North-East Region, State of Bahia
The Ultimate Brazil Travel Guide: Chapada Diamantina
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 10 Things to See & Do in Chapada Diamantina
The vale do Pati hike: This multi-day trek (typically 3 to 5 days) crosses valleys, high plateaus and rivers, with stops at local houses for meals and accommodation. A guide is required due to remote conditions and complex trail options.
Visit Ribeirão do Meio and Ribeirão de Cima: Just an hour's walk from Lençóis, Ribeirão do Meio has a natural rock slide and wide pool. Further upstream, Ribeirão de Cima offers more secluded pools. Both are accessible by easy hiking trail from Lençóis.
Waterfall day hikes: Several of Chapada Diamantina's spectacular waterfalls can be reached on full-day hikes from Lençóis or Vale do Capão:
Cachoeira da Fumaça (top): 12 kilometre return hike from Capão to a high cliff-edge view of a 340 metre drop.
Cachoeira do Sossego: 15 kilometre return riverbed trail from Lençóis to a waterfall with a deep swimming pool.
Cachoeira do Mosquito: Accessed by car and a short trail, located about 40 minutes from Lençóis.
Cachoeira da Angelica and Purificação: 10 to 14 kilometre return hikes from Guiné, often done as part of a longer day outing.
Águas Claras: 10 kilometre return hike from Vale do Capão along a relatively flat trail. Features clear water pools and views of Morro do Pai Inácio.
Explore Gruta da Pratinha: Near Iraquara, this site includes Pratinha cave for snorkelling, Gruta Azul with a seasonal light beam effect and Gruta da Lapa Doce, a limestone cave with guided walks through stalactite formations. The area offers a combination of geological and aquatic features.
Swim at Poço Azul: A submerged cave with high-visibility water for floating and snorkelling. Best light effect occurs mid-day from March to October. Access is controlled with life jackets and timed sessions.
Explore Rio Preto: A series of natural pools, small waterfalls and shallow canyons near Vale do Capão. The area is accessible by short trails and often used for rest days. Popular for swimming and short walks.
Climb Morro do Pai Inácio: Located 25 kilometres from Lençóis, this mesa has a short but steep trail to a summit offering wide views of the Chapada Diamantina landscape. It is a popular site for sunset.
Visit Poço do Diabo: Situated near the Mucugezinho River, this site includes a small waterfall and deep pool suitable for swimming. Adventure operators in the area offer abseiling and zip-lining. The trail to the site is easy, and is just 1.5 kilometres from the highway.
Go rock climbing: Lençóis, Vale do Capão, and Itatim have a large number of climbing routes on sandstone. Itatim is one of the best climbing destinations in Brazil, with routes available for all difficulty levels beginner to advanced. Local guides and climbing groups maintain routes and provide access information.
Walk the Serrano and Muritiba Complex trail: This loop trail from Lençóis includes several swimming spots and geological features. Unfortunately, a guide is required despite being an easy trail:
Salão de Areias Coloridas: Natural formations with multicoloured sand.
Cachoeirinha and Cachoeira da Primavera: Small waterfalls with pools for bathing.
Poço Halley and Poço Paraíso: Shallow pools for relaxing and swimming.
Mirante do Serrano: A short detour to a viewpoint over Lençóis.
For more ideas see my 10 Best Day Trips in Chapada Diamantina
How long to spend in Chapada Diamantina
Most travellers need at least 5 days to experience Chapada Diamantina properly. The region is large, with waterfalls and hikes spread across different areas,and travel times between them are longer than they appear on a map.
3 days
A short trip is possible, but it will be limited. With 3 days, you will usually:
base yourself in one area, typically Lençóis
visit a small number of nearby attractions, and 1 day trip
You will not have time to explore multiple regions or complete longer hikes. This option works if you are already in Bahia and want a brief introduction to Chapada Diamantina.
4 to 5 days
This is the most practical minimum for most travellers. With 4 to 5 days, you can:
visit key highlights across more than one area, such as Lencois and Vale do Capao
Do the Vale to Pati multi-day hike, or
Do a few day-trips to visit a variety of caves and waterfalls
6 to 7 days or more
Longer stays are recommended if you want to explore the region in more depth, and are absolutely worth it if you have the time. With additional time, you can:
visit more remote areas
complete the Vale do Parti multi-day hike, plus one or two day trips
See my detailed itinerary for How to Spend 7 Days in Chapada Diamantina, including the Vale do Pati Hike
Is Chapada Diamantina worth visiting?
Chapada Diamantina is one of the most rewarding nature destinations in Brazil, but it requires more time, planning, and effort than most coastal trips. Located inland in Bahia, it is defined by it's famous flat-top mountains, multi-hour hikes, and waterfalls that are only accessible on foot.
It is a strong choice if you want hiking, waterfalls, and landscapes that feel remote. The region is best suited to travellers who are comfortable spending full days outdoors, and adjusting plans based on weather.
It is not the best option if you are looking for a low-effort trip or if you prefer staying in one place with easy access to multiple attractions. Many of the main sights are spread across different areas, and reaching them often involves long drives, hikes, or guided tours.
While beachside destinations are small and easy to navigate, Chapada Diamantina can be a truly rewarding experience - and it's absolutely worth visiting for anyone who enjoys nature, waterfalls, and fresh mountain air.
Where to stay in Chapada Diamantina
There is no single base that gives easy access to everything in Chapada Diamantina. The region is spread out, and most attractions are grouped around different towns, so where you stay will shape what you can see.
Find cheap accommodation for your stay in Chapada Diamantina, or check out my personal recommendations below.
Lençóis
Lençóis is the main gateway to Chapada Diamantina and the most common base for first-time visitors.
It has:
the widest range of accommodation and restaurants
tour agencies and transport options
access to several nearby attractions
It is the easiest place to organise tours, especially if you are not travelling with a car. However, some of the most well-known hikes and viewpoints are not close to Lençóis, which means longer travel times for certain day trips.
My favorite places to stay in Lencois
Hotel Lencois (see prices)
Vila Pugliesi Hotel Boutique - hotel with outdoor pool and breakfast (see prices)
Casa Antônia - a small boutique hotel with pool in Lencois (see prices)
Mangamel Hostel - social guesthouse in Lencois with a garden for yoga and BBQs, best for couples and backpackers (see prices)
Vale do Capão
Vale do Capão is a smaller and more remote base. It is best known for:
access to hiking trails
a quieter setting
a stronger focus on outdoor activities
This area is better suited to travellers who want to prioritise hiking and spend more time in nature, but it has fewer services and requires more planning.
My favorite places to stay in Vale do Capao
Casa das Irmas - women's only guesthouse, best for female groups and solo travelers (see prices)
Pousada Amanhecer - guesthouse with outdoor pool (see prices)
Lendas do Capão Pousada - unique treehouse accommodation and a pool (see prices)
Camping Filhos da Floresta - campsite in Vale do Capão (see prices)
Should you stay in more than one place?
For shorter trips, staying in one base is usually more practical. If you have 5 days or more, splitting your stay between Lençóis and Vale do Capão can make it easier to access different parts of the region without long day trips.
Serrano Pools (Piscinas Naturais do Serrano) in Muritiba Park, Chapada Diamantina
Where is Chapada Diamantina, Brazil
Quick Facts about Chapada Diamantina
Population of Chapada Diamantina
Population of Lencois: 11,194 people (IBGE, 2025)
Population of Vale do Capão (Caeté-Açu): 3,381 (IBGE, 2022)
Population of Palmeiras: 6,958 people (IBGE, 2022)
Population of Igatu: 1,492 (IBGE, 2022)
Nickname
People from Lençóis are called lençoenses, while people from Palmeiras are called palmeirense.
Closest airport
The closest international airport is located in Salvador (SSA)
Coronel Horácio de Mattos Airport (LEC) - flights only to Belo Horizonte and Salvador
Main bus terminal
Terminal Rodoviário de Lençóis
Terminal Rodoviário de Palmeiras
Read my free 7 day travel itinerary for Chapada Diamantina!
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 most popular town for tourists.
See all bus connections and find cheap tickets to Lencois
How to get to Chapada Diamantina from Salvador
When travelling to Chapada Diamantina from Salvador, you will first need to travel to either Lencois or Palmeiras by bus from Terminal Rodoviário de Salvador (map).
Most travellers stop first in Lencois, the main tourist town and gateway to Vale do Pati. However, if you are visiting Vale do Capão, you will need to take a bus to Palmeiras and from there, connect to Vale do Capão. The bus from salvador to Chapada Diamantina stops at both stops: the bus will first pass through Lençóis before arriving in Palmeiras about an hour later.
How to get to Lencois, Chapada Diamantina from Salvador
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. Alternatively, there are two day time busses (tickets & timetable).
How to get to Vale do Capão, Chapada Diamantina from Salvador
To travel to Vale do Capao, first travel by bus from Salvador to Palmeiras (tickets & timetable). From Palmeiras, there are regular car and minivan transfers, as well as taxis, to go to Vale do Capão. Share taxis typically wait by the bus terminal for the bus to arrive.
How to get to Chapada Diamantina from Itacare
If travelling to Chapada Diamantina from other destinations in Southern Bahia (such as from Itacaré), it is not necessary to travel via Salvador. You can save time and money by changing buses in Feira de Santana (timetable). The bus from Lencois to Feira de Santana takes 5.5 hours. Then, the bus from Feira de Santana to Itacare departs once per day at 5.30am and takes 7.5 hours.
How to get to Chapada Diamantina from Belo Horizonte
Lençóis Airport (LEC) only has two non-stop routes, connecting it with Salvador and Belo Horizonte. The flight to Belo Horizonte takes around 2 hours.
Top tours in Chapada Diamantina
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+.
Read the full guide on how to get from Lencois to Vale do Capao.
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.
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.
Is there mobile phone service in Chapada Diamantina?
There is phone service around the town of Lencois, with Vivo offering the best coverage. Vale do Capao does not have phone signal at all, though WiFi is available in most cafes and accomodations.
Travel insurance for a trip to Chapada Dimantina
Travel insurance is not just a nice-to-have, it is an important safety-net that can prevent a stressful incident from turning into a costly and time-consuming disaster. The reality is that unexpected events can happen on any trip. Even something as simple as missing a connecting flight can lead to unexpected accommodation and transport costs. If you become unwell, medical bills in another country can quickly become expensive. Without insurance, you have to handle all of this on your own in an unfamiliar environment, possibly in a language you do not speak.
I have personally relied on travel insurance multiple times, including when I had belongings stolen in Europe, fell sick while travelling in Asia, and had flights cancelled. In each case, the support I received meant I could focus on solving the problem instead of worrying about costs.
When travelling to Chapada Diamantina, it is especially important to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies and evacuation, as the remote location can make access to specialised care more difficult.
For a small daily cost, you can be covered for a wide range of scenarios, from theft to delayed flights and medical emergencies. Having one phone number to call and a company that deals with the problem for you is worth far more than the price of the policy. I personally use Safety Wing, and I recommend them to friends, family, and anyone travelling internationally. You can get a quote here.
Resources for planning your trip to Chapada Diamantina
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