With so many amazing attractions, it’s hard to decide what treks to do in Chapada Diamantina National Park! Located in Bahia, it covers an area of 38,000 square kilometres and is known for its waterfalls, canyons, caves, and valleys. It’s one of the most popular destinations for those who like to venture into nature, and it is considered one of the most complete National Parks in Brazil!
From waterfalls and caves to trekking mountain trails, the tours of Chapada Diamantina is a playground for adventure lovers. There are so many attractions to see that it’s even hard to define how long to spend in Chapada Diamantina. We used to joke that it would take two lives and a helicopter to see all! 😄
To assist you, we’ve curated a list of 10 unique and special attractions in Chapada Diamantina for you to make the most of your time there!
Vale do Pati Trek
Vale do Pati is one of the most stunning treks in Brazil, and it’s located in the heart of the National Park! You can only do this trek on foot, so be prepared to walk an average of 15 km per day on steel trails that lead to the must-go attractions in Vale do Pati, like breathtaking landscapes, caves, and waterfalls. For sure, it’s one of the best options for what to do in Chapada Diamantina!
You’re gonna have an incredible opportunity to immerse yourself in nature, with no internet or cell signal to distract you. You’ll be able to interact with your local guide, other backpackers, and the friendly locals who offer their homes as accommodation and provide meals, bedrooms, and toilets for you to feel at home. You can customize your trekking itinerary to last 3 days, 4 days, 5 days, or even more!. Additionally, you can choose to start and finish your journey in different cities, such as Vale do Capão, Guiné, and Andaraí. Take a look at some tour options and adventure yourself in one of the most beautiful trekking destinations in the world!
Buracão Waterfall
You’ll be amazed by the impressive 85-meter waterfall located in the southern area of Chapada Diamantina, the Buracão Waterfall! You will make an exciting trail in the middle of a vast canyon, accompanied by a massive well. The 3 km trail is relatively easy, and you must be accompanied by a local tourist guide and pay an entrance fee. The strength of the waterfall depends on the rainfall, and while there’s always water, it may be impossible to swim in the well after heavy rain. During the hike, you’ll have a chance to see the waterfall from above and even take a dip in the nearby Orquídeas Waterfall. Join a local guide on a 7-day trip in Chapada Diamantina National Park and discover the Buracão!
Feel the mist of Buracão Waterfall as it cascades!
Pai Inácio
Morro do Pai Inácio is always on every list of what to do in Chapada Diamantina. A popular and easy walk with a panoramic view from the top that will give you a real sense of the grandeur of the park, including the iconic Camelo and Três Irmãos hills. The trail entrance is located near BR 242, and you can drive to the starting point and then walk uphill for around 500 meters. You can visit Pai Inácio Hill anytime during the day, but it’s recommended to go up close to sunset time (the latest you can ascend is until 5:00 pm) and pair it with other trails like the Poço do Diabo Waterfall. Take a look at some of the Chapada Diamantina tours that you can combine with this trail!
Catch the golden hour at Pai Inácio Hill, where every sunset paints a breathtaking landscape.
Fumacinha Falls
Visitors often describe this trail and waterfall as one of the most stunning sights on their list of things to do in Chapada Diamantina. The natural spectacle features a 100-meter waterfall surrounded by 280-meter walls, located in the southern part of Chapada in the city of Ibicoara. The round-trip journey spans 18 km, following the riverbed, and involves jumping over the rocks, which can make the hike quite challenging. You can either complete the trail in a day or camp overnight in the wild to have more time to explore the other wells along the way. Before you go, it’s important to check the weather conditions, as the current can be strong during the rainy season, or the waterfall may run dry in the dry season.
Experience the thrill of the hike and the reward of the view from Fumacinha Falls
Fumaça Falls
To reach the top of one of the largest waterfalls in Brazil, with about 380 meters, it is necessary to prepare legs and lungs to go 2 km of a steep climb, with large steps, and another 4 km for uneven terrain. This is one of the most famous trails in Chapada, attracting visitors who want to see the magical scenery of the water that disperses with the wind like smoke (hence the name) before reaching the ground, surrounded by huge rocky walls. Depending on the time of year, this waterfall can be completely dry. The easiest access starts at Vale do Capão and, despite not having a good bath to cool off, it is possible to go another 3 km by car after the end of the trail to bathe in Cachoeira do Riachinho.
See the water turns to smoke before it touches the ground at Fumaça Falls
Fumaça Falls multi-day trek
The same Fumaça waterfall, but viewed from below! If you’re a camping enthusiast who loves challenging trails, consider embarking on this Chapada Diamantina trek to reach the base of Cachoeira da Fumaça. Its a breathtaking waterfall encircled by a 380-meter wall, offering a serene spot to dip and unwind.
This route is usually taken by those who want to cross the Capão Valley to Lençóis or vice versa. Along the way, you’ll pass through well-preserved forest remnants and even see ruins from the mining era. To complete the adventure, you’ll need to camp in the wilderness for 3 days, bringing all the necessary camping equipment, food, and water. It’s the perfect opportunity to immerse yourself and connect deeply with the nature around you. During the trek, you’ll have the opportunity to visit two more of Chapada Diamantina’s beautiful waterfalls, Capivara and Palmital.
Camp under the stars at Fumaça’s base and deeply immerse yourself in nature!
Poço Encantado and Poço Azul
These wells are not just a must-do list of things to do in Chapada Diamantina, they are also well-known for being postcards of this National Park! With a stunning landscape, these natural pools make you feel relaxed, delighted, and feel like you’ve travelled back in time, especially since fossils of extinct species were found at the bottom of Poço Azul. Both wells are located on private property, so it’s important to pay the entrance fee and take good care of the environment.
The Poço Encantado is one of Chapada’s aquatic marvels!
You can even float in Poço Azul with a life jacket since it has running water. However, it’s not allowed to bathe in Poço Encantado since its water comes from a non-renewable water table. It’s easy to access both wells by dirt road, with Poço Azul being in the municipality of Nova Redenção and one hour away by car from Poço Encantado, which is located in the city of Itaetê and 140 km from Lençóis. Experience and join a 7-day trip with a local guide to visit and be enchanted by them!
Floating in Poço Azul, embraced by the beauty of nature’s surroundings
Mixila Falls
If you’re up for a challenge, the trek inside the Capivari River canyon is an impressive option for what to do on the tours of Chapada Diamantina. The highlight of this trek is the 80-meter Mixila waterfall, which is truly stunning! You can complete this trail in one day if you’re in good physical shape. Alternatively, you can take your time and camp overnight to enjoy more of nature and discover other waterfalls, such as Capivari and Poção. To get to the Mixila Waterfall, you’ll need to follow the riverbed, jump over rocks, and even swim in the final stretch. Make sure to leave your backpacks at one point and only bring your bathing suit. The best way to access the waterfall is through Lençóis, followed by a 9 km car ride (we recommend a 4×4) to the beginning of the walk. The round trip is approximately 25 km.
Every step, jump, and swim is worth it to see an 80-meter cascade at Mixila Falls. – Photo: @nairaferreiraa
Sossego Falls
This stunning waterfall, with a 20-meter drop, is situated in the middle of a multi-level wall inside a canyon. It has a spacious well and is perfect for a refreshing dip and sunbathing on the stone plateaus. This Chapada Diamantina trek route is 12 km and includes breathtaking viewpoints, impressive rocks, and towering trees. It can be done in a day, starting from Lençóis. However, it is not recommended to do this trail after consecutive days of rain, as the river can rise and make the rocks slippery and dangerous. Also, be aware that one section of the trail involves walking under a large rock and is only possible when the water level is low.
Dare the slippery rocks for a dip in Sossego’s serene waters? Let’s go!
Lapa Doce Cave and Pratinha
If you’re a fan of underground exploration, don’t miss the Lapa Doce cave! Located in Iraquara, this 42 km cave system has 850 meters open to visitors. The easy route is suitable for most visitors, and you’ll witness millenary formations of stalactites, stalagmites, and curtains in limestone rooms.
Stalactites and history hang in balance in this incredible cave
After the cave, take a dip in the turquoise waters of Pratinha, where you can also go zip-lining or floating. Both Lapa Doce and Pratinha require payment on-site and a guide is essential for the cave tour.
Dive into Pratinha’s crystal waters
Ready to discover Chapada Diamantina?
Now that you know what to visit and do in Chapada Diamantina, let PlanetaEXO connect you with English-speaking professional guides for unforgettable experiences in Brazil’s National Park. Our guides not only enhance your adventure but also support sustainable travel and local communities. Discover our curated tours to Chapada Diamantina and start planning your journey today!
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