Chapada Diamantina National Park Travel Guide: Brazil’s Hidden Paradise

If you're looking for a destination in Brazil that combines breathtaking landscapes, outdoor adventure, rich history, and a touch of mysticism, look no further than Chapada Diamantina National Park.
 

Located in the heart of the state of Bahia, Chapada Diamantina offers:

Towering tabletop mountains

Hidden waterfalls

Expansive valleys

Crystal-clear rivers and caves

And multi-day trekking routes that rival those of Patagonia and the Grand Canyon.

Still off the beaten path for many international travelers, Chapada Diamantina is a natural treasure waiting to be explored.

📍 Quick Facts About Chapada Diamantina

Location: Bahia, Northeastern Brazil

Established: 1985

Area: Over 152,000 hectares

Main Towns: Lençóis, Vale do Capão, Mucugê, Igatu

Best time to visit: April to October (dry season)

Known for: Canyons, waterfalls, caves, trekking

🌄 Top Things to Do in Chapada Diamantina

1. 🏔️ Hike to Morro do Pai Inácio

The iconic symbol of Chapada Diamantina, Morro do Pai Inácio offers a 360-degree panoramic view of the park's plateaus and valleys.

Short but steep hike (~20 minutes)

Ideal at sunset

View of Vale do Capão, surrounding mesas, and endless horizon

📍 Easy access from Lençóis or Palmeiras

2. 💦 Discover Cachoeira da Fumaça (Smoke Waterfall)

At 340 meters, Cachoeira da Fumaça is one of Brazil’s tallest waterfalls.

Two access routes:
🥾 Top view (via Vale do Capão) – 12 km round trip hike
🏞️ Bottom view (via Lençóis) – multi-day hike, much more difficult

💨 The water disperses into mist before hitting the ground — hence the name “Smoke Falls.”

3. 🕳️ Swim in Poço Azul and Poço Encantado

These are subterranean water caves where sunlight filters through crystal waters, creating magical blue glows.

Poço Azul: You can snorkel inside the cave

Poço Encantado: No swimming, but view the light beam effect during April to September

✨ Must-see natural wonders for photographers and nature lovers.

4. 🏞️ Trek Through Vale do Pati (Pati Valley)

One of the best multi-day hikes in South America.

Duration: 3 to 5 days

Includes: Waterfalls, canyons, highland savannas, and homestay lodging

Requires guide (recommended for logistics and safety)

🏕️ Experience the raw beauty of Brazil, far from the cities and crowds.

5. 🌊 Relax at Ribeirão do Meio

Just a short hike from Lençóis, this natural waterslide carved into rock is a fun and refreshing stop.

Slide down smooth stone into a natural pool

Easy walk (~3.5 km) through forest and small rivers

Ideal for a half-day excursion

🌿 Great for families and casual travelers.

🏙️ Main Towns and Bases for Exploring the Park

1. Lençóis – The Main Gateway

Historic town with colonial charm

Tours, guides, restaurants, hostels, and hotels

Best for first-time visitors

2. Vale do Capão

Bohemian village surrounded by nature

Yoga, vegetarian cafés, organic markets

Perfect for eco-tourism and retreats

3. Mucugê & Igatu

Further south, closer to Poço Azul and Encantado

Stone streets and old mining architecture

Less touristy, more serene

🚙 Rent a car or take transfers to explore beyond Lençóis.

🚶‍♂️ Best Hiking Trails in Chapada Diamantina

🧭 Always hike with a guide for longer or lesser-known trails.

🏨 Where to Stay

Lençóis

High-end: Canto das Águas Hotel, Hotel de Lençóis

Mid-range: Pousada Vila Serrano, Pousada Casa de Jorge

Budget: Albergue Chapada Hostel, HI Hostel Lençóis

Vale do Capão

Eco-lodges and rustic pousadas like:

Vale do Capão Pousada

Pousada Lendas do Capão

Pousada Tatu Feliz

🏡 Many homestays are available in Pati Valley for trekking routes.

🍲 What to Eat in Chapada Diamantina

Local cuisine reflects a mix of Bahian and sertanejo (inland) influences.

Must-try Dishes:

Moqueca – Fish stew with coconut milk

Feijão tropeiro – Beans with cassava flour and sausage

Godó de banana – Savory plantain stew

Tapioca pancakes – Sweet or savory, gluten-free

🌱 Vegetarian and vegan options are abundant in Vale do Capão.

Recommended Restaurants

🍛 Cozinha Aberta (Lençóis) – Farm-to-table Brazilian dishes

🍕 Sabor da Serra – Wood-fired pizzas with local ingredients

🥬 Ciranda Café (Capão) – Vegetarian, organic plates

🍲 Flor do Capão – Riverfront views and cozy ambiance

🎒 What to Pack for Chapada Diamantina

🥾 Hiking boots or sturdy trail shoes

🧢 Sun hat and sunscreen

🧴 Bug repellent

🎒 Daypack

💧 Water bottle with filter or purification tablets

🌧️ Light rain jacket (even in dry season, sudden showers occur)

🩳 Swimsuit and towel

📸 Camera or smartphone with extra battery

🗺️ Offline maps or GPS app

🚗 How to Get to Chapada Diamantina

✈️ Nearest Airport:

Lençóis Airport (LEC) – Small airport, limited flights

Salvador (SSA) – Major international gateway (6-7 hours by road)

🚌 By Bus

Buses from Salvador to Lençóis (via Real Expresso or Rápido Federal)

Duration: ~6–8 hours

Comfortable, overnight options available

🚙 Car rental is recommended for flexibility, especially if visiting multiple towns or remote trails.

📅 Best Time to Visit

🌡️ Average temps: 16°C to 30°C depending on altitude and season.

🎉 Events & Cultural Tips

Festival de Lençóis (July) – Live music in the mountains

São João (June) – Traditional dance and food festivals

Carnival – Quieter than Rio; focus on culture and nature

🎶 Expect a mix of forró, folk, and instrumental mountain music.

🧭 Responsible Travel Tips

Chapada Diamantina is a fragile ecosystem, part of Brazil’s Cerrado and Atlantic Forest biomes.

Respect the environment:

🗑️ Take all trash with you

🚯 Do not disturb wildlife

💡 Use local guides and homestays to support communities

🧴 Avoid soaps or shampoos in rivers

🔥 No campfires unless designated

🌿 Protecting the park ensures future generations can enjoy its wonders too.

🏞️ Why Chapada Diamantina Is Worth Visiting

In a country known for beaches and festivals, Chapada Diamantina is a completely different Brazil — one of peace, wild landscapes, and spiritual energy.

Here, you'll find:

Epic views without the crowds

Authentic mountain communities

Unforgettable treks and waterfalls

Natural beauty that rivals any destination in South America