Description
- Hiking in the table top mountains of the Chapada Diamantina
- Swimming in waterfalls
- Camping and sleeping in native’s houses
The Chapada Diamantina Nationalpark
The National Park of the Chapada Diamantina (Diamond Plateau) is one of the most fascinating natural parks of Brazil. Its size is more than 375,000 acres. Known as Chapada Diamantina, this scenery mountain range runs north and south through the state of Bahia, with an average altitude of over 1,000 m (3,000 ft), offers some of the most amazing landscapes you can find in the country.
The park, established in 1985, contains an extraordinary variety of ecosystems, like Cerrado, Mata Atlantica, and Caatinga, and is the home of many species of plants and animals. In its area you can find different species bromeliads and orchids. The highest mountains reach 1,800 m (5,660 ft) and they offer shelter to jaguatiricas (local breed of feline), mocós (local rodents), deer's and teiús (local reptile find a privilege ambiance).
What is now a jewel of the ecotourism, was once a refugee of precious stones hunters. The cities that border the National Park are filled with colonial buildings representing the architecture of this time, a vivid memory of the richness of the diamonds, which made Brazil the first world producer of the stone during the beginnings of the 20th century. Lençois, (pronounced len-soiz), the main village in the Chapada, lies 400 km (250 mi) west of Salvador. The city grew up around the huge diamond boom in the region in the mid-1800's. At one stage it had a population of 30,000, but as a result of the discovery of diamonds in South Africa, the town began to go into decline.
Today, the town is considered National Monument due to its important examples of residential architecture from the 19th century. The trails opened by the garimpeiros (searchers of precious minerals) today works for the enjoyment of hikers and trekkers from around the world. It is still possible to encounter old garimpeiros in the area, who experienced and lived the diamond rush that made the area famous. Most of the attractions at the Chapada are the trails to caves, hills and waterfalls that have as departure point the city of Lençóis.
Everything in the Chapada is wonderful, but the waterfalls deserve special attention. The most famous is the Cachoeira da Fumaça, the highest fall in the country, where the water does not have sufficient volume to overcome the drop of 380 meters and the force of the wind cooperates in transforming the water into vapour – a real spectacle. Other like the Cachoeira do Sossego and the Cachoeira do Buracão are among the most beautiful of Brazil. And the Chapada offers much more… The caverns of Lapa Doce and Pratinha, the amazing hills of the Capão Valley and the incredible blue waters of the Poço Encantado complete this wonderful scenario.
The landscape of the hills of the Chapada is a creation of the erosion process that the region have suffered that began in the Pre-Cambrian period, forming towers of minerals known as tepuy by the local Indians that dominated the region before the arrival of the first settlers or bandeirantes, around the year 1750. The most astonishing tepuy's like the Tambor hilltop, the Calumbi (also known as Morro do Camelo, or “camel back“), and the Morro do Pai Inácio, challenge time and feed the local legends. One good example is the Legend of Pai Ignacio that tells a story of a slave that fell in love with his colonel’s wife. Chased by the guards, he found a refugee in the top of the mountain, from where a dazzling sunset can be seen. When he was found, he preferred to throw himself into the abyss instead of being captured…
The main rivers of the area begin in the hidden rocks of the Chapada. The Paraguaçu and the de Contas rivers cave deep canyons in the hills and planes, creating a scenery of divine beauty. The same Rio das Contas will reach the ocean in the city of Itacaré, hundreds of kilometers further.
All these make Chapada Diamantina the perfect place in terms of adventure and integration with nature.
Itinerary
Itinerary
Day 1
Lençóis, Rio Ribeirão, Toca da Onça, Cachoeira do Palmital, and Cachoeira do Capivara
You will be picked up at your Pousada around 7 am and meet our team that will lead and accompany you for the next 8 days. Starting with an easy 40-minutes warm-up hike to the Rio Ribeirão river, from where we then proceed to the Serra do Veneno hills. After 2½ hours uphill hike we reach the Toca da Onça (“jaguar cave”), our first lunch spot with a stunning view into the surrounding valleys. The afternoon offers a one hour hike to the Cachoeira do Palmital (“palm grove waterfall”) after a refreshing bath in the waterfall we continue to the Cachoeira do Capivara, another waterfall and camp site for our first night.
7-8 hours on route
Day 2
Cachoeira da Fumaça from below, and Toca do Macaco
After breakfast a short hike of about 1 hour takes us to our 2nd camp site at Toca do Macaco (“monkeys cave”) to drop off our luggage there. Without all the weight on our backs we will then be ready to explore some of the Chapada’s lusciously green and best preserved areas. Again we will have the chance for a swim in the Cachoeira da Fumaça waterfall, before the return to our camp.
6 hours on route
Day 3
Serra do Macaco, Cachoeira da Fumaça from above, and Vale do Capão
Our day begins with uphill trekking to the Serra do Macaco mountains, one of the most challenging trails that we will have to face. But once we are up there we will be rewarded with astonishing views and a dive in an enchanting natural swimming pool. Here we settle for a picnic. Wanting to stay here forever we need to move on for the Cachoeira da Fumaça waterfalls, where we have been swimming the day before. Now we will appreciate however the views at the top of the fall. It is the largest waterfall in Chapada Diamantina offering spectacular 360° view over the region. 2 more hours of trekking until we reach our Pousada guest house, where we will stay for the night.
7 hours on route
Day 4
Guiné, Gerais do Rio Preto, Rampa, and Igrejinha
We will be picked up by car and leave the Vale do Capão (“dome valley”), where we passed the last days, heading to a region called Guiné (1½ hour drive). After arriving there, we will be trekking uphill for 50 minutes through dense vegetation to the Gerais do Rio Preto, a plain with little vegetation, a landscape that reminds slightly of an African savannah. Another 1½ hours to the Rio Preto river (“”black river”); time for a bath in the river and lunch. We continue trekking over the plains until arriving at Rampa, a viewpoint offering an amazing sight over the entire Vale do Pati valley.
One hour left till we reach the tiny village Igrejinha (“tiny church”), where we will be invited in some local’s house for the night.
7 hours on route
Day 5
Cachoeirão from above
A great breakfast will be in our hosts kitchen is prepared by our head guide. We set off in direction of Gerais do Rio Preto, a wonderful trail to the top of Cachoeirão. The Cachoeirão is formed out of over 20 waterfalls with an abysm of 280 metres. We return descending the crack leading to the home of a native called Prefeitura (“city hall”) from where a stunning view over the valley and where the rock formation called Castelo unfolds. Dinner and overnight in Igrejinha at same place as the night before.
6 hours on route
Day 6
Gruta do Morro do Castelo
The day begins with a 1,5 hour hike to the base of the Morro do Castelo mountain (“castle hill”, 1.470 m altitude), where we will drop off our backpacks and start the ascent. We will cross the Gruta do Castelo caves and enjoy a stunning view over the surrounding valleys. Return via the same trail. Dinner and overnight in the house of our local host, Dona Raquel.
6 hours on route
Day 7
Poção
Today we are having our well-deserved break, meaning that today’s trails will be shorter and less challenging. We’ll be walking for about 20 minutes to the shore where the Pati river encounters the Lapinha river, with time for a bath before we continue trekking for roughly 2 hours through dense forest. Another break on the old bridge of the Pati river. You should not miss out to take a swim in the Poção (“big pond”). After 35 more minutes to hike, one river-crossing and we will arrive in the house of senhora Jóia, where we will stay for the night.
5 hours on route
Day 8
Ladeira do Império, Serra do Ramalho, and the Historic City of Andaraí
Our last trekking day unfolds before us. Today we’re facing the major challenge of our adventure, the climb up the Ladeira do Império (“empires slope”). Once up there we’ll be rewarded for our effort, with one of the most amazing views of the entire trekking. From now on we will be descending. We’ll see the Marimbus (wetlands of the Chapada) before entering the Canyon of the Ramalho waterfall and pass by at several abandoned gold and diamond mines until we reach the historical town of Andairai. We will now be picked up by car and taken back to our Pousada in Lençois, not without stopping by the Poço Azul, a grotto of limestone formation with crystal clear water of bluish tinge – a great spot for our last swim. We have now reached the end of our 8-day trekking adventure through the Chapada Diamantina National Park.
6 hours on route
Day 9
Return to Salvador
End of out services.
Guest Comments
Guest Comments
Ernst-Wilhelm and Irene / Dietmar and Toni Schmitz
Germany
Hello Peter,
yes, everything is fine at home. The trip was super and everything was well organized and worked out smoothly. Unfortunately we have already been embraced by the gritty nitty of our daily business as much work has been accumulated while we had fun. I have to make it short, though. When time allows we will be sending you a compete and - very positive - report on our journey with Southern Cross Tours.
Our re-union was of the kind you want to have it. We went along very well as we did 40 years ago , although we only met some 3 times after that. I am attachng a picture of us at the Chapada Diamantinna and a scenic picture from the Chapada Diamantina which you an use according to your discretion.
Hello Mr. Rohmer
no objection at all, you can definitely place the picture on your homepage, Ich can only agree with the comments of my friends, it has been an extraordinary experience. The Natur in the Chapada Diamantina Nationalpark, to witness the simple and tough way of living of the families who live there and having the chance to be part of it for a few days, exposes the perception that one can be happy even without the achievements of the our times. The tour was perfectly organized.
The Pousada in Lençois at Donna Christl was a successful start. A special thanks goes to your guide Toni, who was very knowledgeable about important issues like nature, the region, the environment and its residents.On top he was also a very pleasant person. I had plenty of time to spend with my old buddy from University Ernst Wilhelm. While were were trekking and trailing we talked about a lot of things we remembered from past times. Allso Acnim, your guide in Salvador gave his best despite a horrible rainy weather. We could feel the pre-carnival atmosphere in that lively city as a contrast to all the places full of history.
In all, it was a very successful tour, the one that you would like to do again.
Many Greetings,
Dietmar Schmitz
J. D. Scheurer
Crozet, France
Hello Peter,
my trip went well with some floating times, without gravity. After 2 weeks in Venezuela, I crossed the border in night bus, I joined Manaus, 11 hours of travel but very comfortable. The Seringal Hotel great location and comfortable. I attended two performances at the Amazonas Theatre, costume contest for the carnival, lots of atmosphere.
It was expected Anavilhanas 7 days but after 5 days we returned to Novo Airão, according Gean guidelines. The problem has been resolved and we left two days in the forest, in a very interesting place. We found 3 friendly natives, we could fish in the igarape.
Return to Manaus. Flight to Salvador, visiting the city with a very interesting guide and French. A good day, I tasted the specialities of Bahia. The hotel also good, near the historic centre.
Departure to Lençóis in comfortable bus. Eight fantastic days with Tony, a very friendly guide, which has a lot of charisma also very available. I learned a lot with Tony, he knows the Chapada as his pocket! Chapada is great, only negative there was little water in the rivers, the Cachoeira da Fumaça was dry, not a drop of water, damage!
Back in Salvador, tired, many km. up and down, and more hot, fortunately rivers for swimming.
Dense trip went too fast but very satisfied with this trip to Brazil. I still have many places to see in this country. I think go next year in the Pantanal, but as usual take my time, several days, no express trip.
Best greetings.
J. D. Scheurer
Prices & Travel Details
Prices and Travel Details
| Travel Time | 9 days / 8 nights | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Group Size | minimum 2, maximum 6 participants | |||
| Travel Dates | all year round | |||
| Prices | 6 persons | 1,105 US$ | + transfer 65 US$ | per person |
| 5 persons | 1,105 US$ | + transfer 80 US$ | per person | |
| 4 persons | 1,105 US$ | + transfer 90 US$ | per person | |
| 3 persons | 1,430 US$ | + transfer 120 US$ | per person | |
| 2 persons | 1,560 US$ | + transfer 180 US$ | per person | |
