Trancoso is a lovely village 21 km south of Arraial D’Ayuda by dust road. The place is magic to its visitors, being the most frequently visited by foreigners. More than half its population is made up of natives; the others have migrated from all other parts of Brazil and the rest of the world, as tourists and then dwellers, such the charm of this village. In contrast with Porto Seguro, Arrail D’Ayuda, Trancoso offers a more tranquil space, without great hotels, with small inns (posadas) in the midst of virgin vegetation, a picturesque group of colonial houses and wonderful beaches.

It started as a Jesuitical village in the XVII century, staying as one of the last examples, still preserved, of Brazilian villages in old times. On top of a prominent area, it was founded as defence against Palo Brasil (Brazilian stick) smugglers. The small town centre goes around a wide square with leafy trees, where vehicles are not allowed. Time seems to have stopped there, with several colourful XIX century buildings in perfect condition. The visitor can find elegant boutiques, craft shops, small rustic and sophisticated restaurants, pubs, clubs, inns and art galleries. Restaurants display all kinds of foreign cuisines, due to the fact that travellers from all over the world have stayed in Trancoso. There are also, of course, typical dishes from southern Bahía, milder than the ones from Salvador.