Home » Bahia Travel Guide » Waterfalls of Chapada Diamantina: A Guide for Adventurers

The Chapada Diamantina, located in Bahia, is a destination full of attractions for sports and adventure lovers. Among these attractions, the waterfalls stand out as some of the highest and most beautiful in Brazil.

This natural park, one of the most famous in the country, is ideal for lovers of nature and adventure tourism.

Features of Chapada Diamantina

The Chapada Diamantina is located in a mountainous region, full of rivers that form beautiful waterfalls and several natural pools. Created in 1985, the park covers the municipalities of Andaraí, Ibicoara, Iramaia, Itaetê, Lençóis, Mucugê and Palmeiras.

The region is characterised by its high altitude, reaching 2,033 metres at Pico do Barbado, and its vegetation is a mixture of caatinga and mountain flora.

5 waterfalls you must see in Chapada Diamantina

1. Buracão Waterfall – Ibicoara
2. Ramalho Waterfall – Andaraí
3. Bom Jardim Waterfall – Andaraí
4. Andorinhas Waterfall – Mucugê
5. Moendas Waterfall – Ituaçu

1. Buracão Waterfall – Ibicoara

Visiting the Buracão Waterfall, one of the main attractions of Chapada Diamantina, requires courage.

The route begins on a beautiful 28 kilometre dirt road from Ibicoara, where you can see huge mountains in a bucolic setting.

After parking the car at the start of the trail, which takes about an hour, visitors follow a riverbed to the waterfall.

The descent passes the Recanto Verde Waterfall, which has a thin veil of water, and leads to the gorge where the Buracão is located.

To see the falls from the front, there are two options: cross a footbridge and walk along narrow paths, or swim (life jackets are available).

2. Ramalho Waterfall – Andaraí

The Ramalho Waterfall is one of the most beautiful in the region, with two options for medium difficulty trails. Located in the municipality of Andaraí, it is formed by the Baiano River and has a drop of around 60 metres.

There are trails both at the bottom and at the top, with the possibility of exploring three more waterfalls, known as the “Three Falls of Ramalho”, ranging from five to ten metres in height.

3. Bom Jardim Waterfall – Andaraí

The trail to the Bom Jardim Waterfall starts at the Europa Estate and is 4.5 kilometres long. This trail is the least difficult and is mostly flat and in a wooded area.

Located on the border between Chapada Diamantina National Park and Rotas de Cachoeira Municipal Natural Park.

4. Andorinhas Waterfall – Mucugê

Located about 7 kilometres from the centre of Mucugê, Cachoeira das Andorinhas offers a natural hydro-massage. Accessible to those without a car, it is only a 2 kilometre walk along a dirt road.

The walk lasts about 1.5 hours and offers a panoramic view of the Mucugê River valley.

Along the way you can see centuries-old structures from the old gold mines.

Next to the waterfall is a viewpoint overlooking the Cumbucas River, famous for being the first place where diamonds were found in the region. The waterfall has a drop of about 6 metres, ideal for a refreshing swim.

5. Moendas Waterfall – Ituaçu

Located about eight kilometres from the centre of Ituaçu, the Moendas Waterfall is an impressive 70-metre drop. You will need to hire a guide to get there.

These waterfalls are just some of the wonders that Chapada Diamantina has to offer, promising visitors an unforgettable experience.

See also The highest and most beautiful waterfalls in Chapada Diamantina

Chapada Diamantina and Northeast 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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