Imagine a place where you can find giant waterfalls, canyons, rapids, caves, rivers, natural swimming pools, enchanted wells, endangered animals, and around 50 different types of orchids… A place where you can go trekking, mountain climbing, diving, abseiling, camping, swimming, zip-lining and see cave paintings….… A place where you can just sit back and relax… Well, all this is possible with the Chapada Diamantina region in Bahia, a place unlike any other where nature rules supreme!

Chapada Diamantina is a mountainous region located around 400km outside of Salvador da Bahia. Chapada Diamantina boasts Atlantic Forest, wild plains, Caatinga (Brazilian shrubland), dense woodland and many blocks of rock. The lush vegetation in Chapada Diamantina has formed over the course of 1.5 million years amongst volcanoes, sands, wind, rivers and oceans.

Chapada Diamantina is also home to several historical cities including Lençóis, Mucugê, Rio de Contas and Andarai, amongst others.  They are marked by the historical diamond boom in Brazil which saw forest clearance and the mining for gold and diamonds, hence the name “Chapada Diamantina” which means Diamond Highlands in English.

Chapada Diamantinais one of the most unusual ecotourism destinations in Brazil. In addition, several major Brazilian Popular Music (Música Popular Brasileira or MPB) or instrumental music festivals are held there including the Festival de Lençóis (Lençóis Festival) and the Festival de Jazz do Capão (Capão Jazz Festival).

City of Lençóis

On top of this charming little city´s hotels, tourist agencies and restaurants, we can also find examples of Bahia original popular culture, such as capoeira, maculelê (fighting dance) and even samba de roda. The city of Lençóisis a listed National Historic Heritage of Brazil thanks to its 19^th century colonial architecture.  To name a few you have the Nossa Senhora do Rosario Church, the Mercado Cultural and the former Vice-Consulate of France.  

Vale do Capão

To say that Vale do Capão (Capão Valley) is a magical and fascinating place would be an understatement. This beautiful town is known to inspire profound tranquility and peace of mind to the many visitors that stop by in search of self-discovery and spiritual awakening. “Shiatsu massages” and “Native American sweat lodges” can be enjoyed here, as well as herbal medicine and holistic remedies.

Chapada Diamantina Waterfalls

Amongst the best waterfalls in Chapada Diamantina features the incredible Cachoeira da Fumaça waterfall. Nearly 400 meters high, this is the second largest waterfall in Brazil and is called Cachoeira da Fumaça (Smoke Falls) because the falling water forms a curtain that appears like smoke. Another famous waterall in Chapada Diamantina is the Cachoeira do Buracão waterfall which drops through a huge hole from the cliff above into the canyon below.

Crystal waters of Chapada Diamantina

The Poço Encantado (Enchanted Well) sunken pool, measuring 60 meters deep, and the Poço Azul (Blue Well) are an impressive crystal blue color as a result of the sunlight shining on the water. Prathina Cave, another highlight in Chapada Diamantina, is where visitors can go snorkeling and swim amongst the fish in crystalline waters.

Morro do Pai Inácio

Morro do Pai Inácio (Father Inácio Hill) is the icon of Chapada Diamantina. Standing  1,120 meters high, Morro do Pai Inácio offers spectacular and breathtaking views over Chapada Diamantina.

Nature in Chapada Diamantina

Amongst the natural highlights of the Chapada Diamantina region feature the Morro do Camelo (a camel-shaped mountain), the Gruta da Lapa Doce (cave with both stalactites and stalagmites), Rio Mucugezinho, the Poço do Diabo (Devil’s Pool), Gruta do Lapão (Lapão Cave), the Cachoeira do Sossego (Sossego Waterfall), and the Serrano e Salão de Areia (Serrano River and Hall of Sands), amongst others.

Finally, it is possible to go on a 5-day hike through the heart of  Vale do Paty (Paty Valley), try the natural rock slide of the Ribeirão do Meio river, discover Serra das Paridas,one of the biggest archaeological site in the state of Bahia, or go kayaking on the waters of the Marimbus wetlands in Chapada Diamantina.

So if you like adventure, come take advantage of the rich and flourishing environment that can only be found in the Chapada Diamantina in Bahia. And for maximum comfort, remember to rent one of our luxury villas on http://www.localnomad-bahia.com! One last piece of advice: don´t forget to bring your sunscreen and bug spray, it may prove handy…! Enjoy your trip!

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