Waterfalls in the Chapada Diamantina, Bahia: 5 Worth Visiting

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The waterfalls of Chapada Diamantina, in Bahia, are amongst the region’s main attractions. They feature high falls, swimming pools and trails that wind through mountain ranges, canyons and rocky landscapes. In this guide, you’ll discover five outstanding waterfalls in four different towns, with details on their height, trails and access tips to help you plan your trip.

Cachoeira do Buracão - Ibicoara — Buracão Waterfall – Ibicoara

The data was verified in October 2026. Where sources differ on height, distance or price, the text sets out the various figures, as there is no single official measurement for most of these falls.

Chapada Diamantina: what you need to know before you go

The Chapada Diamantina is situated in the centre of Bahia. The Chapada Diamantina National Park (Parna) was established by Decree 91,655 of 17 September 1985 and covers an area of approximately 152,000 hectares, according to the decree and the CNUC/MMA. According to ICMBio, the Park covers six municipalities: Andaraí, Ibicoara, Itaetê, Lençóis, Mucugê and Palmeiras, with its administrative headquarters in Palmeiras. The vegetation is varied.

ICMBio mentions the Atlantic Forest, the Cerrado and the Caatinga, along with rocky outcrops and the ‘gerais’. The highest point in the region is Pico do Barbado, at 2,033 m, according to various sources; see the trek to Pico das Almas, Barbado and Itobira.

mapa da Chapada Diamantina na Bahia — map of the Chapada Diamantina in Bahia

Waterfalls in the Chapada Diamantina: the 5 you simply must see

The five waterfalls featured in this guide are:

Buracão Waterfall (Ibicoara)
Ramalho Waterfall (Andaraí)
Bom Jardim Waterfall (Andaraí, on the border with Itaetê)
Andorinhas Waterfall (Mucugê)
Moendas Waterfall (Ituaçu)

1. Buracão Waterfall, in Ibicoara

Buracão is around 85 m high, according to Janoo, Melhores Destinos and local guides (the Correio Braziliense puts it at around 80 m). It is situated in the Espalhado Municipal Nature Reserve, in Ibicoara. The trail is around 3 km one way (6 km there and back), taking about 1 hour one way, along the banks of the River Espalhado. Along the way, you’ll find the Recanto Verde Waterfall. To reach the falls, you’ll need to cross the river via a footbridge or by swimming, wearing a life jacket. According to guides, the swim takes about 10 minutes. Before you go, please check the following:

Access is via a dirt track from Ibicoara: around 28 km, according to bahia.ws, or around 30 km, according to the Guia dos Trilheiros. Local guides mention roadworks; please check the conditions before setting off.
The ticket price varies depending on the source: from R$30 per person, including a life jacket, according to Janoo (as at October 2026), and R$15 in older sources. Please check the price at the ticket office or on the booking website.
The Ibicoara local council (2023) requires visitors to be accompanied by a local guide. The guide is not included in the ticket price; guides charge between R$150 and R$200 per group.
Opening hours vary: from 7 am to 3 pm (Janoo) and from 8 am to 5 pm, with last admission at 11 am (Guia dos Trilheiros). Do arrive early.
In the event of heavy rain, the trip may be cancelled, and when the river is in flood, swimming across becomes more difficult.

Take a look at the complete guide to Buracão Waterfall.

2. Ramalho Waterfall, in Andaraí

Cachoeira do Ramalho - Andaraí — Ramalho Waterfall – Andaraí

Ramalho is situated on the Baiano River, near Andaraí, and is one of the most beautiful waterfalls in the region. There are differing accounts of its height: 60 m (Jornal da Chapada and bahia.ws), 90 m (ICMBio and Janoo) and 110 m (Bahia Terra). For this reason, the text refers to it as a waterfall ranging from 60 to 90 m, depending on the source.

There are two trails of moderate difficulty: one along the lower route, down to the well, and one along the upper route, where there are three small waterfalls ranging from 5 to 10 metres, according to the *Jornal da Chapada*. The distance also varies: around 6 km on foot, according to ICMBio, or around 2 hours from Andaraí, according to Janoo.

Janoo advises that the tour is free of charge, with an accredited guide, and runs in two sessions (8.00 am to 1.00 pm and 1.00 pm to 6.00 pm), with 100 places per session; bookings must be made via the platform. ICMBio states that the National Park does not charge an entrance fee. Please check the rules before you go.

3. Bom Jardim Waterfall, between Andaraí and Itaetê

Cachoeira do Bom Jardim - Andaraí — Bom Jardim Waterfall – Andaraí

Bom Jardim lies on the boundary between the national park and a municipal park in Andaraí, about 30 km from the town centre, between Andaraí and Itaetê, according to Wikipedia and the Chapada Diamantina Guide. Its height ranges from around 76 m (Wikipedia) to almost 80 m (Chapada Diamantina Guide).

The most commonly mentioned access point is via the village of Europa. The trail is considered easy: 4.5 km from Fazenda Europa, according to bahia.ws, or around 3 km, taking 1 hour 30 minutes, according to the Chapada Diamantina Guide. There is also an 11 km route starting from Itaetê, of moderate difficulty, described by Bahia Terra as the final stop on a 4-day trek.

As details may vary, hire a local driver and confirm the starting point.

4. Cachoeira das Andorinhas, in Mucugê

Cachoeira das Andorinhas - Mucugê — Andorinhas Waterfall – Mucugê

The Andorinhas Waterfall is situated in Mucugê, in the former diamond-mining areas. The trail follows the River Cumbucas, passes by prospectors’ shelters and features a viewpoint overlooking the Mucugê River valley, according to Viaje com Norma. The waterfall is around 12 metres high, according to Casarão Alpina, Viaje com Norma and Refúgio na Serra. Only bahia.ws puts the height at 6 metres.

The trail is about 7 km long, there and back, and is of moderate difficulty. The walking time varies from about 2 hours one way (Refúgio na Serra) to 5 or 6 hours in total (Viaje com Norma).

Part of the journey can be made by car along a dirt track, about 2 km, to the start of the trail. The trail is not signposted and hiring a driver is strongly recommended. According to Viaje com Norma, the Mucugê Drivers’ Association (ACVM) can be contacted on (75) 3338-2414. I couldn’t find any information about admission fees.

5. Moendas Waterfall, in Ituaçu

The Moendas Waterfall has a free fall of around 72 metres, according to Bahia Terra and the Jornal da Chapada (2018); other sources put the figure at “over 70 metres”. It is situated in Ituaçu, on the Moendas Estate, which is privately owned.

According to three sources, it is necessary to hire a local guide. An important note: Ituaçu is not part of the Chapada Diamantina Identity Territory (24 municipalities, according to SEI/Sebrae). Therefore, it is more accurate to say that the waterfall is located in the Serra Geral, at the southern gateway to the Chapada.

Bahia Terra describes the entrance to the estate as being less than 2 km from the town, followed by 7 km of dirt road and a 5.2 km trail (there and back). In 2018, the entrance fee was R$ 15 per person, with visiting hours from 8 am to 5 pm; these figures are out of date and need to be confirmed.

Other waterfalls in the Chapada Diamantina

In addition to these five, the region is home to some of the country’s highest waterfalls. The heights vary depending on the source:

Fumaça Waterfall (Palmeiras, Vale do Capão): 340 to 390 metres, depending on the source. See also the waterfalls and trails of Vale do Capão.
Cachoeirão: around 270 m, according to Viagens e Caminhos, on the route through the Pati Valley.
Cristais Waterfall (Andaraí): approximately 110 m.
Ferro Doido Waterfall (Morro do Chapéu): 80 to 100 m, depending on the source. Find out more about Morro do Chapéu.
Mosquito Waterfall (Lençóis): approximately 70 m high, on private land, with around 400 steps.

To see the full ranking, read the tallest and most beautiful waterfalls in the Chapada Diamantina. For those who prefer natural pools and caves, take a look at the Poço Azul and the Poço Encantado.

Tips for visiting the waterfalls in the Chapada Diamantina

Wear walking shoes, and take water, sun cream and swimwear with you.
Keep an eye on the weather forecast: water levels rise quickly when it rains and trails may be closed.
Hire accredited local guides, particularly on unmarked trails.
Arrive early and bring cash or confirm your digital payment: many attractions charge a booking fee or admission fee.
Respect nature: do not leave rubbish behind and do not use soap or sunscreen in the wells.

To choose where to stay, see the guides to Lençóis, Palmeiras and the main towns and villages of Chapada Diamantina. To explore the region, see also the Chapada Diamantina category.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main waterfalls in the Chapada Diamantina?

Among the most popular are Buracão (Ibicoara), Ramalho and Bom Jardim (Andaraí), Andorinhas (Mucugê), Fumaça (Palmeiras) and, outside the Chapada region, Moendas (Ituaçu). See the ranking of the highest.

What is the highest waterfall in the Chapada Diamantina?

Cachoeira da Fumaça is often cited as the highest waterfall, at between 340 and 390 metres, depending on the source. There is no single official measurement. See the guide to Cachoeira da Fumaça.

How many municipalities form part of the Chapada Diamantina National Park?

Six, according to ICMBio and CNUC/MMA: Andaraí, Ibicoara, Itaetê, Lençóis, Mucugê and Palmeiras. The park was established in 1985 and covers an area of around 152,000 hectares.

Do I need a guide to visit the waterfalls?

It depends. According to the sources consulted, Buracão and Moendas require a local guide. According to Janoo, Ramalho requires an accredited guide. At Andorinhas and Bom Jardim, the use of a guide is strongly recommended, as the trails vary and are not always signposted.

How much does it cost to visit Buracão Waterfall?

Janoo quotes prices starting at R$30 per person, including a life jacket, whilst guides quote between R$150 and R$200 per group for the guide. Older price lists mention R$15. Please check at the ticket office or on the booking platform before you go.

Does Ramalho Waterfall charge an entrance fee?

According to ICMBio, the National Park does not charge an entrance fee, and Janoo states that the visit is free of charge, with an accredited guide and bookings available for two time slots. Please check the rules before your visit.

When is the best time of year to visit the waterfalls in the Chapada Diamantina?

The waterfalls become more powerful after it has rained. During the dry season, some of them shrink considerably. During periods of heavy rain, trails and crossings may be closed. Check the forecast and speak to local guides before setting off.

Is the Moendas Waterfall in the Chapada Diamantina?

Ituaçu is not one of the 24 municipalities in the Chapada Diamantina Identity Territory, according to SEI/Sebrae. The waterfall is situated in the Serra Geral, at the southern gateway to the region. It is on private land, with an entrance fee and a guide is compulsory.

Which towns are good base camps for visiting the waterfalls?

The most commonly used bases are Lençóis, Andaraí, Mucugê, Ibicoara and Palmeiras (Vale do Capão).

Sources consulted

ICMBio, visitor information for the Chapada Diamantina National Park.
Senate, Decree 91.655/1985, and CNUC/MMA.
Correio Braziliense, Chapada Diamantina National Park.
SEI/Sebrae, Chapada Diamantina Identity Territory.
Buracão: Janoo, Guia dos Trilheiros, Melhores Destinos and Jornal da Chapada (2023).
Ramalho: Janoo and Jornal da Chapada (2021).
Bom Jardim: Wikipedia and Chapada Diamantina Guide.
Swallows: Travel with Norma, Casarão Alpina and Refúgio na Serra.
Newspapers: Bahia Terra and Jornal da Chapada (2018).
Other drops: Viagens e Caminhos, Guia Chapada Diamantina and Bahia Terra.

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 16/10/2026