The geography of Trancoso offers a chance to experience countless natural delights, and one of the most unique is a full body mask of white clay beneath the dramatic red-colored cliffs of Taipe beach. The cliffs are just outside Trancoso and reached by horseback or a ten-minute drive combined with a short walk along the beach. Passing over a shallow riverbed and weaving through tall, colorful sand formations a small lagoon is reached, an area known to only a handful of locals. The mineralrich
clay here is a distinct white color and composition, such as has been used in Brazil for centuries as a stress-relieving, detoxifying therapy. The body mask process is simple; clay is lifted from the lagoon and smothered over the entire body and face, then allowed to dry in the sun 20-30 minutes so it can gently cleanse and exfoliate the skin while preserving the bodies natural oils. Removing the clay requires only a quick jump into the sea, a single wave washing it away and leaving the skin feeling remarkably firm yet soft to the
touch, smooth and totally refreshed.