Chapada Diamantina is a hiker's paradise with numerous stunning waterfalls, natural pools, and breathtaking viewpoints. Whether you are based in Lencois or Vale do Capao during your trip to Chapada Diamantina, there are several day trips you can take to experience some of the parks best attractions.
One of the best resources for hiking in Chapada Diamantina is MapsMe, which offers accurate trail maps for these day trips. However, for longer trails or multi-day hikes, you will need a guide. Here are the 10 best day trips to add to your Chapada Diamantina itinerary.
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Day trips from Lencois
1. Ribeirão do Meio
A perfect destination for a more relaxed day trip, Ribeirão do Meio offers natural rock slides and refreshing pools. The 3.5 km trail from Lençóis is relatively easy and suitable for families, and is mostly sharded by trees. Don't forget to look out for wildlife on the way, including the tiny Sagui monkeys.
The highlight is a smooth, sloping rock that forms a natural waterslide into a large pool below. The area is ideal for swimming, sunbathing, and picnicking, making it a popular spot for both locals and tourists. On busy days, there may be someone selling cold drinks by the river.
Entrance Fee: Free
Trail Starting Point: Next to Pousada Luar do Sertão (map). Look for the stand selling coconuts by the start of the trail.
Trail Length: 3.5 km (1 hour each way)
Difficulty: Easy
2. Cachoeira do Sossego (Sossego Waterfall)
Cachoeira do Sossego is one of the must-visit spots in Chapada Diamantina, offering an adventure that combines trekking with stunning views. The trail, starting from Lençóis, takes you through rugged terrain, including riverbeds, lush vegetation, and impressive rock formations. The 20-meter high waterfall cascades into a wide pool, perfect for swimming and relaxing. Surrounding the falls are flat stone slabs where visitors can sunbathe after a refreshing dip. The hike is moderately challenging, but the reward of reaching this secluded waterfall makes the effort worthwhile. Be cautious during or after rain, as the trail can become slippery.
Entrance Fee: Free
Trail Starting Point: Starts on the same trail as Riberao do Meio, next to Pousada Luar do Sertão (map), and follow the trail to the right when you reach the river.
Trail Length: 12 km (2.5-3 hours each way)
Difficulty: Moderate
3. Piscinas Naturais do Serrano (Serrano Natural Pools)
Located just a short walk from Lençóis, the Piscinas Naturais do Serrano are natural rock pools formed by the Rio Serrano. The pools vary in size and depth, making it an ideal spot for swimming and relaxing. The area is surrounded by smooth rock formations and small waterfalls. It's also a great place to start a longer trek to other nearby attractions like Cachoeira da Primavera and the Salão de Areias (Sand Hall), known for its colorful rock patterns. This easy-to-reach spot is perfect for a relaxing day trip with minimal hiking.
Entrance Fee: R$20, valid for 3 consecutive days
Trail Starting Point: Parque Municipal da Muritiba (map)
Trail Length: 1 km (15 minutes each way)
Difficulty: Easy
4. Poço do Diabo (Devil's Well)
Poco do Diabo is a striking waterfall located on the way to Mucugê, about 18 km from Lençóis. A short 20-minute hike leads you to this dramatic waterfall, which plunges into a deep, dark pool. The name, which translates to "Devil's Pool," comes from the dark color of the water, which is caused by the minerals in the rocks. It’s a popular spot for swimming and cliff jumping for the more adventurous. Additionally, in high season you can find local guides offering rappelling and zip-lining experiences near the waterfall.
Entrance Fee: R$10
Trail Starting Point: Highway BR-242, a 25 minute drive from Lencois. Free parking at Cabana do Louro (map).
Trail Length: 500 meters (20 minutes each way)
Difficulty: Easy
5. Cachoeira do Mosquito (Mosquito Waterfall)
Cachoeira do Mosquito is another hidden gem in Chapada Diamantina. Despite its name, which translates to "Mosquito Waterfall," the name comes from the small diamonds once found in the area, not the insects! The 60-meter tall waterfall is accessible via a 2 km trail. The hike is relatively easy and offers stunning views of the canyon and surrounding cliffs. Once you reach the base of the waterfall, the mist and cool waters provide a refreshing break from the hike. It’s a serene spot, perfect for photography and relaxing.
Entrance Fee: R$30
Trail Starting Point: Fazenda Santo Antônio, a 45 minute drive from Lencois (map)
Trail Length: 2 km (30-40 minutes each way)
Difficulty: Easy
6. Tour to Poço Azul, Pratinha Farm, and Morro do Pai Inácio
For a packed day full of experiences, you can book a guided tour that includes Poço Azul, Pratinha Farm, and Morro do Pai Inácio. This is ideal for those who don't have their own transport. Poço Azul is famous for its crystal-clear blue waters where you can snorkel inside a cave. Pratinha Farm offers another opportunity for swimming in pristine waters, but also has zip-lining, kayaking, and other outdoor activities. End your day with a hike up Morro do Pai Inácio, one of the most iconic viewpoints in the park, offering panoramic views of the surrounding valleys and plateaus.
Entrance Fee: R$40 (Poço Azul), R$30 (Pratinha Farm), R$12 (Morro do Pai Inácio) + Tour fee
Starting Point: Guided tours from Lençóis
Tour Duration: Full day
Day trips from Vale do Capao
7. Cachoeira da Fumaca (Fumaca Waterfall)
Cachoeira da Fumaça is one of the tallest waterfalls in Brazil, with a stunning 340-meter drop. The trail to reach the top of the waterfall is about 6 km long and starts from Vale do Capão. The hike is challenging, especially the steep initial climb, but it rewards hikers with breathtaking views from the top of the falls. On windy days, the waterfall's mist gets blown back upwards, creating a "smoke" effect, hence its name. Don’t forget to take in the incredible views of the surrounding canyon along the way.
Entrance Fee: Free
Trail Starting Point: Marked on Google Maps as "Entrada para Cachoeira da Fumaça" (map)
Trail Length: 5 km (2 hours each way)
Difficulty: Moderate
8. Rio Preto & Cachoeira das Rodas (Black River and Rodas Waterfall)
For those seeking a shorter, easier hike from Vale do Capão, Cachoeira do Rio Preto is a perfect option. The 3 km trail leads to a small, beautiful waterfall with a deep pool for swimming. The trail is mostly flat and passes through lovely green landscapes. It’s a great spot to spend a leisurely day swimming and relaxing. The area around the waterfall is perfect for a picnic, and the waters are incredibly clear and refreshing.
Entrance Fee: Free
Trail Starting Point: The carpark marked as "Estacionamento para trilhas no rio preto", 20 minutes walk from the centre of Capao (map)
Trail Length: 3 km (1 hour each way)
Difficulty: Easy
9. Águas Claras (Clear Waters)
Águas Claras is a peaceful swimming hole located at the base of Morrão, one of the park's most distinctive rock formations. The hike to Águas Claras is about 8 km and is moderately challenging. Along the way, you'll pass through fields and forests with stunning views of Morrão. Once you reach the swimming hole, you'll be greeted by crystal-clear waters, perfect for cooling off after the hike. It’s an ideal place for those looking to escape the crowds.
Entrance Fee: Free
Trail Starting Point: Stay right at the fork, towards Riachinho de Lencois (map)
Trail Length: 8 km (2-2.5 hours each way)
Difficulty: Easy-Moderate
10. Cachoeira da Purificação (Purification Waterfall) & Cachoeira da Angélica (Angelica Waterfall)
Located near Vale do Capão, this day trip combines two beautiful waterfalls: Cachoeira da Purificação and Cachoeira da Angélica. The walk to both waterfalls is around 8km from the center of Capao, or less if you drive or manage to hitch-hike some way to the start of the trail. The trail first passes Cachoeira da Angélica, the larger of the two waterfalls, whihch features a beautiful natural pool. A further 1km (15 minutes walk) along the trail, Cachoeira da Purificação is a small but stunning waterfall hidden within a canyon, offering a secluded spot for swimming.
Entrance Fee: Free
Trail Starting Point: Bomba Village, Vale do Capão (map)
Trail Length: 8 km (2 hours each way from town)
Difficulty: Moderate
Things to Know before you visit Chapada Diamantina
When is the best Time to Visit Chapada Diamantina?
The best time to visit for hiking is in the dry season, May to October.
What to Bring to Chapada Diamantina
For hiking, bring a hat and sunscreen, hiking boots if planning to do the more difficult trails, and a rain jacket (even in the dry season). It is also recommended to bring a good mosquito repellent for the evenings, and of course a swimsuit to enjoy the waterfalls.
How to Get Chapada Diamantina
Check out the full travel guide for Chapada Diamantina, including detailed instructions on how to get to Chapada Diamantina from Salvador, how to get from Lencois to Vale do Capao, and more.
Where to stay in Chapada Diamantina
Chapada Diamantina offers a variety of accommodation options from hotels to hostels and campsites. Here are some of my favorites:
Best hotel in Lencois: Canto das Aguas / Hotel de Lencois
Best pousada in Lencois: Mangamel Guesthouse
Best place to stay for women, Vale do Capao: Casa das Irmas
Best campsite in Capao: Camping Sempre Viva
What is your favorite waterfall in Chapada Diamantina? Let me know in the comments below!
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