By Giselle Norões

Morro do Pai Inácio | Photo by Suzana Arruda

Put on your backpack, and get ready to explore the unknown. This is what many people are looking for nowadays with ecotourism trips and adventure tourism. Brazil offers a lot of areas rich with this kind of experience. One of them is the Chapada Diamantina, a natural paradise located about 400km from Salvador, Bahia. It is a mountainous region, protected by the Chapada Diamantina National Park, where the highest elevation in the northeastern region is located.

 

 

Path to the Gruta da Lapa Doce | Photo by Giselle Noroes
It’s possible to get to know the area, no rush, in about five days. You’ll be able to visit around 25 different attractions. Among the most well-known are: Pratinha River, Lapa Doce Cave, Morro do Pai Inácio, Fumaça Waterfall, Poço Encantado, Poço Azul, Poço do Diabo (the Devil’s Pit) and the Cachoeira da Purificação (Purification Waterfall). Create a detailed itinerary before setting off and get to know as many places as possible and enjoy your stay!

 

 

  Lençóis e Vale do Capão

 Lençóis observation point | Photo by Giselle Norões

Lençóis is a tourist that town with several restaurants and companies that offer tour guide services. It is ideal for those who travel with their families and children or for those who are not looking for experiences that are physically demanding.

Another option, Vale do Capão, is a more rustic place. The village consists of a street and a square. However, there are several out spread around within a 10km radius of the village center. The advantage is that you will be closer to nature as many inns are located right in the middle of the bush or in places with outstanding views of the mountains. Generally, the tour guides are the locals themselves. Don’t expect a busy nightlife – but the few bars and restaurants, you’ll find there will be a lot less expensive than in Lençóis.

Vale do Pati | By Selma Viana Lessa

Vale do Pati

The Pati Valley is a true natural playground for those looking for adventure tourism and to explore the area on foot. The trails across the area were made by the local residents over the course of a century.

You’ll have a unique experience: stunning landscapes, slopes covered with the dry Atlantic forests, waterfalls and rivers, mixed together with a taste of the local culture. Visitors stay at local homes (there are no inns or hostels in this area) where they can sample delicious home cooking. Local guides can be hired and will accompany you on your journey throughout the region.

You’ll get the most out of your trip if you pick a 5-day itinerary. Typically the trip begins in Capão (70km from Lençóis) and end in Andaraí (120km from Lençóis). There are also 3-day or 4-day itineraries returning through Guiné (80 km of Lençóis). The main attraction is the Mirante do Cachoeirão, which is part of all itineraries, as well as the Funil Waterfalls and an impressive climb to Morro do Castelo.

GETTING THERE

Destination: Lençóis
Horácio de Matos Airport in Lençois offers regular flights from Salvador/BA, São Paulo/SP and Belo Horizonte/MG. The airport is located 20KM from downtown Lençois.
Flights: Thursdays and Sundays.
You can also get there by car or bus from Salvador.

For more detailed information on cities and villages, including transportation, lodging, and restaurants please visit: www.guiachapadadiamantina.com.br