Chapada Diamantina

Chapada Diamantina, the surrounding 376,000-acre national park, and the gateway city Lençóis, welcome you with rare natural spectacles and nostalgic charm.

Chapada Diamantina earns its place on the list of ecotourism musts in Brazil, as it holds numerous natural records and monuments. Lapão Cave is the largest quartzite cave in the Americas, excellent for experienced rappellers. In addition, there are excellent cave-lakes, some of the best being Poço Encantado and Poço Azul.

If you are an experienced cave diver, in search of an adventure, Chapada da Diamantina should be high on your list.

Fumaça Waterfall, at 1,020 feet, is one of the highest in Brazil - however, the volume of water is not sufficient to maintain its liquid state throughout the long drop to the bottom. Instead, it forms a mysterious mist just before reaching the ground. Chapada Diamantina is perhaps one of the most well known natural monuments among Brazilians.

Besides the natural attractions, the Chapada preserves historical cities from the cycle of the diamond, and a very interesting culture, stuffed of legends and histories.

Proposed Itinerary

Day 1 – Fly into Sao Paulo, Brazil

Day 2 – Lençois – Mucugê

Flight from São Paulo to Lençois. The tour starts right when you depart from Lençois in a 4 X 4 jeep to the road untill Andaraí, passing through "Toca do Morcego" and other fantastic places, until you reach the Village of Mucugê. A tour of the village is included.

Day 3 - Buracão Waterfall

After breakfast, there is a 50-mile drive to Ibicoara and then 12 miles to the entrance of the trail to Buracão Canyon. After walking about 90 minutes you reach Enchanted Falls and the Buracão Falls. Drive back to Mucugê in the afternoon. (B) (S)

Day 4 - Poço encantado, Poço azul e Xique-xique do Igatu

Morning trip to the Poço Encantado, probably the most famous postcard of Chapada. There the sun ray creates a marvelous spectacle, painting in blue the walls of the cave where this lake is located. Then we move to the Blue Lake, a wonderful cave where tourists have the opportunity to swim in another pool with similar characteristics. Going back to Mucugê you will stop in the small town of Xique Xique do Igatu to admire the ruins of an old diamond-seekers community. (B) (L)

Day 5 - Guiné - Capão Trail

After breakfast, travel by road through the dry lands of Sertão heading to Guiné. There we initiate the trail through the Pati Valley, where you will find one of the most beautiful landscapes of the Chapada Diamantina. You will arrive at the Capão village later in the afternoon, and then rest at the charming lodge "Lendas do Capão" (B)

Day 6 - Fumaça Waterfall and Riachinho

This morning start the trail to Cachoeira da Fumaça. After 40 minutes uphill you will reach the top of the mountain and then a 1-hour trail takes you to the Fumaça Falls, over 1300 feet high. On the way back, stop for an invigorating shower at the Riachinho waterfall. (B) (S)

Day 7: Gruta da Lapa Doce, Gruta Azul, Rio Pratinha & Morro do Pai Inácio

Today you will explore some of the most beautiful caverns and grottos in the region. You will start at the Lapa Doce, with more than 13 miles of galleries and incredible formations. Then move to the Gruta Azul (Blue Grotto) with its intense blue waters and the Pratinha, where you swim in the clear river inside a cave. On your way back, stop at the Morro do Pai Inácio, the best place to admire the hills of the Chapada. (B) (L)

Day 8: Roncador River e Remanso Village

Early departure to "Marimbus," – the mini-pantanal of the Chapada for a relaxing boat ride. You will then hike until the Roncador River to enjoy its beautiful waterfalls. The return to Lençois is made in a 4 X 4 jeep.

Day 9: Lençóis

Free morning to walk arond the historical streets of Lençois.

Transfer out. Departure flight back to the USA through Sao Paulo.