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The
peninsula of Marau is situated in the
south of the state Bahia, between the city of Salvador
and Ilhues (Itacare). The name Marau comes from an
Indian tribe, named "Mayrahú", that
means “the light of the sunrise”. In 1761
was the village of Marau founded, but not before 1938
was the municipal of Marau created. In the region
there are about 40km of desert beaches, coral reefs
with natural formed swimming pools, vast coconut tree
forest, waterfalls, lakes, islands and swamp areas
covered with mangroves. All this together makes the
region to a paradise for nature lovers and eco tourists.
The local population is quite small and the live mainly
on cultivation of rubber trees, (Dende) African oil
palm, clove, cacao, guarana fruit and pepper. There
are a moderate numbers of tourists as well, so handicrafts,
mainly made by wood, palm fibers and coconuts are
important too. Also fishing is an important source
of revenue for locals.
To visit this region, you
can besides enjoying the rare beautiful and almost
untouched coast landscape, experience paths for trekking,
mountain bike and off-road. Further one can make snorkeling
among colorful fish in the natural formed swimming
pools, scuba diving, canoe ride in the lake, river
rafting and tours by boat in Brazil’s third
biggest bay, the bay of Camamu.
Some highlights: Lagoa do
Cassange (lake) has an extension of 6km with black
water, surrounded by white sand beaches, a beautiful
contrast. It is an ideal place for a peaceful tour
by canoe. The Veneza waterfall, more know as Tremembé
(name of the nearest village). The 30m wide waterfall
is surrounded by Atlantic rainforest, and its height
of 5m, is one of few waterfalls in Brazil that enter
directly in the ocean.
When to go: The climate
is considered as humid tropical climate. The annual
average temperature is 25°C and the rainiest period
is from April to July.
The access to the peninsula is
a part of the adventure. The main access might be
by car from Ilhues airport to Camamu, then boat to
Barra Grande, then off-road to chosen hotel. Another
option is a flight by a small aircraft from Salvador
airport to Barra Grande. A third option can be by
car from Ilhues, with a stop with overnight in the
village of Itacare, then continue by Jeep (off-road)
from Itacare along the beaches of the peninsula, until
you reach chosen hotel. The village of Barra Grande
has become as one of the most important entry of the
peninsula, because of its port and airport.
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