Trail to Buracão Waterfall in Chapada Diamantina

Published on November 26, 2012 · Updated on August 6, 2025

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Discover the Buracão Waterfall Trail: An unforgettable adventure in the Chapada Diamantina

The Trail to the Buracão Waterfall is one of the most fascinating in the region and offers an unforgettable experience.

Located in the municipality of Ibicoara, the trail combines adventure and natural beauty, passing through impressive canyons, rivers and exuberant vegetation.

Cachoeira do Buracão na Chapada Diamantina — Buracão Waterfall in Chapada Diamantina

Tourist importance

The Buracão waterfall, in the Chapada Diamantina, opened the way for tourism in the municipality of Ibicoara.

Cachoeira do Buracão em Ibicoara — Buracão Waterfall in Ibicoara

Trail Details

The walk to the waterfall is quiet, takes about one hour and involves practically no climbing.

It starts at the entrance to the Espalhado Municipal Park and follows the bed of the Espalhado River, which flows into the Buracão Waterfall.

Note: The Espalhado Municipal Natural Park is a protected area located in the municipality of Ibicoara, in the Chapada Diamantina, Bahia. The park is known for its rich biodiversity, stunning landscapes and the famous Buracão Waterfall, one of the region’s main tourist attractions.

Cachoeira Recanto Verde na Chapada Diamantina — Recanto Verde waterfall on the Buracão trail

The road to the waterfall

It all starts with the beautiful road from Ibicoara (28 km of dirt road), from where you can see huge mountains amidst the bucolic atmosphere of the farms. The car is parked at the start of the trail (an hour’s walk), which follows a riverbed until you can see the waterfall from above.

The descent begins, passing the Recanto Verde waterfall – a thin veil of water falling through the forest – and leading to the Canyon where the Buracão is located.

Ways to enjoy the waterfall

To see the Buracão Waterfall from the front, there are two options:

Crossing a footbridge and walking along narrow paths, always clinging to the wall;
Swim (the guides provide life jackets).

The scenery is impressive: a hole in the middle of the rock and a drop that forms a huge pool.

Information about the route

Distance: Approximately 3km (return), moderate difficulty.
Access: Starts from the Municipal Natural Park of Espalhado, after a short drive from Ibicoara.
Highlights: The route includes sections in the river (with the need to cross small streams), walks along the banks and, finally, the spectacle of the 85-metre waterfall that plunges into an imposing gorge.
Guiding: We recommend hiring a local guide for safety and to make the most of the historical and natural attractions along the way.

At the end of the trail, you can swim in the well of the waterfall, one of the most memorable experiences on the Chapada Diamantina route.

Video of the Buracão Waterfall Trail

Chapada Diamantina Tourist Guide

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Written by Willy Sievert

Editor of Bahia.ws since its founding in 2009. Based in Salvador, he travels frequently across the Northeast and all of Brazil to keep the guides up to date. Learn more about Willy Sievert →