Chapada Diamantina
Plateaus, canyons, waterfalls and caves in the heart of Bahia: a hiker’s paradise in a former diamond prospecting region.
Region
Bahia, Northeast
Recommended stay
3 to 5 nights
Best time to go
April to October
Getting there
About 6 hours by road from Salvador
Nature to explore on foot
Chapada Diamantina National Park protects a landscape of flat-topped mesas, deep valleys and tea-colored rivers. In the 19th century, the region went through a diamond rush, and the village of Lençóis still has the colorful houses from that era.
Here, almost everything is explored on foot: half-day hikes to waterfalls and lookouts, swims in natural pools, or a multi-day trek through the Vale do Pati.
When to go
From April to October, the dry season is ideal for hiking. From November to March, the rains make the waterfalls more spectacular, but some trails are more slippery.
- April to October: dry season, ideal for hiking
- November to March: rains, more powerful waterfalls
Months
Legend
Things to do
Morro do Pai Inácio
The Chapada’s most famous lookout, reached by a short climb, with a panoramic view over the plateaus.
Cachoeira da Fumaça
A hike of about four hours round trip to one of the highest waterfalls in Brazil.
Caves and blue water
Lapa Doce, Poço Encantado and Poço Azul: caves and underground pools with astonishingly blue water.
Marimbus
A wetland nicknamed the “Pantanal of the Chapada,” explored by traditional rowboat.
Vale do Pati
A multi-day trek with overnight stays in local homes, considered one of the most beautiful in Brazil.
Where to stay
Lençóis
For a first visit. The historic village, with the widest choice of pousadas and restaurants.
Vale do Capão
For nature and quiet. A valley at the foot of the plateaus, the starting point for Cachoeira da Fumaça.
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Our tours
Tours
FAQ
Do I need to be a serious hiker?
No. Many sites can be reached on short walks. Longer hikes, such as Fumaça or the Vale do Pati, require good physical fitness.
How do I get there?
Usually by road from Salvador, in about six hours, by scheduled bus or private transfer. Flights to Lençóis are sometimes offered depending on the season.
Can I go swimming?
Yes, in many rivers and natural pools. In some caves, swimming is prohibited to protect the site.
Tempted by this trip?
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