Chapada Diamantina National Park is located in the northeastern part of Brazil, within the state of Bahia. The most common and convenient way to access the park is via Salvador, situated approximately 420 km from the park. Salvador International Airport (SSA) provides extensive direct flights from various Brazilian cities, as well as from Lisbon and Madrid. However, the closest airport to the park is Lençóis Coronel Horácio de Matos Airport (LEC), which offers limited flights from Belo Horizonte.
Below are several transportation options to help you reach Chapada Diamantina National Park, including its main gateway, Lençóis, where most tours begin, and other important towns:
How to Get to Lençóis in Chapada Diamantina
Lençóis is the primary hub for exploring Chapada Diamantina. The town also offers a good selection of accommodations, bars, and restaurants, enhancing the travel experience. Here are some travel options to reach Lençóis:
Bus is the best way to reach Chapada Diamantina from Salvador!
By Bus:
From Salvador: To get to Chapada Diamantina from Salvador, the most convenient way is to take a bus. There are three daily departures at 8:00 AM, 11:00 AM, and 10:00 PM from Salvador Bus Station (Terminal Rodoviário de Salvador). The buses make stops in Feira de Santana and Itaberaba. Known for their cleanliness and comfort, these buses are equipped with air conditioning and toilets. The trip takes about 6 hours, with ticket prices starting at R$100. You can book tickets via Expresso Guanabara (for those with a CPF number) or BusBud (for foreigners). For the return journey to Salvador, buses depart Lençóis at 9:00 AM, 1:40 PM, and 10:50 PM.
By Car:
From Salvador: The typical route uses BR-324 and BR-242 highways, covering 420 km in about 6 hours. Car rentals are available at Salvador Airport.
By Taxi/Private Transfer:
For added comfort and flexibility, private transfers are available. Prices are R$ 1.670,00 each way for a car (4 seats) and R$3.000 for a van (15 seats). If you are booking one of Chapada Diamantina tours with PlanetaEXO, our team can assist you in booking private transfers to the locations.
By Plane:
Azul Airlines operates flights from Belo Horizonte to Lençóis Airport (LEC) on Thursdays and Sundays. The Belo Horizonte Tancredo Neves International Airport (CNF) has excellent connections with major Brazilian cities such as São Paulo, Brasília, and Rio de Janeiro. Given the limited number of flights, we recommend checking Azul Airlines website regularly for any updates on the schedule or potential changes.
Azul Airlines operates flights to Lençóis Airport!
How Do I Get to Chapada Diamantina from Rio or São Paulo?
If you’re figuring out how to get to Chapada Diamantina from Rio de Janeiro or São Paulo, you have some options. You can either take a flight directly to Salvador or take a long-distance bus trip to Feira de Santana:
By Bus:
This bus trip from Rio de Janeiro or São Paulo to Feira de Santana can exceed 30 hours but is more budget-friendly, with fares starting at R$450. Once you arrive, continue your journey to Lençóis, taking the same bus as described above from Salvador.
By Plane:
You can fly from Rio de Janeiro or São Paulo to Salvador. This option offers a quicker and more direct way to start your adventure in the national park. Upon arrival in Salvador, you can follow the previously mentioned travel options to reach Chapada Diamantina.
How to get to other small towns in Chapada Diamantina?
Palmeiras:
Palmeiras is a small town that you have to pass through to get to Guiné and Vale do Capão. From Salvador, you can take the same Expresso Guanabara bus as you would to Lençóis, but continue one stop further. This journey lasts approximately 7 hours and 45 minutes. Alternatively, you can drive the 450 km, which typically takes about 6 hours and 30 minutes. From Lençóis, a bus ride to Palmeiras takes about an hour, covering approximately 53 km.
Vale do Capão:
Located in Palmeiras municipality, this tranquil village is a hotspot for hikers. From Salvador, take a bus to Palmeiras and then a 40-minute shared van ride from there to Vale do Capão, which is about 72 km from Lençóis. Taxis are also available for more direct travel.
Guiné:
Known for being the starting point for the Vale do Pati trek, Guiné is best reached by private transfer or by driving yourself, as public transport options are limited. The distance from Lençóis to Guiné is approximately 85km, typically involving some travel on rough and unpaved roads.
Ibicoara:
Home to the Cachoeira do Buracão and Fumacinha, Ibicoara can be accessed from Salvador by a 9-hour bus ride on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, or by a 7-hour drive covering 459 km. The nearest airport is Vitória da Conquista, with car rentals available for the 219 km journey to Ibicoara. Ibicoara is about 225 km away from Lençois.
Mucugê:
Buses from Salvador to Mucugê depart daily at 7:30 a.m. and take about 8.5 hours, with additional services on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday nights. Driving from Salvador covers 450 km in approximately 6.5 hours. The nearest major airport is Vitória da Conquista, offering rental car services for the 260 km drive. Mucugê is approximately 147 km from Lençóis.
Byzantine Cemetery of Mucugê
Ready to discover Chapada Diamatina ?
Now that you know how to get to Chapada Diamantina, let PlanetaEXO guide you through the rest of your adventure. Experience the breathtaking landscapes of this remarkable national park. Discover more and book your adventure on our Chapada Diamantina tours page.
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