The Fumaça Waterfall: An ecological paradise

The Fumaça Waterfall is one of the most famous attractions in the Chapada Diamantina in Bahia, located in the Vale do Capão, a region between the municipalities of Lençóis and Palmeira.

Features of the waterfall:

The Fumaça Waterfall is considered the second largest in the country, with a free fall of over 340 metres.

Its impressive height causes the water to turn into a spray, forming a mist that can be seen from far away, particularly on sunny days.

Preserved nature

Almost all forms of nature are present in the Chapada Diamantina. Much of its beauty is protected in the vast National Park, which encompasses canyons, waterfalls and plateaus.

Postcards from the region

The region’s landmarks are gigantic, too: These include Morro do Pai Inácio, which stands at over 1,000 metres above sea level, and Cachoeira da Fumaça, the second highest waterfall in Brazil with a drop of almost 340 metres.

Videos of Fumaça Waterfall

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Trekking até a Cachoeira da Fumaça06:32

Como chegar até a Cachoeira da Fumaça05:16

Cachoeira da Fumaça - Trekking14:41

TRILHA CACHOEIRA DA FUMAÇA - CHAPADA DIAMANTINA18:45

How to get to the Fumaça Waterfall

The Fumaça Waterfall is located between two towns. It is closer to Palmeiras, just 23 km away, and 80 km from Lençóis.

The roads on both routes are in good condition for travelling.

You can explore Cachoeira da Fumaça safely and freely on an excursion, or choose the route that suits you best.

The best option is to travel from Vale do Capão to Cachoeira da Fumaça, which is only 3 km. This is because it is a less tiring route.

I mention this because to reach the top of the waterfall, you will have to tackle a 6 km trail there and back. As you might expect, there are many climbs along the way.

You do not need a guide to hike the trail. However, if you would prefer to book a guided tour, the cost may vary depending on the itinerary and what you would like to include. The price depends on the itinerary and what you want to include.

Additionally, you have the option of hiring a private guide, which can be shared by up to four people.

Distances by car

• Vale do Capão: 3 km
• Palmeiras: 21 km
• Lençóis: 80 km
• Andaraí: 152 km.
• Distance: 200 km

This is the starting point of the trails to Cachoeira da Fumaça, also known as Smoke Waterfall.

1. Access from above.

• Start: village of Caetê-Açu (municipality of Palmeiras), Vale do Capão.
• Length: ~6 km (one way), with ~2 km uphill.
• Average time: 2–2.5 hours.
• Physical effort: moderate to advanced.
• Recommended time: between 8 a.m. and 1 p.m.

The trail runs along the edge of Vale do Capão, taking you to a plateau from which you can see the entire waterfall.

The most challenging aspect is the initial ascent, which involves climbing approximately 350 metres. This climb offers stunning views of Morrão and Vale do Capão.

The path is clearly marked and the only natural obstacles are small streams. The surrounding area is a mixture of savannah and rocky terrain.

2. Accessible from below (via Lençóis).

• Start/end: Lençóis → Vale do Capão.
• Total distance: ~36 km (depending on the route chosen).
• Duration: ~3 days (2 nights of rustic camping).
• Physical effort: advanced.

The typical route covers an average of ~12 km per day. Overnight stays are in natural shelters, which may be given different names depending on the itinerary.

During the trip, you will have the opportunity to visit the Palmital, Capivara and Fumaça waterfalls.

Suggested plan

1. Day 1: Swim at Palmital Waterfall, then spend the night at Toca da Capivara.
2. Day 2: Continue to Toca da Fumaça and visit the well at the base of Cachoeira da Fumaça. Overnight stay at Toca da Fumaça.
3. Day 3: Climb up Serra do Macaco to see the waterfall from above, then walk to Vale do Capão. Return to Lençóis by car (approx. 75 km).

Recommended equipment includes a sleeping bag, insulation and camping gear. Crossings require camping experience.

The importance of guide supervision

The presence of a guide is strongly recommended, and in many cases required, by local associations and the administration of the Chapada Diamantina National Park. The trail involves sections with no infrastructure and overnight stays.

The height and behaviour of the fall.

The height of the Fumaça Waterfall is usually given as around 340 metres, though some sources quote a figure closer to 360 metres.

The drop is almost vertical and, on windy days, the water evaporates before it reaches the ground.

Note on verification:

Before travelling, it is recommended that you confirm with the Vale do Capão Drivers’ Association, local agencies or ICMBio.

• Whether a guide is mandatory.
• Current trail conditions:
• Schedules and logistics (transportation and return).