Poço Encantado and Poço Azul: when to see the light beam

Anyone looking for photos of Chapada Diamantina ends up seeing the same scene: a sunbeam entering through a cave crevice and lighting up the water in a blue that looks unreal. This light appears in Poço Encantado and Poço Azul, and both are visited on the same day tour. But it doesn't appear all year round or at just any time. Going in the right month and arriving at the right time changes the experience.

When the light beam appears

The beam depends on the position of the sun, so each pool has its own window:

• Poço Encantado: from April to the beginning of September, between 10:00 and 14:00.

• Poço Azul: from March to October, between 12:00 and 15:00.

Outside of these months, both remain beautiful. The water is so transparent that you can see the bottom and it's hard to tell where it begins. Just don't expect the light beam cutting through the water.

Poço Encantado: for viewing only

Poço Encantado is located in the south of Chapada, and the way from Lençóis to there is long. The pool is 60 meters deep, and the visit is for contemplation only: entering the water is not allowed. This is part of what keeps the water so clean and the color so intense, with the reflection of minerals making everything blue.

Poço Azul: here you can get in the water

From Poço Encantado it is another 50 minutes on the road to Poço Azul, another easily accessible cave. The difference is that here swimming is allowed. The site itself provides a life jacket and mask, and you float on water so clear that it feels like you are in the air.

Before entering, taking a shower is mandatory. It removes sunscreen, makeup, perfume, repellent, and cream, which harm the water quality. So there is no point in applying sunscreen right before: leave it for after the swim.

What the day is like

Departure is at 8:00 from Lençóis, and return is around 17:00. It is 286 km by car round trip and only 2 km of walking, so the tour is easy for almost everyone, including those who are not used to trails. After swimming in Poço Azul, there is time to have lunch at one of the local restaurants, with hearty and typical food from the region.

Included are the guide, transport, travel insurance, and the briefing before departure. Food, drinks, and extras are on your own.

What to bring

• Swimwear under your clothes, for Poço Azul.

• Towel and a change of dry clothes for the return.

• Sunscreen and repellent to use only after swimming.

• Cash or card for lunch and drinks.

Want to know if your dates fall during the light season? Send us a message and we will plan the day with you. If you want to combine it with other tours, see the multi-day packages or the visit to the caves and Morro do Pai Inácio.

Check dates for Poço Encantado.