My Trip to Morro de Sao Paulo

If you are thinking of visiting Morro de Sao Paulo I suggest you to read this post. It’s about the trip I did in May 2019.

by Guadalupe Corvalan
Travel Specialist in Trips SouthAmerica

My Trip to Morro de Sao Paulo

If you are thinking of visiting Morro de Sao Paulo I suggest you to read this post. It’s about the trip I did in May 2019.

First of nothing, the truth is that Morro in peak season is quite different to Morro in low season, but let me show you the best and the not so good of both seasons.

Pros and Cons of traveling during High Season

It’s quite crowded! The main public during this period is people from 18 to 35 years old, who we know that like to have much fun and make noise
Much nightlife!: live músic, discos, pubs/bar in front of the ocean open from Monday to Monday.
Getting availability at hotels is more complicated and I suggest you to prebook the ferry tickets.
Food is much more expensive.
Said this, if you are looking for peace and relax (just like me) December/January/February are NOT the ideal time for you!.

Pros of traveling during Low Season:

Best prices for air tickets and accommodation
Bars and restaurants offer many discounts! 2×1, Day Menu, 99,9% of them offer the first “caipirinha” for FREE!
Beaches are all yours!

How to get to Morro de Sao Paulo?

Morro de Sao Paulo is at 2,5 hs. by catamaran from Salvador de Bahía, in the center of Brazil.
There are 2 schedules for the direct services: 09.00 hs. and 14.30 hs. – Return: 11.30 hs. or 15.00 hs.
There is also a cheaper service with a connection: catamarán Salvador-Itaparica + bus + cataraman Itaparica-Morro de Sao Paulo. It also has more frequency!. I bought this one to Cassi Turismo, which has an office at the port in Salvador, and near the port in Morro de Sao Paulo.

My tip for you:
But WATCH-OUT! I recommend you 1 overnight pre and 1 post Morro in Salvador. In order to not risk your international flights to Bahía. Moreover, the historic center (well known as Pelourinho) is very picturesque, with its colorful houses and Stone streets, it’s worth it visiting!

Once you get to Morro, you will be met by the “wheelbarrow guys” who will take you to pay the mandatory eco-fee of R$ 15

How is this?? The island is only passable on foot, and, as it is on top of a “morro”, there are a lot of proups and downs , so it’s complicated with luggage (we know that you will take a big suitcase, although summer clothes are “light”), so there is no choice of avoiding this.

The guys take your luggage in the wheelbarrow and the cost depends on its size. They accompany you to your hotel walking. If you need them at the return, you just need to see them around there, and arrange with them the day and time that you need their help.

Places I visited

Beaches are numbered: Primeira (1st), Segunda (2nd), Terca (3rd), Quarta (4th) and Quinta (5th) , known as well as “Praia Encanto” (Encanto Beach)

The “Primera beach“ is the one in the downtown and closet o the port, and where are plenty of restaurants, supermarkets, gifts shops, travel agencies and so.

My tip for you:
Sunset at the lighthouse – unmissable!

And if you are hungry, there are some booths selling “tapioca” and “acai”. Acai is a dessert, made of a typical fruit with the same name, and you can add on your favorite toppings!

The Segunda Beach is the gastronomic pole: there is a wooden path that connects all the bars and restaurants in front of the sea.

My tip for you:
Between Primeira and Segunda beaches there is a deck that works as a viewpoint, and where sunsets steal all the cameras!

The Terceira is very short, and you will only see fishing boats… keep walking!

The Quarta beach is my favorite! It’s loooong and very beautiful! At the middle water I turquoise and the sand is almost white! Paradise!

To the Quinta only the braves can get. It takes more than 2 hours walking.
It’s exhausting but the whole way is worth it!

My tip for you:
If you reach Praia Encanto, there is a restaurant that offers a delicious “Peixe na Folha” (fish wrapped in banana leaf)

Other points of interest in the area

Gamboa

it’s a small town next to Morro. You can get there walking in about 30min, but you need to return by boat!
The tide rises and you can’t go back by foot.
Close to the town you can have a mud bath, and it’s totally FREE! People say it’ good for the skin!

Boipeba

it’s an island with turquoise water, beautiful beach and much vegetation. You can also do snorkelling.
You can only get there on a tour. I got a discount due to the low season (I paid R$ 50 when the normal Price was R$ 70). I ate a delicious fried shrimps in a restaurant at the beach, but look-out! The tours always take you to expensive restaurants. My advice : ask for prices!

I hope you enjoy your trip to Morro de Sao Paulo!

For futher information, don’t hesitate in contact me!