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Discover the Lapão Cave: The perfect adventure in Chapada Diamantina

For those who enjoy adventure sports, the Lapão Cave in the Chapada Diamantina is the perfect place for abseiling.

Altitude and structure

Lapão Cave is 47 metres high and is located at the mouth of the largest known quartzite cave in Brazil. With special equipment, the activity is easy even for beginners.

Composition and sound

The metallic sound heard in the Lapão cave reveals its origin. Unlike most of the caves in the Chapada Diamantina, which are made of limestone, Lapão is a quartzite cave rich in iron – hence the characteristic sound.

Measurements

Lapão Cave is 1,000 metres long and about 10 metres wide, with a mouth 60 metres high. It is the second largest quartzite cave in Brazil, after the Gruta das Bromélias in Conceição do Ibitipoca (MG).

Formation and growth

Despite being made of quartzite, a harder material that is resistant to water erosion, Lapão has unusual formations for this type of cave. In some places you can see small stalactites, many of which are already fractured.

While in limestone caves each centimetre of speleothem takes on average 33 years to form, in quartzite caves it takes more than 100 years, depending on the intensity of the dripping.

History and risks

Exploited by prospectors from 1845 to 1871, Lapão was rich in diamonds and carbonate. In addition to the natural collapse of the walls of the underground aquifer through which the Lapão River flows, the tunnels and excavations of the miners make the attraction even more dangerous.

Many of the stones are loose and you must be careful not to step on the wrong one. In rainy weather, the walk becomes impractical as the river rises quickly and can cause accidents.

Crossing the cave

Even in the dry season, the force of the Lapão River, which runs through the cave and is narrow, can be frightening. To get out of the cave through the largest opening, you have to cross it.

The ascent is via the Lapão Mountain Range, and part of the descent can be made via the riverbed – only in the dry season. Equipment required for the visit includes a torch, extra batteries and sturdy footwear.

Video of Lapão Cave in Chapada Diamantina

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Gruta do Lapão na Chapada Diamantina

Map of trails and tourist sites in Chapada Diamantina

See the map of Chapada Diamantina

Main features of Lapão Cave

The Lapão C cave, located in the Chapada Diamantina, is one of the largest and most impressive quartzite caves in Brazil. It stands out for its unique characteristics and its scenic and tourist value.

1. Geological formation

• Lapão Cave is formed by quartzite, a tough metamorphic rock. Unlike limestone caves, which are more common and have speleothems, quartzite gives the cave a rustic and imposing appearance, with more irregular and solid walls.
• It has been shaped by water erosion over thousands of years.

2. Size and extent

• It is considered one of the largest quartzite caves in Brazil.
• It is about 1 kilometre long, with wide halls and narrow passages that challenge visitors.

3. Internal waterfall

• During the rainy season, a temporary waterfall forms at the entrance to the cave, creating an even more incredible visual spectacle.
• The water cascading down from the rocks collects in small natural pools.

4. Visuals and adventure

• The cave is known for its contrasts of light and shadow. The entrance allows natural light to enter, creating impressive effects inside.
• The site attracts abseiling and climbing enthusiasts as its walls offer excellent conditions for these activities, with descents of up to 50 metres.

5. Local ecosystem

• The area around the cave is rich in vegetation typical of the Caatinga and the Cerrado. The fauna includes insects, bats and small animals that inhabit the cave.

Activities in Lapão Cave

1. Abseiling

Abseiling is one of the most popular activities, with descents of up to 50 metres providing a great adrenaline rush.

2. Exploring the cave

You can walk inside the cave and explore its galleries, always with the help of torches.

3. Photography

The natural light and the waterfall (in the rainy season) create incredible backdrops for photographs.

4. Hiking

The trail to the cave is an excellent option for those seeking contact with nature and impressive views of the region.

How to get to Lapão Cave

The Lapão Cave is located about 7 kilometres from Lençóis, one of the main bases for exploring the Chapada Diamantina.

It can be reached mainly by hiking and is a popular activity with visitors.

Bahia.ws is the largest tourist guide to Bahia, Salvador and the Northeast.

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 26/11/2012 · Updated on 04/08/2025

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