Experiences and local guides in Chapada Diamantina

Nature

Chapada Diamantina is a 1,500 km² national park in the interior of Bahia: sandstone tablelands, canyons, blue-water caves, tea-coloured rivers and waterfalls like the 340-metre Fumaça, which turns to mist before reaching the ground. Lençóis, an old diamond-mining town, is the base; the roadless Vale do Pati holds family homes that welcome hikers.

Activities

• Vale do Pati trek (3 to 5 days) with nights in local homes, the most famous trek of the north-east
• Morro do Pai Inácio at sunset, Fumaça waterfall from the top, Sossego and Mosquito waterfalls
• Floating in Poço Azul and Poço Encantado, Lapa Doce and Pratinha caves with snorkel
• Abseiling and climbing on the Morrão, mountain biking and horseback riding in the Vale do Capão
• Swimming in the rivers around Lençóis (Serrano, Ribeirão do Meio natural slide), beer and forró in town

When to go

April to October is dry, ideal for the Pati and the caves, with clear skies. November to March brings rain and fuller waterfalls, but muddy trails and flash floods. The blue pools glow in the sun between 10 am and 2 pm.

How to get there

From Salvador, 6 hours by bus to Lençóis (daily departures) or a 1-hour flight to Lençóis (LEC) with weekly services. Rental car from Salvador via BR-324 and BR-242 (420 km). Agencies and local guides are based in Lençóis, Vale do Capão and Mucugê; several national park trails require a guide.