Tours
The Discovery Coast, a UNESCO World Heritage Site
Trancoso lies in a region of history and Atlantic Forest recognized by UNESCO. Learn what the heritage site is and how to visit.
Updated on October 5, 2026 ✓ Information checked on October 5, 2026 adapted from the Portuguese original
Trancoso lies on the Discovery Coast (Costa do Descobrimento), the tourist zone of southern Bahia made up of Porto Seguro, Santa Cruz Cabrália and Belmonte, according to Wikipedia. The region brings together two kinds of heritage: the history of the first contact between the Portuguese and Indigenous peoples in 1500, and one of the most important areas of Atlantic Forest in the country.
History
Wikipedia lists the region’s milestones: the first encounter between the Portuguese and Indigenous people (April 23, 1500), the first Mass in Brazil (April 26, 1500) and the granting of the Captaincy of Porto Seguro (May 27, 1534). See also history of Trancoso.
UNESCO natural heritage
In 1999, UNESCO inscribed the Discovery Coast Atlantic Forest Reserves (No. 892) on the World Heritage List under natural criteria (ix) and (x). The site covers about 111,930 hectares across eight protected areas, including:
- Una Biological Reserve;
- Pau Brasil National Park;
- Descobrimento National Park;
- Monte Pascoal National and Historical Park.
The Atlantic Forest has lost most of its original area since 1500, which makes these reserves all the more important.
What about the Quadrado?
Some texts say Trancoso’s Quadrado is “protected by UNESCO”. The 1999 recognition covers the Atlantic Forest reserves. We found no official source that includes the Quadrado in that listing, so this guide does not make that claim. If you have an official document, please send it through our contact page.
Indigenous peoples
The Pataxó people live in this region and have a historical connection with Monte Pascoal. To learn about their culture respectfully, see the Jaqueira Reserve.
How to visit
- Monte Pascoal: a full day; check the rules with ICMBio (Brazil’s federal conservation agency) and the community.
- Pau Brasil: visits by appointment.
- Porto Seguro’s Historic Center: free access, with churches and a museum that keep their own hours.
The 7-day itinerary combines beach, history and Atlantic Forest.
Attractions mentioned
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Surroundings and Discovery Coast Monte Pascoal National and Historical Park The mountain sighted by Cabral's fleet in 1500, surrounded by an Atlantic Forest national park tied to the history of the Pataxó people. See details - Surroundings and Discovery Coast Pau Brasil National Park A federal Atlantic Forest protected area in Porto Seguro, created in 1999, with trails and birdwatching by appointment. See details
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Surroundings and Discovery Coast Jaqueira Pataxó Reserve An ethno-tourism project of the Pataxó people in a forest area near Porto Seguro, founded in 1998 by women of the community. See details -
Surroundings and Discovery Coast Porto Seguro Historic Center At the top of Porto Seguro: colonial houses, the Discovery Landmark and the Mother Church of Nossa Senhora da Pena, with sea views. See details
Frequently asked questions
What is the Discovery Coast?
It is the tourist zone of southern Bahia made up of Porto Seguro, Santa Cruz Cabrália and Belmonte, linked to the arrival of the Portuguese in 1500, according to Wikipedia.
What did UNESCO recognize?
The Discovery Coast Atlantic Forest Reserves, inscribed as a natural World Heritage Site in 1999, with about 111,930 hectares of protected areas.
Is Trancoso's Quadrado a UNESCO World Heritage Site?
UNESCO's 1999 recognition covers the region's Atlantic Forest reserves. We found no official source that includes the Quadrado in that listing, so we do not claim it.
Which areas are part of the heritage site?
Among them, the Una Biological Reserve and the Pau Brasil, Descobrimento and Monte Pascoal national parks.
Keep reading
Keep planning
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History of Trancoso From the 16th-century Jesuit mission to the village rediscovered by travelers in the 1970s: the story behind the Quadrado. Read guide -
Trancoso Tours The outings that leave from the village, and what each one requires: tide, dirt road, ferry or booking. Read guide - 7-Day Trancoso Itinerary The full week: beaches, villages, Porto Seguro's history, Pataxó culture and the Atlantic Forest of the Discovery Coast. Read guide