Surely you’ve already heard about Chapada Diamantina, or have someone you know who came back amazed and that’s no wonder! Because it’s a unique place!
There are other Chapadas that also honor their names, but Chapada Diamantina is the one with the most variety of attractions and the biggest to be visited.
Where is Chapada Diamantina and how is the region?
The Chapada Diamantina National Park is located in Bahia and is located 450 km from Salvador.
It is very large and impossible to discover in just one trip.
As I said above, there are many attractions: many trails, waterfalls, water wells and hills spread across different biomes, such as Caatinga, Cerrado, Campos Rupestres and Matas de Altitude.
There are 24 municipalities that make up Chapada Diamantina. Among them, some of the most popular base cities among visitors, with emphasis on Lençóis (more structured), Vale do Capão, Mucugê, Igatu, Andaraí and Ibicoara.
Why travel to Chapada Diamantina?
For those who enjoy contact with nature, it is the perfect place to feel this connection and escape the hustle and bustle of big cities. It is a wonderful destination for fans of ecotourism and adventure tourism.
In Chapada it is possible to feel the life of every piece that is part of this place. Chapada Diamantina makes this experience possible and still enchants its visitors with the natural diversity of its scenery.
There are several geological formations, preserved green spaces and waterfalls of rare beauty. With so many attractions, it is even difficult to put together a travel itinerary with just a few tours.
And, as if the natural beauties were not enough, the destination still enchants with beautiful historic cities, well-prepared cuisine and very hospitable people. It is one of those places where we are sure to return one day and where we will always miss you.
How to get to Chapada?
There is an airport in Lençóis, the city with the largest tourist structure in Chapada Diamantina, but flight options are few and prices are usually expensive.
Therefore, the best way to get to Chapada is to leave by car directly from your city of origin or fly to Salvador, and from there, rent a car. Which will also allow you to better move around the park without depending on a ride.
Where to stay in Chapada Diamantina?
There are the base cities that are the most sought after by tourists arriving in Chapada Diamantina, because they are the cities that have the best structure.
Below are some options for those looking to stay in Chapada.
Sheets: For those looking for comfort, Hotel Canto das Águas is an excellent option. It’s like a charming boutique hotel, but it has a lot to do with Chapada, respects the environment and has the Lençóis River as a neighbor and sleep soundtrack.
Another option is the Alcino Estalagem e Atelier which is located in a beautiful yellow house in the center, with the best breakfast in town – if you stay at another inn, you can treat yourself to a coffee there one day.
To pay a little less, good options are Terra dos Diamantes and Luar do Sertão. And, if you’re looking for something even more affordable, check out the Solar Azul and Pousada da Trilha inns.
For those traveling on a very tight budget, it is worth considering the Albergue Chapada Hostel, the Hostel das Estrelas and the Viela Hostel. Another cheap option is Casa Mangamel.
Vale do Capão, Andaraí and Igatu: We suggest the Pousada Tatu Feliz, which is located on the main street of the village. The location is perfect, the breakfast is delicious and the service very good.
If you are looking for something with more charm and a more complete structure, it is worth checking out Pousada Pé no Mato, which is an ecological inn with beautiful chalets and a beautiful view. It also has the inns Rosa dos Ventos and Pousada do Capão.
In Andararaí, Pousada Sincorá has the atmosphere of a relative’s house.
Finally, Pousada Flor de Açucena is a charming suggestion, with apartments in the middle of the rocks of Igatu.
How many days of itinerary in Chapada Diamantina?
No itinerary in Chapada Diamantina will be enough to get to know this entire region. For this to happen, you will have to return to Chapada many times! Chapada Diamantina is really big!
Therefore, stay as long as you can in Chapada.
The truth is, the longer you can stay, the better.
If you want to explore the trails, wells and other wonders in peace, not even a whole month will be enough.
But for those who don’t have so many days available to stay in Chapada, with 4 full days you can get a sense of what this place is all about.
What to take to Chapada Diamantina?
Some items cannot be missing from your suitcase/backpack for a trip to Chapada. They are essential items for those who don’t want to be in a tight spot when going on trails and walks.
What can’t be missing?
- Running shoes or hiking boots
- comfortable socks
- Backpack to take on trails and walks
- Swimsuit
- microfiber towel
- Comfortable clothing for the trail (leggings, shorts, dry fit or UV shirt, etc.)
- Raincoat (for backpack too, if you have one)
- Comfortable clothes for night
- reusable water bottle
- Medicines you usually take
- A jacket for the night, if it’s winter
- Cash (in some cities it may be difficult to withdraw)
- Sunscreen, flip-flops, sunglasses, hat/cap
Is it necessary to hire guides in Chapada Diamantina?
This depends on the attractions you have included in your itinerary.
Some trails are simple and do not require a guide. Others are more difficult because they lack demarcations and signs, becoming risky without a guide who knows the attraction. Others are more commercial and have restaurants, restrooms, etc.
In Vale do Capão, for example, tours are usually booked directly with local guides, members of the Associação de Guias do Vale do Capão, with fixed prices.
Suggested tours in Chapada Diamantina
- Morro do Pai Inácio
Morro do Pai Inácio, 26 km from Lençóis, is one of the icons of Chapada Diamantina.
Morro do Pai Inácio has one of the most coveted views in the region, and the scenery at the top of this mountain is really to fall in love with. It is only in this panoramic view that you realize the size of the 1,520km² of the Chapada Diamantina National Park.
The tour to Morro do Pai Inácio is among the most popular in Lençóis and, although it seems to be a very difficult climb, Pai Inácio is a possible hike for almost everyone.
The trail that leads to the top of the hill is only 500 meters long, but it takes a little breath to overcome the climb. Nothing a few photo stops can’t fix.
- Smoke Waterfall
Located between the municipalities of Lençóis and Palmeiras, the waterfall is one of the postcards of the Chapada Diamantina National Park. At 340 meters high, it is the second largest in Brazil and is certainly an unmissable tour for anyone visiting the region.
The waterfall forms a beautiful rainbow on sunny days. The end of the fall of water occurs when it dissipates and gives the impression of returning to the top in the form of smoke. The trail to reach the site is 6 kilometers long, but it is worth the walk.
Cachoeira da Fumaça is one of the best known tourist attractions in the Chapada Diamantina region. And its success is no coincidence: it is considered one of the highest waterfalls in the world.
- Enchanted well
Poço Encantado is one of the most wonderful attractions in Chapada Diamantina. The water in the place is so blue and crystal clear that it is possible to see perfectly the rock formations that are dozens of meters deep.
All this is even more surprising thanks to the light that enters through the opening of the cave, creating a beam of light of unimaginable proportions. This effect tricks the eyes and gives the impression that the water is even bluer and more transparent. However, the phenomenon does not happen throughout the year, only in April and September (autumn and winter), when the position of the sun favors the entry of light.
- Buracão Waterfall
Walking to Cachoeira do Buracão is, in itself, an incredible experience. The intense contact with nature allows you to renew your energies and learn more about the environment.
Before reaching the 85-meter waterfall, you will pass through a narrow stone corridor. At the end of the crossing, you will look up and be surprised by the immensity of the waterfall. The waterfall is surrounded by a canyon 3 meters wide and 90 meters high.
It is worth mentioning that Buracão is next to other waterfalls that will leave any tourist with their mouths open – Recanto Verde and Rio Espelhado are a must-see.
In this program all tourists are required to be accompanied by a guide and also to wear a vest.
- Pati Valley Crossing
Vale do Pati is famous for being one of the most beautiful trails in Brazil. Pati is an almost untouched piece of Chapada Diamantina, where no cars arrive, there is no electricity or cell phone signal. Pati’s advantage is being able to cover dozens of kilometers of trails without having to carry a tent or food for all meals. To sleep, tourists almost always stay in the natives’ houses, which helps to carry much less weight and allows them to walk lighter and for longer.
To do Pati, it is necessary to hire a private guide or a tour with a tourism agency, especially since booking accommodation is not an easy task. Guides are also very important because Pati has endless trails and getting lost there is not a good idea, since there is no telephone signal to request a rescue.
More tours:
- Blue well
- Fumacinha Waterfall
- Marimbus
- Pratinha Square
- Torrinha Cave
- Lapa Doce Cave
- Camel Lookout
Best time to visit Chapada Diamantina
The best time to visit Chapada will depend on what you are looking for on your trip and what is your priority.
The climate in Chapada Diamantina is marked by two well-defined and distinct periods.
From November to March, it is hot and humid, with a lot of rain and higher temperatures. The months from May to September are marked by the driest period and with slightly lower temperatures.
Both periods have advantages and disadvantages.
DID YOU LIKE THE DIAMANTINE CHAPADA? ALSO COME AND KNOW A BIT OF CHAPADA DOS VEADEIROS
Chapada dos Veadeiros is a magical place, as is Diamantina.
To learn a little more about Chapada dos Veadeiros in Goiás, read the posts on our blog. I’m sure you’ll fall in love with this place just like we did!
And if you need a suggestion for where to stay, stay at Glamping Hidden Treasure. I’m sure it will be a unique and unforgettable experience.
For more information about Glamping, contact us via WhatsApp.
