Ola! We are Bruna & Gabriel and welcome to our guide on Chapada Diamantina. We were born in the state of Sao Paulo and currently we travel around the world. We don’t have a fixed residence – our home is the world. Every week we are in a new and different place. Our travels began in 2020 and since then we haven’t stopped! Nowadays we work in social media content creation for brands, hotels, restaurants and other services.
We decided to explore Brazil because (after heading abroad) we wanted to learn more about our culture and show people how beautiful our country is. Brazil is a huge place with many different states, cultures and accents – which makes it vast, rich in fauna, flora, and unique people. We couldn’t call ourselves travelers without seeing our own country first!
Why Chapada Diamantina is So Special
Chapada Diamantina is one of the most amazing places we have visited in Brazil. It boasts enchanting mountains, valleys, waterfalls, lakes, animals and more. This national park is a fantastic place to hike long trails and connect with the natural world, especially through Vale do Pati.
The mountains in Chapada Diamantina reach up to 1,400 meters, several rupestrian grasslands look like paintings, the Atlantic Forest there is almost completely untouched, and the waterfalls are exuberant and imposing. The rich local culture, respect for the environment and the history surrounding coffee production makes the destination even more intense.
Everyone should visit Chapada Diamantina at least once! In addition to marveling at its beauty, you can challenge yourself with climbs and descents. During our visit, we stayed for six days. We visited Vale do Pati, Cachoeira da Fumaca, Poco Azul, Cachoeira do Buracao, Vale do Cachoeirao, Rio Lapinha, Cachoeira da Altina, Cachoeira Dos Funis, Morro do Castelo, Gruta do Castelo, Lencois and more. It was epic!
Our favorite out of those places was the view from the top of Vale do Cachoeirao and Vale do Pati. We saw it on our first day there and it was breathtaking! The view was immense and we saw everything from above, with the water flowing down over the valley. It was a thrilling moment!
5 Beautiful Places in Chapada Diamantina
1. Cachoeira da Fumaca
Cachoeira da Fumaca, in the heart of Chapada Diamantina, is one of Brazil’s greatest natural wonders. The waterfall has a height of 340 meters, captivating visitors with its majestic cascade. The vantage point overlooking the waterfall promises a breathtaking panorama, allowing people to marvel at the sheer force of nature. The journey to this viewpoint is an adventure in itself, as the trail unfolds as an incredible trek.
2. Gruta da Lapa Doce
Gruta da Lapa Doce invites you to delve into its mesmerizing depths. Within its intricate labyrinth, the cave reveals a world adorned with formations of stalactites and stalagmites – sculpted over eons by the slow dance of mineral-rich water. The play of light within the cave accentuates the beauty of the geology, creating a truly surreal atmosphere!
3. Poco do Coracao
The allure of Poco do Coracao lies in its dual nature. When observed from below, the well conceals its heart-shaped secret. However, the true magic unfolds when viewed from above, revealing a flawlessly symmetrical heart shape etched into the landscape. What further captivates visitors is the crimson hue of the water. The red tint adds a surreal quality to the scene.
4. Poco Encantado & Poco Azul
These flooded caves in Chapada Diamantina National Park are adorned with crystal-clear waters and impressive transparency. The play of sunlight within these aquatic realms produces mesmerizing visual effects, offering a unique floating experience. Visitors are treated to a unique journey as they float atop pristine waters, witnessing the interplay of light and water.
5. Vale do Capao
Vale do Capao is a charming village and a great starting point for several hiking trails within Chapada Diamantina. With its relaxed atmosphere, and vibrant blend of artists and alternative lifestyles, the village offers cultural diversity. Visitors can indulge in delicious cuisine and learn more about the local culture. It makes for a great stop on your Chapada Diamantina trip!
How to Get to Chapada Diamantina
The best way to visit Chapada Diamantina is to arrive in Salvador first and start by discovering the culture, history and food of this colorful city. Be sure to try the famous street food of Bahia called “acaraje” in the Rio Vermelho neighborhood of Salvador. After staying for a few days here, the ideal option is to travel to one of the nearby cities of Chapada Diamantina.
This could be either Lencois, Palmeiras (Vale do Capao), Mucuge, Andarai or Igatu. During our trip, we stayed at people’s homes in the Vale do Pati region. For this reason, we can’t recommend any accommodation in the area. However, it was a unique experience for us staying with locals, getting to know more about them and trying their delicious traditional food.
Once in one of these cities, the best way to reach Chapada Diamantina is to go by car or private transfer. We can recommend a trustworthy company, with an owner who spent his childhood in Vale do Pati. This company organized our trip including transport, accommodation, food, guides, tours and info. Bora Brasil Expedicoes is the name and the owner is Leonardo.
When Should You Visit Chapada Diamantina?
The dry season, from April to October, is considered the best time to visit Chapada Diamantina National Park. It produces conditions more favorable for outdoor activities because it doesn’t rain as much. However, if you don’t mind some occasional rain and want to see the waterfalls full of water, the rainy season could be an interesting time to go. Not only will the waterfalls be fuller but the natural wells will have more water as well.
We don’t recommend visiting Chapada Diamantina National Park in the months of June or July, since this is the high season in the middle of the school holidays in Brazil. It just becomes too busy with people and it’s harder to have a relaxing experience. Any other time, though, is suitable.
Tips for Your Trip to Chapada Diamantina
- Disconnect from Technology: Chapada Diamantina is all about being immersed in nature without the distractions of modern life. Limit your phone access while exploring and try to stay present in the moment – whether it be marveling at a waterfall or conversing with new people.
- Bring the Right Gear: Waterproof footwear is a must as it can get wet in parts, as well as comfortable clothing for walking long distances. Pack some mosquito repellent and sunscreen, and plenty of water to stay hydrated along the way. Snacks are also a good idea for breaks.
Keep in mind that while you don’t necessarily need to be an athlete to experience Chapada Diamantina’s charm, you still should be prepared for some physical exercise walking up and down the trails. The main thing to remember though is to have fun, meet new people, open your mind to being present with nature and learn about the history of the villages here!
