Brazil’s Secret Rockstar Hideaway
Have you ever set out for one destination, only to find an even better one by complete accident? That is exactly what happened to us during our time in Salvador, Brazil
The “Accidental” Discovery
We actually started our morning with a plan to visit Project Tamar, a famous turtle conservation charity. However, in true travel fashion, we arrived to find it closed. Instead of heading back, we decided to explore a little further up the coast to a place we’d heard whispers about: The Hippie Village of Arembepe.
Walking in the Footsteps of Legends
Known locally as Aldeia Hippie, this village isn’t just a collection of huts; it’s a piece of music history. In the late 60s and 70s, icons like Mick Jagger, Janis Joplin, and Bob Marley supposedly hung out here to escape the world.
Walking through the village today, you can still feel that creative energy. We spent time in the arts and crafts park, where the local community welcomed us to film their work, a rare treat, as many artistic hubs prefer privacy.
Meeting the Local Artisans
We met some incredible people during our wander:
- Fernando: A lovely chap selling crystals and unique Amazonian stones.
- Edgar: A master artist who creates stunning paintings on tiles using only his hands. Watching him work was a highlight of the trip, and we couldn’t resist buying a piece for our garden bar back home.
Beach Life & Survival Tips
The village is right on the coast, featuring unique triangular thatched huts and camping areas. If you’re planning a visit, here are a few things we learned the hard way:
- Watch the Sand: The sand here is “absolutely baking”. Wear proper shoes. Vee wore flip-flops and definitely regretted it!
- Stay Hydrated: It is extremely hot. We highly recommend grabbing a local beer (which is dark, malted, and very refreshing) or fresh fish straight from the ocean at one of the beach bars.
- Travel Slow: Arembepe still feels off the European tourist trail. In our whole time there, we only heard English spoken a handful of times.
Is it Worth the Trip?
Arembepe is probably the nicest place we’ve visited in Brazil so far. It’s a place where you can truly immerse yourself and “open your heart” to the local culture.
Have you ever found a hidden gem by accident? Let us know in the comments below!
Is it Worth the Trip?
Arembepe is probably the nicest place we’ve visited in Brazil so far. It’s a place where you can truly immerse yourself and “open your heart” to the local culture.
Have you ever found a hidden gem by accident? Let us know in the comments below!
Watch our video https://youtu.be/KQPhrLb6Sng
See our previous blog https://footstepstyretracks.com/salvador-island-hopping/
