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Chapada Diamantina
The national park of Chapada Diamantina is located in the very heart of Bahia in the north east of Brazil. Literally translated it means the diamond highlands and is one of the best trekking areas inside Brazil. The park contains part of the Espinhaco Mountain range which begins to the south, in the state of Minas Gerais.
The range is more of a high plateau than a true mountain range, containing a series of flat topped, sedimentary rock mountains and lush green valleys. This makes it an ideal walking destination, whether it is a long flat day walk or a more challenging 3 to 4 day trek.
The rugged beauty of the park is due to the sharp topography – deeps valleys, tall isolated peaks (the highest is 1700 metres), open plains and shady canyons. Intertwined with these sculptured rocks are almost uncountable cold mountain streams, spectacular waterfalls and deep natural swimming pools. All of this makes it a very diverse destination, whether it be; trekking, exploring caves, bathing in natural swimming holes, swimming under waterfalls or walking through some of the most welcoming and characteristic towns in the country. THINGS TO SEE AND DO
Lencois. This is the main town and the base for all expeditions into the park. This small town has cobbled streets, colonial architecture, a wide range of local restaurants and bars and small nearby hills affording views of the some of the nicest plazas in the country.
Sunset at Morro do Pai Inácio - Father Inácio's Hill. This is a short drive outside of Lencois and involves a walk of approximately 15min to its top - 1240m. From the top you have spectacular views of Chapada, revealing a series of flat topped mountains that are so characteristic of this landscape. Fumaca Waterfall. A full day’s walk takes you to the Cachoeira da Fumaça (Smoke Falls) which has a 340 metre drop. The wind prevents the water ever reaching the bottom, carrying it upwards, forming a curtain of droplets - thus the name "smoke"
Buracao Waterfall. One of the most beautiful places at Chapada. A waterfall with a 100 metre drop located in an impressive canyon. The “Cachoeira do Buracão” (Big hole Waterfall) can only be reached by swimming through a canyon, where you have the chance to swim under the falls itself. Remainder of the day is spent swimming in the surrounding water holes, rapids and natural ‘Jacuzzi’s’.
Igatu & Mucuge. Both of these small towns are well worth visiting. Containing an abundance of colonial architecture, lined with cobbled streets and small shops. The town of Igatu is made entirely of the local rock and has some of the most welcoming locals anywhere. Well worth a beer at bar Igatu! Poço Encantado (Enchanted Pool) The most visited places in Chapada, Poço Encantado is a pool of crystal clear blue water, formed of limestone. The pool is around 100m long and 50m wide, and with a maximum depth of 61m. Between April and the beginning of September, especially in June and July, a single ray of sun reaches the surface of the pool and the play of light gives it a magical atmosphere. |
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