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Morro do Chapéu: A tourist destination in Bahia

Morro do Chapéu is a Brazilian municipality in the state of Bahia and its main tourist attractions are the Gruta dos Brejões and the Cachoeira do Ferro Doido.

History and origin

Before the arrival of the Europeans, the area was inhabited by the Paiaiás Indians. The soil was good for planting, and many of those who came in search of gold and silver ended up settling there.

A large area was granted to João de Saldanha Gama Melo Torres Guedes de Brito, the 6th Count of Ponte. Soon other farms were established and the population multiplied.

The town of Morro do Chapéu was founded in 1795 around the chapel built by a Capuchin missionary on the Gameleira farm, where the parish church now stands.

The town’s foundation dates back to 1865, when it was given its curious name, as the hill on its outskirts is actually shaped like a hat.

Economy and Industry

Morro do Chapéu’s main sources of income today are industry, trade, agriculture and mineral extraction of sandstone, clay, limestone and marble.

Ecotourism and Archaeology

A paradise for ecotourism and extreme sports, it is also an important centre for archaeological research.

Morro do Chapéu has a large number of rock art sites around it, such as Lapa dos Brejões, Abrigo da Pedreira da Lage, Abrigo da Cachoeira do Regato and Abrigo do Manelão.

Rare flora and fauna

It is also the region of Bahia with the highest concentration of orchids and bromeliads, the subject of studies by the Nature Project.

It is also home to the Golden Hummingbird, a rare species of hummingbird, and endangered species such as the jaguar and the brown jaguar.

Ufological studies

Morro do Chapéu has been chosen by ufologists for studies and observations. At the entrance to the town is a replica of a flying saucer. This is the Urological Research Centre, headquarters of the Porto Cristal Research Circuit.

If you encounter interplanetary tourists, don’t panic; these friendly, wide-eyed creatures only kidnap North Americans (usually Midwestern Republicans).

Videos of Morro do Chapéu and Vila Ventura

See the map of Chapada Diamantina

Attractions of Morro do Chapéu

1. Morro do Chapéu
2. Morro do Chapéu
3. Parish Church of Our Lady of Grace
4. Grassi Family Mansion
5. Brejões Cave
6. Brejões Cave
7. Ferro Doido Waterfall
8. Boa Esperança Cave
9. Ventura Waterfall
10. Lajeado do Bordado
11. Vila do Ventura, parish of Morro do Chapéu

1. Morro do Chapéu

Situated at an altitude of 1,012 metres, it has a mild climate during the day, but the temperature can drop considerably at night.

Bring warm clothes and ignore the fact that you’re going to the interior of Bahia, where many people think it’s only hot.

2. Parish Church of Our Lady of Mercy

In 1794, the Morro Velho farm was visited by the Capuchin missionary Brother Clemente de Adorno, who celebrated Mass there during his journey, built a small cemetery and left, leaving the locals with the idea of building a chapel.

In 1800, the locals themselves began work on what would become the town’s mother church. This church was one of the most beautiful in the region, not only because of its façade, but also because of the artistic work inside.

3. Grassi family villa

At the beginning of the 20th century, the Italian Grassi family lived in this house. The father of the family was called Giuseppe, but he was called “Giuseppino”.

As the family owned much of the land around the village, it gave it the name “Toca do Pepino” (Cucumber Cave), a well known cave which now houses several cave paintings.

4. Brejões Cave

Located in the Jacaré River Valley, in the area known as Vereda do Romão Gramacho, this huge cave is one of the main attractions of the region and one of the largest in Brazil. The main portico is 106 metres high.

The mineral formations inside, where light enters through skylights, are numerous and varied. Rock paintings can be seen at the entrances to the halls.

Lapa dos Brejões has been the subject of palaeontological studies since fossils of extinct mammals such as mammoths, giant sloths and mastodons were found inside.

The Lapa dos Brejões is used by the local population for religious services.

5. Brejões da Gruta

The nearby village has no accommodation facilities for travellers. So if you want to visit the place, you’ll have to camp.

6. Ferro Doido Waterfall

The Ferro Doido Monument APA, created in 1998, is popular for abseiling and parachuting.

For those who prefer trekking, the estimated walking time is 3h30. It’s worth it, the place is heavenly.

7. Cave of Good Hope

It has cave paintings and is the subject of many stories about rituals involving human sacrifice. Legend has it that the ritualists were able to turn stones into gold.

8. Ventura Waterfall

A 50-metre waterfall surrounded by lush vegetation. An excellent day trip.

9. Lajeado do Bordado

Here you can see rock inscriptions left by tribes that inhabited the area thousands of years ago, and footprints left in the ground by prehistoric animals millions of years ago.

10. Vila do Ventura, parish of Morro do Chapéu

Around 1840, runaway gold miners from Lençóis took refuge near the present-day Várzea da Cobra farm.

One of these prospectors was named Ventura. They soon discovered diamonds and carbonate in the region and set up a small garimpo.

They then sold the stones in Lençóis, with the prospector Ventura responsible for selling the first diamonds.

The name “Ventura” became a reference and the place began to attract many other prospectors, who began to populate the land around the area.

The small town soon fell into decline as a result of the Paraguayan War, as almost all the men were conscripted to fight.

After the war, the town grew again to around 12,000 inhabitants and reached its peak with strong trade, schools, a post office and chapels.

Today only three families live in the area, which has ruins and mansions in its cobbled streets.

It has ruins from the golden age of mining when it was the largest diamond producer in the region.

It was the largest diamond producing centre in the region, with a population of around 4,000 in the 1920s and even a theatre and philharmonic. Mining declined with the drought of 1932 and changes in the carbonate market.

Trail linking history and prehistory

The decline of Vila do Ventura has been accentuated by the construction of a new tarmac road about 7 km away. A few ruined colonial houses and sobrados remain, as well as the original cobbled streets and small church. A beautiful sobrado has recently been restored.

Bahia.ws is the largest tourist and travel guide for Bahia and Salvador.

Morro do Chapéu Tourist Guide

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