by O Salvador Dunes Park It is located on Flamengo Beach and covers more than six million square meters. Therefore, it is considered the largest urban park of dunes, lagoons, and coastal vegetation in Brazil. For this reason, they offer interpretive trails; that is, every trail is guided, and the person leading the tour will reveal surprising facts about the park.
Stay until the end to find out how to schedule your visit, and let me tell you right away: it's well worth planning ahead. If you drink a lot of water, it's a good idea to bring a water bottle with you, as they don't sell them there. But I did it without a bottle; drinking two cups at the water fountain at the entrance and on the way back was enough. Plus, at the end of the trail you get a popsicle to finish the hike in style.
The site has parking available, and we didn't pay anything for it. Another advantage to encourage you to do this trail.
History of the Dunes Park
In 1981, the Government of Bahia created the Abaeté preservation area, which is near the Parque das Dunas (Dunes Park). But it was from the 1994 decree that it became an APA (Environmental Protection Area). And in 2008, the Parque das Dunas was created, merging it with the Abaeté area.
There was a time when they wanted to extend the airport runway, but because it's an APA (Environmental Protection Area), this is not possible. Therefore, the only area containing coastal vegetation is protected from interests in building developments there, for example.
Restinga is the vegetation responsible for "holding" the sand and preventing it from spreading across the road, beach, and other places.
What you will find on the trail
They explain at the beginning that, hundreds of years ago, the sea dominated this area. And even with the surrounding constructions, in hundreds of years it will return here. That's why it's so important to conserve the park area as much as possible so as not to "speed up" the process.
You'll pass through an area where they cultivate around 20,000 seedlings. And you'll come across the dunes and learn that beneath the soil there's an intermittent river. In other words, if you dig a little into the sand, you'll find water from this river.
There are various species of animals there, but rest assured you won't encounter any of them, as they hide when they sense human presence. A word of caution: do not disturb bromeliads, as they are a hiding place for snakes, frogs, and tarantulas.
I won't say too much so as not to spoil the surprises, but do the trail. Everyone can do it, from children to the elderly. That's why I highly recommend you do it. It lasts about an hour and a half.
What is the value of the entry fee?
The entrance fee to hike the trail in Salvador's Dunes Park is R$$ 20. However, it is necessary to book in advance. sending them a message on Instagram or via WhatsApp at 71 98888-0188. Furthermore, for every private school that schedules this visit, a public school benefits. Therefore, if you can, suggest that a school you know arrange this visit with its students.
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