With more days to enjoy, on this itinerary we'll explore the north and the south of Chapada Diamantina, alternating days of longer hikes with quieter days. We'll swim in the Pratinha Cave and walk inside the Lapa Doce Cave, visit Poço Azul and Poço Encantado, with their crystal-clear blue water, and see Morro do Pai Inácio. We'll also visit the Mosquito Waterfall, Poço do Diabo and the impressive Fumaça and Buracão waterfalls. Finally, we'll explore Parque da Muritiba and Ribeirão do Meio, the natural waterslide.
Day by day
The itinerary, day by day
Day 1: Caves with Morro do Pai Inácio
We begin our journey at the Lapa Doce Cave, in the municipality of Iraquara, the city of caves. Full of speleological formations, the cave impresses with its size. It is 42 km long, but not all of it is open to visitors; some areas are reserved for researchers only.
We continue to the Pratinha Cave, where you swim in the crystal-clear Pratinha River. Pratinha also offers extra activities (paid separately) such as snorkeling inside the cave, zip line, kayak and pedal boat. Still in the Pratinha complex, we visit the Gruta Azul (Blue Cave), with crystal-clear water and an intense blue reflection, where swimming is forbidden and only viewing is allowed. Finally, we'll visit Morro do Pai Inácio, at 1,150 meters of altitude, to take in the panoramic view of Chapada Diamantina. This spot is known as the postcard of Chapada Diamantina, because it sums up all the beauty of this natural paradise. We'll return at nightfall.
Moderate- Departure
- 08:00
- Return
- 17:00
- Driving distance
- 128.3 km
- Walking
- 7.4 km
Day 2: Mosquito Waterfall and Poço do Diabo
After breakfast, we'll drive to Fazenda Santo Antônio, 40 km from Lençóis. From there, just 2 km of walking takes us to the Mosquito Waterfall. The 70-meter waterfall gets its name from the tiny diamonds, called mosquitos, that were found in the diamond-mining days. On the way back, we'll have time to enjoy a delicious lunch of regional food at the farm's restaurant.
We continue to the Rio Mucugezinho swimming area, beside the BR 242 highway, which has a lovely natural pool and a shop selling stone handicrafts. Walking another 20 minutes down along the river, we reach Poço do Diabo, a 20-meter waterfall with a large pool for swimming. Rappelling and zip line are available at Poço do Diabo (optional). Return in the late afternoon.
Moderate- Departure
- 08:00
- Return
- 17:00
- Driving distance
- 100 km
- Walking
- 4 km
Day 3: Poço Encantado and Poço Azul
We'll leave Lençóis for the south of Chapada Diamantina to visit Poço Encantado, one of the region's most famous attractions. The pool is 60 meters deep and only viewing is allowed, no swimming. The water is so clear, and the light so intense, that you can see the bottom and can't quite tell where the water ends. Next, we'll drive another 50 minutes to Poço Azul, another easy-access cave where, unlike Poço Encantado, swimming is allowed. Life vests and snorkel masks are provided on site. A shower is also required beforehand to remove residues (sunscreen, makeup, perfume, repellent and creams) that can affect the water quality.
After the swim, we'll have time for lunch at one of the local restaurants, with generous portions of typical regional food, and then head back to Lençóis. It's worth mentioning that both places have beams of light that make the experience even more special, a true natural show!
At Poço Encantado, the sunbeams appear between April and early September, between 10:00 and 14:00. At Poço Azul, the phenomenon appears between March and October, between 12:00 and 15:00.
Low- Departure
- 08:00
- Return
- 17:00
- Driving distance
- 286 km
- Walking
- 2 km
Day 4: Buracão Waterfall
We'll leave very early for the Buracão Waterfall, one of the most incredible attractions in Chapada Diamantina. It is 28 km from the town of Ibicoara, and the trail there passes other beautiful waterfalls, such as Buracãozinho, the Orquídeas Waterfall and the Recanto Verde Waterfall. The Buracão Waterfall drops 85m and sits at the end of a narrow canyon corridor with huge rock walls and cold, dark, foamy water. It's a stunning, grand sight.
Life vests are mandatory once you reach the gorge, and you can reach the waterfall by swimming or by walking along the rock walls.
Low- Departure
- Lençóis – 06:00 / Mucugê – 08:00
- Return
- 17:00
- Driving distance
- 520 km from Lençóis / 370 km from Mucugê
- Walking
- 6 km
Day 5: Parque da Muritiba
Just a few meters from the town center, Parque da Muritiba is a circuit of attractions known as the “backyard” of Lençóis residents. In the morning, we'll set off on foot and visit the Caldeirões do Serrano, Cachoeirinha, the Primavera Waterfall, the Lençóis Lookout, Poço Halley and the Salão de Areias Coloridas (Colored Sands Hall).
In the afternoon, with access from the other side of town, we'll continue to Ribeirão do Meio, one of the region's most popular attractions, known for its natural waterslide and a large pool for swimming. On this day, we recommend bringing an extra pair of shorts if you want to go down the natural slide. Return in the late afternoon.
Day 6: Sossego Waterfall
In the municipality of Lençóis, the Sossego Waterfall is the best option for anyone who wants a more demanding hike. No support vehicle is needed, and the tour starts on foot right after breakfast. The trail to the Sossego Waterfall has three stages. First, the hike starts on mostly flat ground. Then comes an uphill stretch, and finally we hop from rock to rock along the bed of the Ribeirão River until we reach the waterfall. We'll have time to rest, have a snack and take a refreshing swim.
Moderate- Departure
- 08:00
- Return
- 17:00
- Walking
- 14 km
What's included
- Private car for the group
- Specialized guide
- Travel insurance
- Entrance fees to the attractions
- Briefing
Not included
- Meals (lunches, snacks and dinners)
- Drinks
- Extra activities at the attractions
What to bring
- Hiking boots or sneakers
- Small backpack (20/30L) to carry water, snacks and personal belongings
- Light, quick-drying clothes to wear on the hikes
- A warm layer for the evenings, especially in higher towns such as Mucugê, Igatu and Vale do Capão
- Medium-thickness socks, which are more comfortable on longer hikes
- Swimsuit / Bikini / Swim trunks
- Cap / Hat
- Towel – we recommend always keeping 1 small towel in your backpack during the tours
- Sunscreen and insect repellent
- Rain jacket