Chapada Diamantina

Chapada Diamantina National Park (Parque Nacional da Chapada Diamantina) is in the center of the state of Bahia in Brazil.

This scenery mountain range includes mountains, valleys, monoliths, caves, rivers and waterfalls. Highest parts of the park raise over 2000 m above sea level (average being 1000 m above sea level) and offer breathtaking views. The area is about 400 km inland, west of Salvador in Bahia state in the Northeast region of Brazil in the middle of the dry sertão (back-country plains).

It is an important water source with many rivers starting here. These rivers make incredible waterfalls as they fall off the vertical walls of the mountains. The vegetation is of open grassy fields with isolated trees (similar to the African savannah) with some thicker vegetation along the rivers.

Flora and fauna

At the top of the flat top hills the vegetation is particularly weird and fantastic. Wildlife is not very easy to spot. Apart from humming birds and vultures you are unlikely to see the anteaters or jaguars which live here.

See

The best sights and experiences will be found on walks into the mountains. These can be short excursions (eg to see the Fumaça waterfall) or longer treks such as a 4-5 day Capão and Pati Valley hike.

• Cachoeira da Fumaça – the highest waterfall (380 m) of Brazil is so high that the water never hits the ground. It vaporizes in the air by the force of the wind and sun. Access usual from guided tours starting in Lençóis that make the whole trip to and from, or using Vale do Capão, but if starting from Vale do Capão, walk 3km from the main village, get to the entrance, pay a donation (they won’t force you), they will offer you a guide, but it is an easy 2-hour walk, with only two places where the trail forks (pay attention). Start in the early morning (best if hot season) and you will be back for lunch.
• Cachoeira do Sossego – another spectacular waterfall easily accessible from Lençóis.
• Cachoeira do Buracão – …and another.
• The caverns of Lapa Doce and Pratinha – a must for cave enthusiasts.
• Poço Encantado – Enchanted Pool with incredibly blue water
• Poço Azul – Snorkeling in the incredibly blue water