
Curiosities
- In the centre-south region of the state of Bahia, there is a town called Rio de Contas, which is one of the state’s main ecotourism hubs.
- 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’. However, 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 also Exploring the Wonders of Itacaré: A Tropical Paradise in Bahia
The Rio de Contas runs through a region of great natural beauty in the south of Bahia and is home to several waterfalls along its course. Some of the main waterfalls associated with the Rio de Contas are:
1. Cleandro Waterfall
On this tour, we will explore the Rio de Contas and the Cleandro Waterfall, a waterfall with three falls, located in the beautiful Atlantic Forest.
During the journey along the Rio de Contas, passengers will be able to witness the meeting of sea water and river water, a fascinating phenomenon.
Along the way along the Rio de Contas, the guide will share old stories of 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 that line the river are home to thousands of crabs, making for a unique setting.
The final destination includes a short trail through the forest to the Cleandro Waterfall. At 26 metres high, the waterfall has three waterfalls and two natural pools, ideal for a refreshing dip.
Next to the waterfall is a restaurant offering food, drink, sweets and handmade products. For those who wish, lunch can be organised on site or in another place to be arranged with the boatman.
The tour lasts approximately 3 to 4 hours, depending on what is agreed with the boatman.
2. Tijuípe Waterfall
- Close to the BA-001, between Itacaré and Serra Grande.
- Despite being outside the direct course of the Rio de Contas, it is fed by its tributaries.
- The Tijuípe River forms a beautiful waterfall and is an excellent opportunity to explore Fazenda do Carioca as well.
3. Usina Waterfall
- Cachoeira da Usina está situada em Itacaré, na região de Taboquinhas, um distrito do município. Essa cachoeira recebeu esse nome por estar próxima a uma antiga usina de energia que abastecia a cidade. É um local de fácil acesso, muito visitado por quem explora a área, especialmente devido à sua proximidade com o Rio de Contas.
- Se você está planejando uma visita, é recomendável verificar as condições locais ou consultar um guia turístico para obter informações detalhadas sobre trilhas e acessibilidade.
4. Cachoeira Pancada Grande
- The Pancada Grande waterfall is located in the Taboquinhas region, a district of Itacaré, and is one of the area’s best-known attractions.
- It is approximately 40 metres high and can be accessed via a trail through cocoa plantations.
- It’s a great place for swimming and observing nature.
Taboquinhas District
- The Taboquinhas region is famous for its rapids on the Rio de Contas, and is also a spot for rafting.
- There are other natural attractions in the surrounding area, such as the Cachoeira do Fumo waterfall, which can be visited during trips around the region.
- The ‘prainhas’ mentioned refer to small areas of sand or river banks formed naturally in the course of the Rio de Contas.
