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With a landscape full of crystal clear lakes, underground rivers, and breathtaking waterfalls, the city of Lençóis, Bahia, and its surroundings are among the perfect destinations for unforgettable eco-adventures in Brazil. Lençóis is the main gateway to explore the glorious Chapada Diamantina National Park, an area widely popular for its scenic beauty and contrasting topography. A former diamond-mining town in the 19th century, the city is full of natural wonders, charming architecture, and incredibly, tasty local cuisine. In this blog, my aim is to provide you with a complete guide to explore Chapada Diamantina National Park and the quaint city of Lençóis.
Chapada Diamantina
Chapada Diamantina, which translates to “Diamond Plateau,” is simply a paradise for nature lovers. The scenery is full of mountains, monoliths, waterfalls and glorious caves. Most of the exploration in the park can be done by foot, although there are some hikes and tours that require car access via tour guides. One surprising element of the river water and waterfalls in the park is their dark-colored nature. Don’t let this scare you- the dark tone of the waters is simply the result of a large amount of organic matter decomposition!
Transportation
If you traveling from Rio de Janeiro or São Paulo, you can then connect to Salvador, where you can book a local commuter flight to Lençóis. Local flights tend to be rare and the most popular way of getting to Lencois from Salvador is via a seven-hour bus ride. The bus-ride is incredibly comfortable and as my chosen form of transformation, the long journey afforded me all the time I needed to catch up on my favorite reads. You can buy tickets, currently at R$99, in advance on Busbud. Buses to Lençóis leave from terminal Rodoviario de Salvador with the company Rapido Federal/ Real Expresso. Along the way, there is one rest stop for about 30 minutes before arriving in Lençóis. Unlike most rest stops, this place has one of the best buffet food selections I have ever tasted. Prepare your stomach for a delicious meal!
The bus arrives in the heart of Lençóis, which is close to the majority of accommodations in the city. Although you can reach most accommodations by foot from the bus stop, there are also taxi services available for R$30 to get you from the bus stop to your chosen accommodation.
When to Visit Chapada Diamantina
Although you can explore Chapada Diamantina National Park all year round, there are two seasons to be mindful of when exploring Chapada Diamantina National Park. The dry season, typically June-October, tends to have fewer tourists with less rainfall. I visited in early October which still had relatively good water flow and enough tourists in the region. November-April is the region’s rainy season. Although it could be incredibly beautiful visiting the waterfalls during this season, some trails like Cachoeira do Sossego could be dangerous as it requires navigating over large rocks and slippery stones. Prepare to bring sturdy hiking shoes and pack along a waterproof layer and sunblock. The busiest time to visit the region is during the holidays around Christmas, New Years, and Carnival (December – end of February) as the place tend to be packed with local tourists on vacation.
9 Incredible Things to Do in Chapada Diamantina National Park
1. Parque Municipal Da Muritiba
Start your first day in Lençóis exploring the Parque Municipal da Muritiba. Situated just few minutes away from the city center, the park is an excellent introduction to Lençóis and is not terribly demanding physically. Given most of the trails to the attractions in the park do not have clear signage, it is advisable to do the tour with a guide. You can either book your tours in advance here, coordinate with your chosen accommodation or consult local guides situated near the city center. Full of refreshing waterfalls, natural pools and beautiful geological formations, tours in the park typically last about 3-4 hours. The tour begins at Poços do Serrano (Serrano River), a set of rapids forming several wells and natural pools.
The route then continues to the beautiful Salão de Areia Coloridas, an area full of gigantic rocks full of tunnels, caves, and colorful sandstones. Previously, the colored sands were extracted to make all different types of crafts. Today, the site is protected from extraction and tourist delight in its natural geological wanders.
The wander continues to Poço Halley, where the clean water and surrounding forest invite you for a relaxing swim and contemplation of nature. Further on, you will have another calming waterfall experience at Cachoeira da Primavera, situated about a 45-minute walk from Lencois. Here, you will enjoy a relaxing bath before finishing your route at a beautiful lookout over Chapada Diamantina at Mirante de Lencois.
2. Ribeirão do Meio
Another famous attraction in Lençóis is Ribeirão do Meio. Situated just 3.5 km from Lençóis, it is fairly easy to arrive at the location on foot. Because it is situated close to the main city, Ribeirão do Meio is often full of tourists during peak season and in the afternoons. Its natural pools create a paradise setting in Chapada Diamantina. For the tourist seeking some fun and thrill, one of the highlights of the place is a natural slide that takes you straight into one of the largest pools. Enjoy taking a deep plunge and cascading into a refreshing pool at one of Chapada Diamantina’s favored swimming holes!
3. Cachoeira do Sossego
Considered one of the most beautiful attractions in Lençóis, Cachoeira do Sossego (Sossego Waterfall) is located 4 km from Ribeirão do Meio. With a beautiful waterfall 20 meters high, its the perfect location for another relaxing bath in the river. The trail to Cachoeira do Sossego is considered medium in difficulty level and is best done with a local tour guide. The trail does require extra caution during the rainy season due to trails with large rocks and slippery stones.
4. Cachoeira do Mosquito
Located 40 km away from the center of Lençóis, Cachoeira do Mosquito ( Mosquito Waterfall) is one of the few attractions in Lençóis that is accessible by car. This attraction is great if you do not enjoy hiking very much as it is entirely accessible by car! The waterfall is situated less than 15 minutes walk from the car parking lot. Unlike other waterfalls in Lençóis, the attraction charges an entry fee of R$30. The waterfall is about 70 meters high and situated among grand rocky walls . Cachoeira do Mosquito gets its name from small diamonds, called “mosquitinhos” by prospectors during Brazil’s gold rush in the 19th century.
5. Poco do Diabo
The 20-meter drop of the Poco do Diabo (Devil’s Pool) originates from the Mucugezinho River and results in a large pool ideal for swimming. The pool tends to be colder than other pools but a courageous leap into its waters will result in a refreshing swim. It is also possible to practice other activities, such as zip lining, on the site.
6. Morro Do Pai Inacio
Morro do Pai Inacio is a viewpoint that is must see in Chapada Diamantina. I recommend going there to catch the sunset as the panoramic view is simply breath-taking and a great way to wrap up a day full of hiking adventures. During your tour, the guide typically drives up a hill until arriving at a hiking point that leads to the viewpoint. The hike is relatively easy and takes about 20-30 minutes to climb up the hill.
7. Cachoeira do Buracão and Cachoeira da Fumaça
Although I never made it to these waterfalls, I have heard they are some of the most beautiful waterfalls to visit in the area. Visiting these waterfalls takes a whole day with a 14 km round trip hike. up to the top of Cachoeira da Fumaça. Once considered Brazil’s highest waterfall, until another one was discovered in the Amazon, Cachoeira da Fumaça sits 340 meters tall and its grandeur is worth a visit if you have more time to spare!
8. Vale do Pati
The Vale do Pati (Pati Valley) is another hiking trail I never got to do but it is considered one of the best hiking trails in Brazil, often compared to the Inca Trail in Peru. The hike takes you through the jungle, among native villages and overlooking a majestic rainforest valley, Mirante do Pati (Pati lookout). Mirante do Pati can be done just in one day but the Vale do Pati is normally a multi-day trek requiring a local tour guide to complete.
9. Explore Lençóis
After a long day spent hiking and enjoying the waters, Lençóis has so much to offer and incredible places to eat. Restaurante O Bode, which offers a buffet selection of regional food and amazing lamb stew, is a must-try in the region! Another place that had me coming back for more was Quilombola. I had the godó de banana (a local dish of banana stew with assorted meats) and moqueca de apanhari (regional fish dish) both times! For some amazing risotto, make sure to check out Restaurante Sabor da Serra. On the weekend, don’t forget to visit the Mercado Cultural (Cultural market) for incredible local arts and crafts.
Where to Stay in Chapada Diamantina (Lençóis)
Lençóis is the best place to stay while exploring Chapada Diamantina. From Lençóis, you have easy access to various tours/tour guides, hikes, and exceptional, local cuisine. Below are some of the best places to stay in Lençóis:
Pousada Vila Serrano
I stayed in this hotel while exploring Chapada Diamantina National Park and it was simply one of the best pousada experiences I had in Brazil! The Pousada is situated just five to six minutes from the historical center. The rooms are really spacious and clean with an incredibly comfortable bed to relax after long hikes. The Pousada is well maintained with a natural, forest vibe offering a garden, relaxing pool, and a reading room.
You can check availability on Booking.com
Viela Hostel
Viela Hostel is the best choice for visitors on a budget. The hostel has amazing reviews, with accessible distance to the center and clean, comfy rooms that are mainly dorm-style. The property also features a garden and barbecue facilities for guests to mingle and relax!
You can check availability on Booking.com
Pouso da Trilha Hospedagem
Set on a colonial house, this small hotel is located in the historical center of Lençóis and is only a 30-minute walk from the natural pools of Ribeirão do Meio and Serrano. Guests rave about its amazing breakfast and unique character. The hotel is incredibly affordable and sits in the medium to low price range.
You can check availability on Booking.com
If you enjoyed reading this blog post and found it helpful as you plan your travels, please leave me a comment. Also, make sure to check out other related articles on Brazil and its endless wonders below!
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