How to get to Unah Piracanga, Bahia, Brazil

Where Unah is and how to get here

Unah is on the Maraú Peninsula, in southern Bahia, Brazil, about 2 hours from Ilhéus airport. Here is the full route, the transfer schedule and how to arrive with peace of mind.

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Location

Where is Unah Piracanga

Unah is inside the Piracanga Ecovillage, on the Maraú Peninsula, on the southern coast of Bahia, facing a pristine beach and a clear water river.

  • Ilhéus airport (IOS): about 2 hours by car
  • Itacaré: about 1 hour by car
  • Salvador: about 7 hours to Itacaré, by ferry and bus

Discover the Piracanga Ecovillage →

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Step by step

Your journey to Unah in 4 steps

From Ilhéus airport to our reception it takes about 2 hours. The Unah transfer takes care of the whole route, including the vehicle changes.

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Step 1

Fly to Ilhéus

Ilhéus airport (IOS) has daily flights from São Paulo, Belo Horizonte and Salvador. Coming from abroad or from other cities, you connect through one of them.

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Step 2

Airport pickup

A Unah driver meets you at Ilhéus airport, at the shared car time or at the time you choose with a private car.

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Step 3

River crossing and 4x4

The last stretch is a dirt road. By day, you cross the Rio de Contas by boat in Itacaré, in 5 minutes. At night, the vehicle change happens in the village of Caubí, with no river crossing.

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Step 4

Arrival at Unah

The car drops you at the Unah reception, inside the Piracanga Ecovillage. Our team welcomes you and shows you to your room.

Flight deals

Get flight deals to Ilhéus

Join the Unah WhatsApp group (in Portuguese) and get the best flight deals to Ilhéus.

Como Chegar em Unah Piracanga
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The route

Two routes, depending on the time

At any time of day, the last stretch is a dirt road that calls for a 4×4. That is why there is a vehicle change on the way:

  • By day: the change is in Itacaré. You cross the Rio de Contas by boat, a beautiful and calm 5 minute crossing, and the 4×4 waits for you on the other side. Wear comfortable clothes and sandals: you may need to take off your shoes.
  • At night: the change is in the village of Caubí, with no river crossing.

We do not recommend coming by your own or a rental car. Near Unah, the road may require a 4×4 and an experienced driver.

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Unah transfer

Transfer from Ilhéus and Itacaré to Unah

Choose between the shared car, more affordable, and the private car, at the time you choose. Book at least 48 hours in advance. Prices in Brazilian reais (R$).

Per person

Shared car

Fixed departure times, with the cost shared with other people also coming to Unah.

  • Ilhéus ⇆ Unah: R$ 340 round trip | R$ 200 one way
  • Itacaré ⇆ Unah: R$ 240 round trip | R$ 150 one way

Per vehicle, up to 4 people

Private car

Your own departure time, with comfort and privacy. Picks you up or drops you off at a specific address.

  • Ilhéus ⇆ Unah: R$ 680 one way
  • Itacaré ⇆ Unah: R$ 480 one way
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Shared car schedule

For planning only: times may be adjusted to the needs of the group.

Retreat arrival days

  • From Ilhéus: 12:30 pm, 3:30 pm or 6 pm
  • From Itacaré: 3 pm or 5 pm

Retreat departure days

  • To Ilhéus: 6 am, 10 am or 12 pm
  • To Itacaré: 6 am, 10 am or 12 pm

Other days

  • Unah to Itacaré: 10 am
  • Itacaré to Unah: 4 pm

Meeting points

Ilhéus
At the airport

Itacaré
On the waterfront, in front of Maré Alta bar

Unah
At the reception

The Unah transport service follows these Terms of Use (in Portuguese). By booking, you agree to them.

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Unah Retreat

Arriving for the Unah Retreat

The Unah Retreat starts on Sunday, with check-in from 2 pm to 8 pm, and ends on Saturday. Plan your trip like this:

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Getting here

The last shared car leaves Ilhéus airport at 6 pm and arrives at Unah around 8 pm, when check-in ends. To arrive relaxed, choose the 12:30 pm or 3:30 pm cars.

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Going home

Cars leave Unah at 6 am, 10 am or 12 pm and take about 2 hours to Ilhéus airport. Choose a flight that leaves enough time for check-in.

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Wi-Fi at Unah

Unah has Wi-Fi, so you can stay in touch with your loved ones during your stay.

Coming for another retreat? See our upcoming retreats and where to stay on our eco lodge page.

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Other routes

Other ways to get here

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From Salvador

More flights and usually cheaper fares, but it is the longest route: about 7 hours to Itacaré.

Step 1

To the ferry

From the airport, take a taxi or ride app to the ferry terminal in São Joaquim.

Step 2

Crossing

Cross to Bom Despacho, on Itaparica Island. See times and fares (in Portuguese).

Step 3

Bus to Itacaré

The bus station is right outside the ferry terminal. Buses usually wait for the ferry passengers.

Step 4

Transfer to Unah

In Itacaré, take the Itacaré ⇆ Unah transfer, which leaves from the waterfront, in front of Maré Alta bar.

Mind the time: plan to reach Itacaré before the last shared car (5 pm on retreat arrival days, 4 pm on other days). If you arrive later, book a private car or spend the night in Itacaré. On Brazilian holidays the ferry line can be long, so leave early.

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From Itacaré

Itacaré is the closest town to Unah, about 1 hour away. Book the Itacaré ⇆ Unah transfer: the shared car leaves from the waterfront, in front of Maré Alta bar, at 3 pm or 5 pm on retreat arrival days and at 4 pm on other days. The private car picks you up wherever you choose.

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By car

Not recommended: near Unah, the road may require a 4×4 and an experienced driver. Unah has no parking, and the few spots in the Piracanga Ecovillage shared area usually fill up in summer. A good option is to leave the car at a parking lot in Itacaré and take the transfer.

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FAQ

Frequently asked questions about getting here

Piracanga is on the Maraú Peninsula, on the southern coast of Bahia, Brazil. Unah is inside the Piracanga Ecovillage, about 2 hours from Ilhéus airport and 1 hour from Itacaré.

Ilhéus airport (IOS), with daily flights from São Paulo, Belo Horizonte and Salvador. From there to Unah it is about a 2 hour transfer.

We recommend booking as soon as your stay is confirmed. The minimum notice is 48 hours. After that, only the private car can be booked, at a higher price.

Retreat arrival days: from Ilhéus at 12:30 pm, 3:30 pm or 6 pm; from Itacaré at 3 pm or 5 pm.

Retreat departure days: to Ilhéus at 6 am, 10 am or 12 pm; to Itacaré at 6 am, 10 am or 12 pm.

Other days: Unah to Itacaré at 10 am; Itacaré to Unah at 4 pm.

Times may be adjusted to the needs of the group.

  • Ilhéus: at the airport
  • Itacaré: on the waterfront, in front of Maré Alta bar
  • Unah: at the reception

To be picked up or dropped off somewhere else, book a private car.

Book a private car, with a flexible time, for up to 4 people.

With other people also coming to Unah. This cuts CO2 emissions, lowers the cost and makes the trip more fun.

Yes. An English translator is included for international participants of the Unah Retreat.

Trusted, experienced drivers who have worked with Unah for years.

Yes. The last stretch is a dirt road that calls for a 4×4.

  • By day: the change is in Itacaré, with a 5 minute boat crossing over the Rio de Contas.
  • At night: the change is in the village of Caubí, with no crossing.

There are buses to Itacaré, for example from Salvador through Bom Despacho. The last stretch to Unah calls for a 4×4: from Itacaré, take the Itacaré ⇆ Unah transfer.

Yes. Salvador has more flights and usually cheaper fares, but it is the longest route: about 7 hours to Itacaré, by ferry and bus. See the steps in “From Salvador” on this page.

Unah has no parking. There are a few spots in the Piracanga Ecovillage shared area, which usually fill up in summer. A good option is to leave the car at a parking lot in Itacaré and book the transfer.

Full payment by PIX (Brazilian instant payment) or credit card.

  • Up to 3 days before the transfer: changes allowed and 100% refundable.
  • Less than 3 days before: no changes and no refund.

It depends on your nationality. Check with the Brazilian consulate in your country before you travel. Travel insurance is always a good idea.

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Unah Retreat

Come live the Unah Retreat

7 days in a beachfront ecovillage, with self-discovery practices and deep contact with Nature. English translator included.