Located where the Buranhem River meets the Atlantic Ocean, Porto Seguro is a historically significant city in the Brazilian state of Bahia. It was here that Pedro Alvares Cabral and his crew first landed on Brazilian shores in 1500 before establishing a Portuguese colony.
Things to do in Porto Seguro
Stroll through the historic centre of Porto Seguro to admire its colonial buildings, which include pastel-coloured residences and ornate churches. Don’t miss the beautiful Paroquia Nossa Senhora da Pena, which was founded in 1730 and is topped by a uniquely Bahian tower with two bell windows. Nearby are the ruins of the Church of São Francisco de Assis do Outeiro da Gloria, one of the first churches built in Brazil.
Porto Seguro’s links to the colonisation of Brazil are on display at the Epic Discovery Memorial, which features a life-size replica of the Portuguese ship that arrived here in 1500. Admire the recreated dwellings of the area’s Indigenous peoples and stroll through the botanical gardens planted with tropical species. Also on display are exhibits about the early history of Brazil.
Sprawling west of Porto Seguro is Pau Brasil National Park, a densely forested area that includes swamps, salt marshes and rivers. It provides important habitat for jaguars and cougars, as well as birdlife that includes red-billed curassows and harpy eagles. Hiking trails lead to the park’s wildlife lookouts and picturesque waterfalls while cycling trails also traverse its forest.
Getting around Porto Seguro
Porto Seguro International Airport is a five-minute drive from the city centre and has flights to destinations across Brazil. Regular buses connect to Porto Seguro while the city centre is compact enough to explore on foot. Renting a car is the most convenient way of getting around the region.