Town in Bahia, Brazil
Is Itacaré safe?
A small, easygoing surf town where most trouble is petty theft from beaches and rooms.
Is Itacaré safe?
A small, easygoing surf town where most trouble is petty theft from beaches and rooms. Take care on isolated trails and at night away from the centre.
Key facts
- SoloSquare safety rating: 4/5, safe with normal care.
- US travel advisory: Level 2: Exercise increased caution, updated 2025-05-28.
- Homicide rate in Brazil: 19.3 per 100,000 people (2023, UNODC via World Bank).
- Road deaths in Brazil: 16.0 per 100,000 people a year (2019, WHO).
- Emergency numbers: Police 190 · Ambulance 192 · Fire 193.
Safety in Itacaré at a glance
| What to expect | |
|---|---|
| Overall | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Crime | Theft of belongings left on beaches, bag snatching near the bars, and occasional robberies on isolated paths after dark. |
| At night | The centre is lively until late; take mototaxis or a taxi to pousadas rather than walking unlit roads alone. |
| Solo women | Common solo stop and generally comfortable. Use caution on empty beaches after dark and be wary of strangers offering drinks. |
| Other risks | Rip currents and shore-break at surf beaches; Mosquito-borne disease in the rainy season; Slippery rocks at waterfalls |
Scams, areas and local laws
Common scams
- Unlicensed guides charging heavily for waterfall hikes
- Surf-board renters claiming damage; check boards beforehand
Take care
- Isolated beach paths and trails after dark: robberies
- Strong currents at Tiririca and other surf beaches
Calmer areas to stay
Laws visitors break by accident
- Carry ID: your passport or a certified copy; police checks happen.
- Any alcohol before driving is illegal, and Lei Seca checkpoints are common.
- Racist or homophobic insults are crimes that can bring prison terms.
How Itacaré compares in Brazil
| Place | Safety |
|---|---|
| Fernando de Noronha | 5/5 · Very safe |
| Foz do Iguaçu | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Florianópolis | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Jericoacoara | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Ilha Grande | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Paraty | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Búzios | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Pipa | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Itacaré | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Morro de São Paulo | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Chapada Diamantina | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Lençóis Maranhenses | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Bonito | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Ouro Preto | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Balneário Camboriú | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Porto de Galinhas | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Gramado | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Rio de Janeiro | 3/5 · Take real precautions |
| São Paulo | 3/5 · Take real precautions |
| Salvador | 3/5 · Take real precautions |
| Recife | 3/5 · Take real precautions |
| Fortaleza | 3/5 · Take real precautions |
| Manaus | 3/5 · Take real precautions |
| Natal | 3/5 · Take real precautions |
| Maceió | 3/5 · Take real precautions |
| Belo Horizonte | 3/5 · Take real precautions |
| Brasília | 3/5 · Take real precautions |
| Curitiba | 3/5 · Take real precautions |
| Porto Alegre | 3/5 · Take real precautions |
| Belém | 3/5 · Take real precautions |
Quick answers
Is Itacaré safe for solo female travelers?
Common solo stop and generally comfortable. Use caution on empty beaches after dark and be wary of strangers offering drinks.
Is Itacaré safe at night?
The centre is lively until late; take mototaxis or a taxi to pousadas rather than walking unlit roads alone.
What is the crime rate in Itacaré?
Theft of belongings left on beaches, bag snatching near the bars, and occasional robberies on isolated paths after dark. Nationally, Brazil records 19.3 homicides per 100,000 people a year (2023).
What number do I call in an emergency in Itacaré?
Police 190 · Ambulance 192 · Fire 193.
More about Itacaré
Going to Itacaré solo?
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Sources
- US State Department travel advisory
- Prefeitura de Itacaré
- Aeroporto de Ilhéus (Jorge Amado)
- World Bank: intentional homicides (UNODC)
- World Bank: road traffic deaths (WHO)
Safety ratings are SoloSquare's editorial judgment from official advisories, crime data and local reporting. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.