Privacy Policy

Brazil Tours and Travel

Suggested Packages / Rio / Amazon / Pantanal / Iguassu / Salvador / Chapada Diamantina / Ilha Grande / Buzios
Paraty / Natal / Brasilia / Bonito / Fernando de Noronha / Florianopolis / Itacare / Chapada dos Veadeiros / Praia do Forte
Northeast 4x4 / Rio Grande do Sul / Ouro Preto/ Lencois Marenhenses / Curitiba Area / Morro de Sao Paulo / Group Suggestions

Chapada Diamantina Tours

A mountain range with fascinating scenery that cuts through the Brazilian state of Bahia is Chapada Diamantina. An extraordinary variety of ecosystems with the highest mountain with 1800m (5,660 ft), the whole mountain range is larger than Israel. Chapada Diamantina National Park is in a privilege ambiance and is a jewel of the ecotourism. The park was established in 1985 and played a key role in Brazil’s diamond boom history. Chapada’s landscape is a creation of the erosion process that the region suffered in the beginning of the pre-Cambrian period, forming towers of minerals known as ‘tepuy’, name given by the local Indians that dominated the area.

Few picturesque towns grew in Chapada with influence of these minerals; the area was used as a refugee for precious stone hunters. Lençóis, 400km (250 mi.) from Salvador, is the main town surrounding the park and therefore is the main gateway. In the beginnings of 20th century, Brazil was the first world producer of diamond. But with the discovery of diamonds in South Africa, many towns declined and some turned into a ghost town like Igatu. With many ruins of old rock houses, Igatu is a beautiful resemblance of the diamond boom period turning it into an important national historical monument. Towns like Mucugê and Lençóis have an excellent representation of colonial architecture and therefore are also a national historical monument.

In search of diamond’s richness, many trails were opened by ‘garimpeiros’. Tourists now use many of these trails for hiking and trekking. The underground of Chapada is fascinating with many caves and underground rivers. When Pratinha River leaves the underground and comes to earth, the Pratinha Cave is scarped. With calcareous characteristics in the cave, the crystal clear water when reached by the sunrays gets a silvery tone, which names the river. The Pai Inácio Hill a great place where a dazzling sunset can be seen. There’s a legend that the hill was named after a slave threw himself into the abyss when his colonel chased him for being in love with his wife.

Equivalent to 112-story building, the Fumaça Waterfall looks like smoke when looking at a distance. This happens because the volume of water is not sufficient to overcome the drop of 380m (1,247ft) and constant wind catch the falling water drops and throw it back up in a curtain of mist. The glowing blue beauty of Poço Encantado (Enchanted Well) water is so transparent that sometimes it’s hard to identify the roof of the cave reflected on the water from the bottom of the lake. Depending on the time of the year, a direct sunlight illuminates the lake through a natural hole in the cavern wall. The afternoon sun reaches down to the Blue Cave-a small pool hidden under a deep rock ledge, behind a curtain of aerial roots-giving it an electric-blue tone, resulting in stunningly beautiful view. No swimming is allowed to minimize the environmental impact.

The Ribeirão River flows in a deep sandstone valley and tumbles quickly through a narrow rocky canyon, forming spectacular waterfalls and cascades like the Sossego Falls, the last series of falls. Nature has hollowed out some swimming holes, with crystal-clear water, in the smoothly polished rock surface of the Serrano River, just 15 minutes from the edge of town. Upstream from Poço Halley, Primavera Waterfall is a riverbed with smooth and sculpted rocks by water and beautifully decorated. Many trails to caves, hills and waterfalls will be discovered with the best tour guides of the region.

A subterranean river forms a huge cave, Lapa Doce, with a tunnel system of 23km (14 mi.) extension and 15-20m (49-66ft) high roofs. Large fish and aquatic plants can be admired in a good-sized lake formed by an underground river. The minutes spend in this magical scenario that foster unique fauna in deep narrow valleys will be unforgettable.

"Just completed the vacation part of our trip to Brazil and it was wonderful. The Chapada Diamantina part was the best and my wife agreed that we should return for another ecological vacation. Everything proceeded like clockwork and went very smoothly. Activities were tailored to our interests and abilities, and each day ended with a pleasant swim in a river or cave."
Dave Sibeck

"The trip was amazing. The company was excellent and our guides were top notch. I would highly recommend them for any future clients of yours." Mark

Best time to go: Rainy period is December to March... But is a good time to see the waterfalls. If want to avoid the crowd of high season best time is April to May and August to October.

8 & 9 Day Adventure Tours

BASIC: REGULAR PACKAGES - Regular Bus / Regular Tours
3 Nights 4 Days

1st Day: At 06:15am pick up hotel/airport and transfer to Salvador Bus station. Departure in a regular Bus to Lençois (7hs approx). Arrival at 2:00pm. Welcome by local staff and transfer to your pousada. At 3pm, we leave for a walking city tour of Lençois, visiting Serrano River and Primavera waterfall. OV/BB

2nd Day: At 08:30am, departure for a full day tour Chapada Highlights with regional lunch. We’ll visit Lapa Doce cave (1 km trek inside the cave); Pratinha Cave with its natural clear pool. Then, transfer for having lunch at Toca do Pato, riverside of Mucugezinho. We trek to the ‘poço do diabo’ (a big black lake and a 20m waterfall); Now, we go to a short trekking up the Pai Inacio Hill (500mts). Great view of the tablelands! Night at leisure, on your own. OV/BB

3rd Day: At 08:00am we departure for a full day Sossego waterfall, with Lunch Box - 02 hours trekking through the canyons of Sossego River, stops for swimming and relax. At the end of our trail is the fantastic Sossego Waterfall, where we will have the lunch box. On the way back, we have the chance to stop at Ribeirao do meio for a little bit of fun at the natural tobogan. Night at leisure on your own. OV/BB

4th Day: At 7:00am transfer to Bus station and regular bus ticket to Salvador. Arrival in Salvaor by 2:00pm Approx. Welcome by our staff and transfer to hotel or airport.

2 Nights 3 Days

1st Day: At 06:15am pick up hotel/airport and transfer to Salvador Bus station. Departure in a regular Bus to Lençois (7hs approx). Arrival at 2:00pm. Welcome by local staff and transfer to your pousada. At 3pm, we leave for a walking city tour of Lençois, visiting Serrano River and Primavera waterfall. OV/BB

2nd Day: At 08:30am, departure for a full day tour Chapada Highlights with regional lunch. We’ll visit Lapa Doce cave (1 km trek inside the cave); Pratinha Cave with its natural clear pool. Then, transfer for having lunch at Toca do Pato, riverside of Mucugezinho. We trek to the ‘poço do diabo’ (a big black lake and a 20m waterfall); Now, we go to a short trekking up the Pai Inacio Hill (500mts). Great view of the tablelands! Night at leisure, on your own. OV/BB

OR... for trekkers…

2nd Day: At 08:00hs F/Day Sossego waterfall, with Lunch Box - 02 hours trekking through the canyons of Sossego River, stops for bathing and relax. At the end of our trail is the fantastic Sossego Waterfall, where we will have the lunch box. On the way back stop at Ribeirao do meio for a little bit of fun, at the natural slide rock. Night at leisure. OV/BB

3rd Day: At 7:00am transfer to Bus station and regular bus ticket to Salvador. Arrival in Salvaor by 2:00pm Approx. Welcome by our staff and transfer to hotel or airport.

Pousadas:
Eco/comfortable (Canto das Aguas);
downtown location, Pool, Gardens and river view, Bar and Restaurant, massage room. Sustainable resources (solar power
separation of waste, certified wood from reforestation; reused wood). Garden view room with air conditioner, TV, phone, minibar,
bathroom safety box, wi-fi zone
Comfortable (Portal de Lençois);
location 10min walking distance downtown, Pool, Bar and Restaurant, sauna, fitness center, massage room, game room. Room
with air conditioner, TV, phone, minibar, bathroom, safety box. Sustainable resources (solar power, rainwater caption, motion sensor).
Budget (Vila Serrano);
Location 5min walking distance downtown. Social areas with TV room, reading room. Sustainable resources (solar power, certified
wood), internet access, and wi-fi zone. Rooms with ceiling fan, mini-bar, bathroom, balcony and hammock.
Simple (Lavramor or simmilar).
Location 5min walking distance downtown, social area for breakfast. Room with ceiling fan, bathroom, TV.

Services regular packages 3nts includes
Driver only transfer to Salvador bus station; transfer Lençois bus station to pousada; regular 1/2 day tour Primavera+Serrano river; Regular full day tour highlights Chapada(Lapa doce and Pratinha caves, Mucugezinho river and Devil's well, Pai Inacio hill; 1 lunch; full day trekking Sossego waterfall + 1 lunch box; tickets for regular bus Salvador/Lençois/Salvador; driver only transfer from bus station to Salvador hotel or airport; 3 nights local pousada + breakfast. Local bilingual guide during tours. Entrance fees.

Services regular packages 2nts includes:
Driver only transfer to Salvador bus station; transfer Lençois bus station to pousada; regular 1/2 day tour Primavera+Serrano river; Regular full day tour highlights Chapada(Lapa doce and Pratinha caves, Mucugezinho river and Devil's well, Pai Inacio hill; 1 lunch; ;tickets for regular bus Salvador/Lençois/Salvador; driver only transfer from bus station to Salvador hotel or airport; 2 nights local pousada + breakfast. Local bilingual guide during tours. Entrance fees.

4 Nights / 5 Days

1st Day - Salvador/Lençois
departure by private bus to the Chapada Diamantina Mountain Range and the National Park. Upon arrival in Lençois, we’ll stretch our legs and go swimming at the beautiful Ribeirao do Meio pool and rock slide (40min walk along a good trail). Overnight at local pousada in Lençois.

2nd Day - Full day tour: Lapa Doce cave + Mucugezinho River + Pai Inacio Hill
At 08:30am, we’ll be out for a highlight tour of the Chapada Diamantina with a regional lunch. We’ll visit the Lapa Doce cave (1 km trek inside the cave with amazing rock formations, stalactites, stalagmites, columns, and much more); Then, we’re off to lunch at the Toca do Pato, a riverside restaurant at the Mucugezinho water recreation area, with a short walk to the Poço do Diabo pool with its 20meter waterfall. Then, a short ride to see some original “tocas”- the crudely made but sturdy and (somewhat) comfortable stone shelters the miners lived in while working in the hills; and then, you’ll visit Pai Inacio Mountain, with a 20 minutes walk up to the top for a fabulous 360º view of the National Park and surrounding area. Enjoy the sunset! At night on your own in the wonderfully visitable town of Lençóis. OV/B/L

3rd Day: Full day Mosquito waterfall + Archeological complex Serra das Paridas + lunch
Transfer to the Impossiveis farm (70km, 1:30h trip). We’ll be able to witness sustainable activities developed in the farm. 3km Walk will take us to the Mosquito waterfall with its 60m high and its name is due to the little diamonds found in the area, “mosquitos” as it is called by locals; Time to swim. We stop at the farm headquarters for a regional lunch. Then, we’ll head to the archeological complex of Serra das Paridas. The area has thousands of well-preserved rock drawings. Return to Lençois. Night at leisure, on your own. OV/B/L

4th Day: Igatu/Mucuge
Leave at 08am towards the south/central part of the National Park. A 1and a half hour trip will take us to the enchanted pool – a 60+ meter deep pool of crystal-clear water in a naturally illuminated cave. Then, we will visit the town of Mucugê where the diamond boom started and the Sempre Viva Dry Flower Project/Municipal Park on the banks of the Tiburtino River, with a walk through the natural rock gardens of the unique “Campos Rupestres” vegetation and a swim in the cool, clean waters of the Park near a fine waterfall. Then off to the old diamond mining town of Igatu –built from stone – a monument to the art and rough labor of the diamond miners. You can stroll down an ancient trail past rows of abandoned stone houses built in the 19th century that have barely changed since they were abandoned at the end of the short-lived diamond boom. Regional lunch. OV/B/L

5th Day Lençois/Salvador
Departure on a bus directly to Salvador. . B

Grade B walks (Moderate): are for those of any fitness level who are able to traverse moderately hilly terrain. Walking is limited to day excursions from a central location to which you will be transported. These day hikes are normally no more than 6 hours in duration and all walking may be done with no backpack or with a light day pack.

BUS SCHEDULE:
Salvador / Lençóis
Mon. and Wed. - departs Salvador at 7am, arrives Lencois at 1220pm or departs Salvador at 1130pm, arrives Lencois at 550am
Tues. and Thurs. - same departures as above + departs Salvador at 130pm, arrives Lencois at 750pm
Fri. - Salvador at 7am, arrives Lencois at 1220pm, departs Salvador at 11pm, arrives Lencois at 510am
Sun. - departs Salvador at 730am, arrives Lencois at 1350pm or departs Salvador at 1130pm, arrives Lencois at 550am

Lençóis / Salvador
Mon.,Wed., Fri. - departs Lencois at 730am, arrives Salvador at 140pm, departs Lencois at 115pm, arrives Salvador at 7pm or departs Lencois at 1130pm, arrives Salvador at 630am
Tues., Thurs. Sat. - departs Lencois at 7am, arrives Salvador at 1220pm, departs Lencois at 130pm, arrives Salvador at 750pm or departs Salvador at 1130pm, arrives Lencois at 550am
Fri. - departs Lencois at 7m, arrives Salvador at 1220pm or departs Salvador at 11pm, arrives Lencois at 510am
Sun. - departs Lencois at 730am, arrives Salvador at 150pm or departs Lencois at 1130pm, arrives Salvador at 550am

THE BUSES ARE SUBJECT TO AVAILABILITY - DEPEND ON THE DAY, THE TIME AND THE NUMBER OF PASSENGERS BOOKED (COULD BE NOT OPERATE IF THERE ISN'T A MINIMUM NUMBER OF PASSENGERS). THE ROAD IS NOT AT THE BEST CONDITIONS. WOULD BE ADVISABLE DON'T TAKE THE BUSES FROM SALVADOR AT NIGHT (23:30). IT WOULD BE NOT SAFE.

WHAT DO YOU NEED TO BRING?
Tennis or hiking shoes;
Sandals to use after the trails;
Sunset protector and cap;
Torch with extra battery;
Bag to take during the tours with your camera, mountain lunch, water, and something you'll need during the tours;
Bath suit;
Sweater;
Rain cap;
Light clothes;
Little knife for fruits;
Water bottles;
Plastic bags;
Some medicine;
Mask and snorkel for dive at "Poço Azul"

When you'll prepare your luggage just take the necessities.