Chapada Diamantina National Park, located in the heart of Bahia, Brazil, is a paradise for nature lovers, hikers, and adventure seekers. With its stunning landscapes, cascading waterfalls, hidden caves, and charming towns, there's no shortage of things to see and do. Many of the park's attractions are accessible through two popular towns: Lencois and Vale do Capao.
The Vale do Pati hike is considered one of the country's most beautiful and challenging treks, offering dramatic landscapes of steep cliffs, waterfalls, and green valleys.
Here is the ultimate 7-day guide to exploring this magnificent national park, including embarking on the famous 3-day Vale do Pati hike.
Day 1: Arrival in Lençóis
Morning: Exploring Lençóis
Arrive in Lencois, the main gateway to Chapada Diamantina. This charming town is the perfect place to start your adventure. Wander through its cobblestone streets, visit local shops, and enjoy the laid-back atmosphere.
Afternoon: Visit Ribeirão do Meio
In the afternoon, take a short hike to Ribeirão do Meio, a natural waterslide and swimming hole 45 minutes walk from the center of Lencois. The hike is about 3.5 kilometers (2.2 miles). Spend the afternoon sliding down the smooth rock face into the cool waters below.
Evening: Dinner in Lençóis
Return to Lencois for a relaxing evening. Enjoy dinner dining outdoors on the cobblestone roads at one of the local restaurants, trying some local Bahian cuisine.
Days 2-4: Vale do Pati Hike
Begin your epic 3-day hike to Vale do Pati. This trek is approximately 45 kilometers (28 miles) and will take you through some of the most breathtaking scenery in Chapada Diamantina. The hike is challenging but incredibly rewarding, offering panoramic viewpoints, swimming spots, and a chance to meet with local families from the valley along the way.
Day 2: Start the Hike from Lençóis to Vale do Pati
Departing from Lencois, drive 2 hours to Guiné. This is where the hike begins. This part of the trek will take you through diverse landscapes, from dense forests to open plains. The journey will be a mix of steady climbs and descents, including visiting one of the valley's best viewpoints. Sleep in one of just 13 houses located in Vale do Pati, where you will experience local home-cooked food.
Day 3: Continue through Vale do Pati
Continue your hike through Vale do Pati. The trail will lead you through more diverse landscapes - so keep an eye out for wildlife and unique plant species. You'll reach Morro do Castelo, a plateau with breathtaking views of the surrounding valleys and mountains and a view of the top of the Cachoeira do Calixto. Again, sleep in a local house inside Vale do Pati, and have a local dinner. Try Gengidrink, a local cachaça exclusively made in the valley.
Day 4: End the Hike in Vale do Capão
On the third day, hike to Cachoeirão por Cima, the highest waterfall in the Vale do Pati, 280 meters tall. Stop for lunch nearby a natural swimming pool where you can have a swim. Finally, hike back to Guiné, and drive from Guiné to Vale do Capão. Spend the night in Vale do Capão, experiencing the hospitality of a local pousada (guesthouse).
Day 5: Relax or Hike in Vale do Capão
Option 1: Relax in Vale do Capão
After the strenuous hike, spend a day relaxing in the tranquil village of Vale do Capão. This picturesque spot is known for its hippie atmosphere, friendly locals, and beautiful surroundings. Enjoy breakfast at a local café before exploring the village. Visit the charming shops, interact with the locals, and soak in the serene ambiance. In the afternoon, take a short hike to the nearby Riachinho Waterfall, where you can swim and relax by the falls.
Option 2: Hike to Cachoeira da Fumaça
For those still craving adventure, embark on a hike to Cachoeira da Fumaça, the second-highest waterfall in Brazil. The trail is about 12kms (7.5 miles) round trip and offers stunning views along the way. When you reach the top, you'll be rewarded with breathtaking views of the waterfall plummeting 340 meters (1,115 feet) into the canyon below.
Evening: Return to Lençóis
After a day of relaxation or adventure, return to Lençóis for the evening. Enjoy a delicious meal and unwind at your accommodation, reflecting on your incredible journey. Pizzaria Bella Ciao is a great place for a delicious and relaxed dinner.
Day 6: Waterfalls and Caves
Explore Gruta da Lapa Doce, Pratinha Fazenda, Gruta Azul, and Pai Inácio
Spend the day exploring various caves and waterfalls nearby Lencois. It is ideal to rent a car in order to make the most of your day as public transport is limited.
Start your day with a visit to Gruta da Lapa Doce, one of the largest and most impressive caves in the region, with guided tours available for a fee. The cave's stunning limestone formations and vast chambers will leave you in awe. The cave is 1 hour drive from Lencois.
Afterward, visit Pratinha Fazenda (Pratinha Farm), just 15 minutes drive from the cave. The Gruta Azul (Blue Cave) is located inside Pratinha Farm, and is named for its mesmerizing blue water, especially vivid when the sunlight hits at the right angle. There is the the option to snorkel in crystal-clear waters and explore underwater caves, for an extra fee. The complex has an (expensive) cafe with a variety of foods for lunch.
Late in the afternoon, drive around 35 minutes to Morro do Pai Inácio, a popular viewpoint. The panoramic view from the top will give you a real sense of the grandeur of the park, including the iconic Camelo and Três Irmãos hills. The entrance is located here. Drive to the trail starting point and then walk around 15 minutes uphill (around 500 meters). This incredible viewpoint is highly recommended as the perfect place to experience the sunset.
Evening: Dinner in Lençóis
Return to Lençóis for another relaxing evening. Stroll through the town, enjoy some live music, or simply relax at your accommodation. There are regular events in town, including live bands playing samba and forro, and of course plenty of dancing.
Day 7: Serrano and Surroundings
Morning: Explore the Serrano Area
On your final day, explore the Serrano area and its many attractions. The Serrano is part of a large and incredibly beautiful river bed of the Rio Lençóis, located just 10 minutes from the town center. This area features more than 40 natural rock pools and many small waterfalls. The most popular spots can become busy, but you can find your own pool by walking a bit further down the river. Upstream, explore many more waterfalls and hidden pools.
There is an entrance fee of R$20, valid for entry for three consecutive days.
Optional: Take the 5km Cachoeira da Primavera loop, which includes several must-see spots such as Serrano, Salao de Areias, and Cachoeira da Primavera. This loop offers a variety of natural attractions, including waterfalls, natural pools, and unique rock formations. Unfortunately, it is now mandatory to use a guide if you wish to hike the loop.
Enjoy a picnic lunch by one of these spots before heading back to Lençóis.
Afternoon: Pack up and leave Lençóis
Spend your last afternoon in Lençóis and reflecting on your unforgettable week in Chapada Diamantina.
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 was your favorite hike in Chapada Diamantina? Let me know in the comments below!
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