North-East Region, State of Bahia
Chapada Diamantina Travel Guide
Swimming in waterfalls, hiking, rock-climbing: Everyone agrees - there's magic in the air here
Chapada Diamantina is a national park in Bahia, known for its dramatic landscapes, including towering waterfalls, caves, and magical valleys. The region was once famous for diamond mining, but is now a major destination for hiking, with trails leading to the famous Vale do Pati hike and numerous waterfalls. The most famous attractions include the Fumaça Waterfall, Brazil's tallest waterfall, Sossego Waterfall, Poço Azul, Pratinha Cave, and many more. The towns of Lencois and Vale do Capao serve as the main gateway to the park.
Top 5 Things to See & Do in Chapada Diamantina
Embark on the 3-4 day Vale do Pati hike
Hike to Cachoeira da Fumaça (Fumaca Waterfall)
Explore the Pratinha Cave
Swim at Poço Azul
Climb Morro do Pai Inácio for sunset
Closest airport
Coronel Horácio de Mattos Airport (LEC) (flights only to Belo Horizonte), or Salvador International Airport (SSA)
Main bus terminal
Terminal Rodoviário de Lençóis
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Main ports
How to get to Chapada Diamantina
Chapada Diamantina has several towns that are commonly visited by tourists. Three of the major towns are Lençóis, Vale do Capão, and Palmeiras, with Lençóis being the largest town.
How to get to Chapada Diamantina from Salvador
Lencois and Palmeiras can be reached by bus from Terminal Rodoviário de Salvador. When entering Chapada Diamantina, the bus will first pass through Lençóis before continuing on to Palmeiras. From Palmeiras, there is a regular car transfer as well as taxis to go to Vale do Capão.
The trip takes around 7 hours, so it is ideal to travel overnight. Seats do sell out, especially on the one overnight bus per day, so its best to book your ticket in advance.
How to get to Chapada Diamantina from Itacare
If travelling to Chapada Diamantina from Southern Bahia (such as from Itacaré), it is not necessary to travel via Salvador. Save time and money by changing buses in Feira de Santana.
How to get to Chapada Diamantina from Belo Horizonte
Lençóis Airport (LEC) only has one non-stop route, connecting it with Belo Horizonte. The flight takes around 2 hours.
How to get around Chapada Diamantina
Many of Chapada Diamantina's attractions, including natural pools and waterfalls, that can be visited by hiking from the towns of Lençóis and Vale do Capão.
Some attractions that are further from town will require travel by car. Renting a car is an ideal way to visit several attractions in one day. Hitchhiking is also common among locals, but may be difficult without some understanding Portuguese.
There are several tour companies who offer day tours to several of the parks attractions for those who don't have their own transportation.
How to get from Lencois to Vale do Capao
To get to Vale do Capao from Lencois, you will need to travel by bus to Palmeiras, and then take a minivan or car to Capao:
Bus from Lencois to Palmeiras: There are three busses per day from Lencois to Palmeiras, usually scheduled at 5.20am, 2.50pm, and 7.50pm. This bus will rarely run on time, likely at least half an hour late. The trip, run by Guanabara, takes around 1 hour and costs R$15+.
Palmeiras to Vale do Capao: After arriving in Palmeiras, there are three ways to reach Capao: by minivan, a shared car, or a private taxi. The trip from Palmeiras to Capao takes around 1 hour on a dirt road.
Minivan from Palmeiras Bus Station to Capao: A minivan to Vale do Capao departs from the Palmeiras bus station at 6am everyday, and costs R$25.
Minivan from Palmeiras Town Centre to Capao: There is a minivan departing from the center of town, in front of Lanchonete Paladar (map). This minivan departs at 11am, 1pm, 3pm, and 5pm from Monday to Friday, and at 12pm and 5pm on Saturdays. This trip costs R$25.
Shared car: For this arriving in Palmeiras by bus, there is sometimes a shared car waiting at the station to drive passengers from Palmeiras to Capao. This option is almost always available for those arriving on the morning bus, and often for the afternoon bus. The trip costs R$25.
Arriving in Palmeiras at night: There is no minivan or shared car available if you arrive in Palmeiras on the evening bus, the only option available at this time is to take a taxi.
Taxis: In the case that the minivan and shared car is unavailable, full, or you prefer a private transfer, taxis are also available for R$120 (R$30 per person, if the car is full). You must pay for the entire car even if you have fewer passengers. You may be charged more if travelling later at night.
Make sure to bring enough cash to pay for this trip, as well as your return journey.
How to get from Vale do Capao to Lencois
To get to Lencois from Vale do Capao, you will need to first travel by car or minivan to Palmeiras, and then take a bus to Lencois:
Vale do Capao to Palmeiras: There is a minivan departing from the carpark in front Quinca's Cafe (map) everyday at 10.30am and 8pm. There are also vans at 6.20am, 7.20am and 8.20am from Monday to Friday, and a van at 6.20am on Saturdays.
The trip costs R$25, and it is recommended to book the trip in advance to secure your spot. You can book by visiting the agency in town (map), or by messaging on on Whatsapp.
Taxis are available for R$120 (R$30 per person, if the car is full). You must pay for the entire car even if you have fewer passengers. You may be charged more if travelling later at night.
Make sure to save enough cash to pay for this trip as there is no ATM in Capao.
Bus from Palmeiras to Lencois: There are three busses per day from Palmeiras to Lencois, usually scheduled at 7.50am, 12.35pm, and 21.50pm. The trip, run by Guanabara, takes around 1 hour and costs R$15+.
Things to know before you go
The two main towns in Chapada Diamantina are Lencois and Vale do Capao, each offering a different vibe and access to different attractions within the park. Lencois has more established tourist infrastructure, while Vale do Capao has more of a laid-back hippy feel.
There are several attractions including rivers, rock-pools, hikes and waterfalls located near each town. Lencois is the more common starting point for the 3 day Vale do Pati hike.
Main Attractions near Lençóis
Ribeirão do Meio: A natural waterslide and pool located just 45 minute walk (around 3 km) from Lençóis. The area has numerous rockpools to swim in, and various areas to sit and relax in the sun. Sometimes you will find one or two people selling cold drinks by the river. If you prefer to avoid the crowd, just walk a little further down the river and you can find a private rock pool.
Serrano Pools: Natural rock pools with mineral-rich waters located just a 15-minute walk from Lençóis town center. Cachoeira da Primavera, as well as Salão de Areias Coloridas, a series of small caves with vibrantly colored sands, are located near the Serrano Pools. For rock climbers, Serrano also has numerous climbing and bouldering walls. There is a R$20 fee to enter, valid for three days.
Cachoeira do Sossego: A secluded waterfall, accessed via a moderate 3-hour hike through valleys and riverbeds.
Poço do Diabo: A large waterfall and swimming spot with reddish waters, located about 18 km from Lençóis, also popular for rappelling and ziplining.
Poço Azul: A mesmerizing underground cave filled with clear, blue water where visitors can snorkel, located near the town of Nova Redenção, about 50 km from Lençóis.
Poço Encantado: A crystal-clear underground pool in a large cave, where sunlight illuminates the water, giving it a magical blue glow, located 50 km from Lençóis.
Pratinha Farm: A beautiful spring-fed lake with clear waters, perfect for swimming and snorkeling, located near Iraquara, about 30 km from Lençóis, also offering zipline and cave diving activities.
Main Attractions near Vale do Capão
Cachoeira da Fumaça por Cima: A stunning viewpoint of the tallest waterfall in Brazil (340 meters), reached via a 2-hour hike from the start of the trail, just outside Vale do Capão.
Rio Preto: Just one hour hike from the centre of Vale do Capão. The area provides a big swimming hole, and several smaller waterfalls. An ideal place to relax for an afternoon.
Cachoeira do Riachinho: A picturesque waterfall and swimming spot, located just a few kilometers from Capão.
Morrão (Morro do Pai Inácio): A popular peak with panoramic views of the entire Chapada Diamantina region, accessible by a short but steep hike.
Cachoeira do Purificação: A relatively hidden waterfall reached via a challenging trek from Capão, known for its pristine waters.
Cachoeira da Angélica: A tranquil waterfall near Capão, often visited together with Cachoeira do Purificação.
Bomba: A peaceful spot along the Capão River with swimming holes and rocks to relax on, located near the village.
Accomodation in Chapada Diamantina
If you are wondering where to stay in Chapada Diamantina, there are several options ranging from hotels to campsites. Lençóis has a variety of hotels, pousadas (guesthouses), and hostels to chose from. While Vale do Capão also offers pousadas and hostels, though fewer choices than in Lencois, camping is also a popular choice.
It is also possible to take longer hiking trips and camp outside of town if you bring your own tent. It's best to check your plan with a local guide ahead of time to make sure you are permitted to camp in the areas you plan to visit.
Are there ATMs in Chapada Diamantina
There are ATMs located in Lencois and in Palmeiras, the town you pass through before reaching Vale do Capao. Capao itself does not have an ATM and you will likely need cash to get back to Palmeiras, so make sure to plan ahead for this.
