PLANALTO DA CONQUISTA COFFEE ROUTE: THE CULTURE OF SPECIALTY COFFEES AND LANDSCAPE CONNECTING VITÓRIA DA CONQUISTA TO BARRA DO CHOÇA IN BAHIA

Resumo

The Coffee Route allows exploration of the country's history, culture, and coffee production, offering an enriching experience. In this context, the Planalto da Conquista in the state of Bahia stands out for the prominence and quality of its coffee production. Victória da Conquista, the third-largest city in Bahia, serves as the gateway to Chapada Diamantina through its airport, while Barra do Choça is the main municipality producing specialty coffees in the region. This study aims to analyze the potential of connecting these two cities through the Special Coffee Route as a strategy to strengthen the coffee agribusiness, making it even more recognized and sustainable. Field research was conducted in four specialty coffee plantations, observing rural landscaping and the history of each property. The methodology for delineating the Coffee Route was developed in a travel model from Victória da Conquista to Barra do Choça, with stops for tasting and appreciating the landscape. The results indicate that the attractive landscaping, the coffee cultivation history shared by producers, and the close proximity to the entire production process from seed to cup can provide visitors with a unique experience. The coffee route is feasible, and the route's length has enough content to be divided into two days of visits. In addition to learning about the production process, visitors can taste the specialty coffee at its origin, accompanied by local agribusiness products.