The Chapada Diamantina, in central Bahia, features mountain ranges, high waterfalls, dark rivers, caves, stone villages and footpaths that wind through the Chapada Diamantina National Park.
This guide to tourism in Chapada Diamantina organises destinations by theme, from base towns to natural attractions, so you can choose your itinerary according to the time you have available and the nature of your trip. For an overview, start with the complete guide to Chapada Diamantina.
Each town serves as a base for a range of attractions. Lençóis is the main gateway and the town with the widest choice of guesthouses, guides and tours.
From Palmeiras you can reach Vale do Capão, a peaceful village that is very popular with hikers.
Mucugê and Andaraí preserve the heritage of the diamond cycle, and it is near Andaraí that Igatu, a village of stone ruins, is situated.
Further south lie Rio de Contas, Piatã and Ibicoara, and to the north Iraquara and Morro do Chapéu. See also the list of the region’s main towns and villages.
The waterfalls are the symbol of the region. Among the best known are the Cachoeira da Fumaça and the Cachoeira do Buracão, and there are guides featuring the tallest and most beautiful waterfalls and the must-see waterfalls of the Chapada.
To swim in clear blue waters, visit the Poço Azul and the Poço Encantado, and for those who enjoy diving, the diving spots in the Chapada Diamantina.
The Chapada Diamantina is one of Brazil’s top trekking destinations. The guide to the most popular trails helps you choose your route, and trekking in the Pati Valley is the most famous trek.
Those with more time to spare can follow the 7-day route through the Chapada. For higher altitudes, there is the guide to the Picos das Almas, Itobira and Barbado.
The region also boasts one of the largest cave systems in the country. In Iraquara, known as the ‘city of caves’, it is well worth visiting the main caves in the municipality, such as the Gruta do Lapão.
The Torrinha Cave is notable for its variety of speleothems.
The topography, fauna and flora of the Chapada Diamantina vary considerably across the plateaus, valleys and rocky plains.
Typical species include orchids, evergreen plants, candombá and the birds of the region. For ecotourism in wetlands, see the Pantanal dos Marimbus.
The settlement of the Chapada is linked to gold mining. To understand the context, read about the settlement of the Chapada Diamantina, the history of gold mining, the history of Lençóis and the history of Rio de Contas. The architectural style of the region and Vila do Ventura reflect the legacy of this period.
The attractions are spread out, so the most practical approach is to choose one or two base towns and explore the area from there. Allow at least five days to see the main sights, and more time if your plans include trekking. To explore the Chapada within the state, consult the map of Bahia’s tourist regions and the tourist areas.
The Chapada Diamantina is situated in the centre of Bahia, more than 400 km from Salvador.
The most common way to get there is by car or bus to Lençóis, the main base town, and then on to the other towns and attractions. See the guide to Lençóis.
Generally speaking, the driest period, from May to September, is best for hiking and for those who want to minimise the risk of rain. During the rainy season, rivers and waterfalls are fuller, but some trails and crossings may become more difficult. Check the weather forecast before setting off.
In five days, you can visit the main attractions starting from Lençóis. If you want to include the Vale do Capão or a trek such as the one through the Vale do Pati, plan for seven to ten days. See the 7-day route through the Chapada.
Among the most popular attractions are the Fumaça Waterfall, the Poço Azul, the Poço Encantado, the Pati Valley, the Iraquara caves and the village of Igatu. Be sure to check out the must-see waterfalls in the Chapada as well.
It depends on your itinerary. Lençóis has more facilities and things to do; Vale do Capão is quieter and better suited to hiking; and Mucugê and Andaraí are close to historical attractions and Igatu. See the list of main towns and villages.
On many trails and in many caves, yes, and it is recommended for all long treks. The guides know the routes and the river conditions. Check the current rules for each attraction with your accommodation, the local guides’ association or the park’s management body.
The Pati Valley is a valley within the Chapada Diamantina National Park, known for its multi-day trek on foot, with accommodation in local residents’ homes. See the guide to trekking in the Pati Valley.
The name derives from the ‘chapadas’, which are flat-topped plateaus, and from the diamond mining that attracted settlers to the region from the 19th century onwards. Find out more in the history of diamond mining in the Chapada Diamantina.
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 […]
The Chapada Diamantina is a mountainous region in the centre of the state of Bahia, where almost all the rivers of the Paraguaçu, Jacuípe and Rio de Contas basins originate. These watercourses spring from the peaks, flow down the slopes in beautiful streams, plunge into bubbling waterfalls and form transparent […]
Chapada Diamantina, in the heart of Bahia, enchants visitors with its breathtaking landscapes, waterfalls, caves and trails. The destination offers extreme adventures and moments of serenity. To learn more, the documentaries about Chapada Diamantina reveal its tourist attractions, cultural richness, history and natural beauty. Waterfalls, springs, valleys and caves amidst […]
The Rio Vermelho neighbourhood is Salvador’s main hub for bohemian life and dining, bringing together bars, restaurants, acarajé stalls, small
The history of Lençóis, in Bahia, begins with diamond mining. The origins of the town are linked to the discoveries made in 1844 in Mucugê and
Ponta de Humaitá is one of the most charming spots in Salvador, situated near Monte Serrat Fort on the Itapagipe peninsula. With a stunning view of
A practical guide to things to do in Pelourinho: Baroque churches, museums, squares, a suggested itinerary and tips for making the most of
The beaches of Salvador, Bahia, offer 50 km of coastline with something for everyone: beaches with calm waters perfect for families, reefs that form
Arembepe is a charming village on the north coast of Bahia, around 42 km from Salvador. Known for its historic Hippie Village, the Tamar Project site
Salvador, the capital of Bahia, is a vibrant city where history, Afro-Brazilian culture, music and beaches come together — the perfect setting for
Bahia Maritime Museum: what you need to know before visiting Housed within the iconic Barra Lighthouse, the Bahia Maritime Museum is one of
