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Explore the waterfalls and trails of the Capão Valley in Chapada Diamantina

The small town of Vale do Capão, also known as Vila de Caeté-Açu, has around 3,000 inhabitants and belongs to the municipality of Palmeiras.

Located 460 km from Salvador and 70 km from Lençóis, Capão is privileged by a territory full of trails that lead to hills, rivers, waterfalls, caves and beautiful waterfalls.

The Capão Valley offers uncrowded leisure opportunities and retains its mystical atmosphere, ideal for meditation and spiritual retreats.

With its breathtaking landscapes, the Chapada Diamantina is a true natural sanctuary, and the Vale do Capão, in the municipality of Palmeiras, is home to some of the region’s most enchanting beauty.

The Trails include waterfalls and other natural wonders, such as the trail to the famous Cachoeira da Fumaça, the highest waterfall in Brazil, surrounded by Atlantic Forest, mountains up to 1,500 metres high and rich fauna and flora.

Capão is an ecological paradise in the heart of the Chapada Diamantina. Here you can hike the mysterious Silêncio dos Gerais, admire the current of the Rio Preto, the imposing Morrão and the incredible Fumaça Abyss.

With a tropical climate and an average annual temperature between 22° and 24°C, Caeté-Açu, where the valley is located, favours all types of excursions. Visited by both adventurers and those seeking tranquillity, the Vale do Capão is the stage for events such as the Jazz Festival and the traditional celebrations of São João, Carnival and New Year.

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Cachoeiras e Trilhas do Vale do Capão ou Caeté-Açu

Attractions such as ecotourism are guaranteed by the landscapes that accompany the trails, long or short, linking tourist attractions and local communities, such as Conceição dos Gatos, Riachinho, Rodas, Angélica and Batista.

In addition, Vale do Capão offers one of the entrances to the famous Pati Valley, home to one of the most beautiful trails in the world!

Waterfalls and trails in the Capão Valley or Caeté-Açu

1. Águas Claras Waterfall
2. Riachinho Waterfall
3. Rodas Waterfall
4. Rio Preto Waterfall
5. Fumaça Waterfall

1. Águas Claras Waterfall

Considered by many to be one of the most beautiful walks in the Vale do Capão, the Rio Preto Waterfall is a small oasis protected by the Morrão, one of the most photogenic mountains in the Chapada Diamantina.
Although small, the waterfall forms an irresistible fountain that looks more like a natural swimming pool.

2. Riachinho Waterfall

On the road linking the city of Capão to the municipality of Palmeiras, there is a beautiful 12-metre high waterfall and fountain, with an easily accessible paved path. The attraction is part of the Riachinho Municipal Natural Park Conservation Unit.

3. Rodas Waterfall

With easy access, this waterfall is perfect for families with children. The waterfall cascades from a huge wall of rock that forms several fountains in front of a huge valley.

4. Rio Preto Waterfall

The Rio Preto Waterfall is one of the closest to the village and can be reached on the same trail as Cachoeira das Rodas.

The waterfall, which is 4 metres high, falls into a huge pool with an infinite edge and views of the mountains. For those who like to explore these places, it is a good idea to continue up the waterfall and take advantage of the many fountains that form between the rocks of the Rio Preto.

5. Fumaça Waterfall

The Fumaça Waterfall, located in the Chapada Diamantina, is one of Brazil’s most iconic and impressive natural sites.

At around 340 metres high, this is the second highest waterfall in the country, and it enchants with its spectacular fall, where the water, as it hits the air before reaching the ground, turns into mist, creating the visual effect that gives it its name.

This phenomenon is particularly visible during periods of low water, and the spectacle is impressive due to the grandeur of the landscape.

The Fumaça waterfall usually falls during the rainy season, which lasts from November to March. During this time, the volume of water increases considerably, creating a continuous fall that reaches the ground. In the dry season, between June and September, the volume of water decreases and often the flow is so light that it dissipates into mist before reaching the ground, hence the name Fumaça.

If you want to see the Fumaça Waterfall at its peak, when the water flows all the way to the bottom, it is best to plan your visit during the rainy season. On the other hand, even in drier periods, the phenomenon of the fog creates a unique visual spectacle and is much sought after by tourists.

There are two ways to get to Cachoeira da Fumaça: a moderate level trail that takes about two and a half hours round trip, starting from Vale do Capão, and a more challenging three days trail that starts from Vale do Pati.

The Vale do Capão, the most popular, takes you through mountainous landscapes and offers unique views of the valley and the waterfall canyon itself. At the end, the viewpoint at the top of the cliff offers spectacular views of the waterfall and the Chapada Diamantina mountains in the background.

As well as being an ecotourism and adventure spot, Cachoeira da Fumaça is a symbol of environmental conservation in the region. Surrounded by the rich Atlantic Rainforest, with an incredible biodiversity, the area is a sanctuary for plant and animal species typical of the Chapada.

Waterfalls and trails in the Capão Valley

Chapada Diamantina and Northeast Tourist Guide

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 →

Published on 07/11/2022 · Updated on 12/05/2025

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