Chapada Diamantina Solo? Read Fernanda’s story

Fernanda is an adventure junkie and wants to travel the world, which is inspiring. But is it safe for women to travel alone? Of course, the choice of destination is the first step of the adventure. In Brazil, one of the most sought after destinations by adventurous women to travel is Chapada Diamantina.

Fernanda’s challenge began long before the 3-day trek in Vale do Pati. Facing many difficulties to get to Chapada Diamantina, this determined young woman from southern Brazil, living in Guatemala, found a way to get there. After all, visiting the most beautiful trail in Brazil was at the top of her bucket list. She arrived at the starting point in Guiné, where she met her guide Lucas, who briefed her on the hike and checked her equipment before starting the adventure. Fernanda didn’t know it yet, but it would be 3 beautiful days with lots of sun and absurdly starry nights.

The mountains and the landscape impressed Fernanda right away and excited her about the adventure of traveling solo in Chapada Diamantina that was about to begin. Walking through the Gerais do Rio Preto plateau she quickly reached the Vale do Pati Lookout and headed towards the Funis waterfall, the perfect time for a break, cooling off and enjoying a lactose-free picnic carefully prepared by her guide. Recharged, Fernanda continued the hike while enjoying a beautiful sunset. What a great way to end the first day!

Waking up to the sound of birds is priceless! The adventure continued towards Morro do Castelo. This trail is considered one of the most beautiful and difficult in Vale do Pati, but not for Fernanda, who reached the top in about 1 hour – usually done in 2 hours. The ascent was quick for Fernanda, but she took the time to explore the caves and contemplate their 360° panoramic view. Guided by Lucas, Fernanda went to Poço da Árvore, another charming place where she enjoyed its natural pools and waterfalls surrounded by the valley’s canyons. Relaxed, Fernanda headed for the night’s stay, City Hall, where she felt at home, pampered as a member of Jailson and Maria’s family.

After a hearty breakfast, it’s time to say goodbye to the host family and start the ascent through the Prefeitura’s slit. This trail can be difficult and is not for everyone, due to its rough and rocky terrain and which can be very slippery and dangerous during rainy days. After enjoying a unique view of Morro do Castelo, Fernanda head to Cachoeirão Waterfall lookout a breathtaking scenery 260m high. Out of this world!

“Fernanda really walks fast and was very interested in the stories of the region, so we stayed longer at the last stop to synchronize the descent with the sunset”. So reported the guide Lucas, who was impressed by Fernanda’s excellent physical preparation. Being able to close the adventure with the sunset seen from above Aleixo in the Sincorá mountain range is priceless.

Undoubtedly, Fernanda does not regret all the efforts she made to travel solo in Chapada Diamantina and explore the Pati Valley! In 3 days she explored all the main attractions of this beautiful valley. After this wonderful experience, we look forward to joining her again on a new adventure in another paradise on our planet!