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Chapada Diamantina is one of the most beautiful national parks in Brazil! Covering over 1,500 km², the park is home to several charming towns and has an energy unlike anywhere else!

Located in my beloved Bahia, the park is filled with incredible attractions like Morro do Pai Inácio (Father Inácio Hill), Cachoeira da Fumaça (Smoke Waterfall), and Poço Azul (Blue Well)… But there are many more!

I’ve visited Chapada Diamantina several times, and in this article, I’ll share a 6-day itinerary based in the town of Lençóis. This stunning town features streets lined with 19th-century buildings.

Keep reading to find out how to get there, where to stay, and the best (and most famous!) tours in the park. Get ready for caves, canyons, breathtaking waterfalls, and even crystal-clear waters in Bahia! Let’s go!

When to visit Chapada Diamantina?

Chapada Diamantina is one of those places that changes a lot depending on the weather. But don’t worry — you can visit and enjoy it in any season! You just need to know what to expect.

The rainy season lasts from November to January, and I can assure you—it really rains! So, if you want to avoid heavy rain, plan your trip between February and October.

Oh! One important thing to note: the caves of Poço Azul and Poço Encantado only get sunlight, turning their waters a stunning shade of blue, from May to September. It’s an incredible sight and totally worth visiting during these months!

What to do during the rainy season

During the rainy season, the waterfalls are at full power, showcasing the beauty of the rushing waters! However, you’ll need to be extra careful on the trails, and some hikes might not be accessible. That’s why having a guide is essential to ensure a safe adventure.

If the rain gets too intense, you can explore the towns and museums in the area. Besides the beautiful and historic Lençóis, you can visit the Museu Vivo do Garimpo and the Byzantine Cemetery in Mucugê, the mining ruins and stone village of Igatu, and the charming village of Vale do Capão.

What to do during the dry season

The dry season runs from May to September and coincides with the cooler months in Chapada. Yes, it does get cold in Bahia! Temperatures can drop to 10°C (50°F) between June and July.

While the waterfalls may have less water due to the dry weather, the trails become easier and less slippery. This season is also when the famous São João festivals take place, and it’s the best time to witness the breathtaking sunlight rays illuminating the caves of Poço Azul and Poço Encantado.

By the way, if you love festivals, keep an eye on the dates! The Festival de Lençóis and the Capão Jazz Festival happen every year, but the dates vary.

How to get to Chapada Diamantina?

The nearest airports are in Salvador, Lençóis, and Vitória da Conquista. Since Lençóis Airport receives fewer flights, you will most likely arrive through Salvador or Conquista. From Salvador’s bus station, you can easily catch a bus to Lençóis, Ibicoara, or Palmeiras, with tickets costing around R$ 100 (USD 17,53 / UER 16,09).

A car is the best option for getting around between waterfalls. However, if you book a tour with a travel agency, transportation is usually included.

If you prefer to travel independently, you’ll need to rent a car or drive your own. The best places to rent a car are Salvador, Lençóis, or Seabra. Be careful on the roads, as there are potholes and many animals along the way!

I personally recommend taking the bus for the best cost-benefit. I considered renting a car, but it was expensive. Plus, the trip is over 400 km, so I preferred to use the travel time to rest.

Where to Stay in Chapada Diamantina?

Lençóis is the city in Chapada Diamantina with the best infrastructure for tourists. This means there is a wide variety of hotels, inns, hostels, and all kinds of accommodations you can imagine. Here are some places I’ve stayed at or received great recommendations about:

Pousada Solar Azul 

When planning a trip to Chapada Diamantina, the best option is to choose Lençóis as your base. Its central location and numerous attractions will make your trip even more special.

Pousada Solar Azul is my top recommendation. It looks like it came straight out of Pinterest and is located in the city center—just an 8-minute walk from the bus station and 5 minutes from the main street. This gives you plenty of independence to explore everything on foot.

Breakfast here includes waffles, pancakes, muffins, cakes, tapioca, fruits, fresh juice, and bread—everything you need to fuel up for the trails!

The rooms have a TV, new beds, multiple outlets, a desk and chairs, a minibar, air conditioning, a spacious bathroom with a sink inside and outside, and reliable Wi-Fi. It’s perfect for staying a bit longer in Lençóis, and if you’re a digital nomad, you’ll love this peaceful spot to get work done while enjoying Chapada’s serenity. Plus, you’ll have time to explore all the attractions at your own pace.

Hotel de Lençóis

Another great accommodation option is Hotel de Lençóis, a 4-star hotel located just 500 meters from the city center and 800 meters from the bus station. A cool bonus: the property is pet-friendly!

Hotel Canto das Águas – Roteiro de Charme

Speaking of 4-star options, Hotel Canto das Águas is another fantastic stay in the charming town of Lençóis. The historic center is just 200 meters away.

With a modern yet rustic decor, the rooms here offer a cozy and comfortable stay.

Albergue Chapada Hostel

Last but not least, we couldn’t forget to mention Albergue Chapada Hostel, an amazing hostel also located in downtown Lençóis.

A great perk is the free transfer from the Lençóis Bus Station to Chapada Hostel.

Most accommodations in Lençóis offer online booking, so check their websites or look them up on Booking.com, where you can also read reviews from other travelers.

What to do in Chapada Diamantina: Tourist Attractions and Tours from Lençóis

Now comes the most exciting part: exploring Chapada Diamantina with a 6-day itinerary! You can adjust this itinerary according to your preferences. After all, there are many incredible places in the region, and it’s unlikely you’ll be able to visit them all in a single trip. So, choose the ones that best suit your style, and let’s go!

Here’s my itinerary:

• Day 1: Arrival and Muritiba Park
• Day 2: Cachoeira da Fumaça (Smoke Waterfall)
• Day 3: Poço do Diabo & Cachoeira do Diabo (Devil’s Well & Waterfall), Lapa Doce Cave, Pratinha Farm, and Morro do Pai Inácio
• Day 4: Cachoeira do Buracão (Buracão Waterfall)
• Day 5: Ribeirão do Meio and Cachoeira do Mosquito (Mosquito Waterfall)
• Day 6: Lençóis

Day 1: Arrival + Muritiba Park

Once you’ve settled in Lençóis, start your Chapada adventure at Muritiba Municipal Park.

The best part? It’s just a few meters from the town center, making it a perfect option if you’re tired from your journey.

Since this is just your first excursion, Muritiba Park is ideal for a half-day visit. So, take your time and enjoy!

Inside the park, you’ll find several attractions, including Serrano, a spot with natural water pools where you can relax with a natural hydromassage. One of the trails inside the park is 4.5 km round trip, offering a great way to ease into your adventure.

Day 2: Cachoeira da Fumaça (Smoke Waterfall)

On the second day of our Chapada Diamantina itinerary, we’ll visit Cachoeira da Fumaça, the second tallest waterfall in Brazil, standing at 340 meters high. It got its name because the water falls from such a great height that it turns into mist before reaching the ground, creating a smoke-like effect.

The trail is 12 km round trip, with the first 2 km being a steep climb followed by about an hour of relatively easy hiking. It’s important to be well-rested, but don’t worry—if I made it, you can too!

I visited in July, and the waterfall wasn’t very strong, but it was still enough to see and feel the mist, and even witness a rainbow. From May to September, the waterfall has less water and may even dry up. However, the hike and viewpoints are breathtaking, making the trip worthwhile at any time of the year.

And the best part? You’ll be rewarded on both the way there and back with a jackfruit heart of palm coxinha—absolutely delicious!

Day 3: Poço do Diabo, Cachoeira do Diabo, Lapa Doce Cave, Pratinha Farm & Morro do Pai Inácio

Day three will be much more eventful! We’ll visit Poço do Diabo (Devil’s Well), Lapa Doce Cave, Pratinha Farm, Gruta Azul (Blue Cave), and Morro do Pai Inácio.

Since you’ll be visiting multiple sites, make sure to pack snacks, sunscreen, insect repellent, a jacket (it gets cold at Pai Inácio), flip-flops, swimwear for Pratinha, and of course, plenty of water.

Poço do Diabo and Cachoeira do Diabo are located along the Mucugezinho River, with easy access from BR-242. After a 1 km hike, you’ll reach an incredible 20-meter-high waterfall.

Next, we’ll explore Lapa Doce Cave, a 42-km-long cave system, with 850 meters open for visitors. The walk is relatively easy and filled with stalactites, stalagmites, and even ancient cave paintings!

From there, we’ll stop at Pratinha Farm, which offers various paid activities like ziplining, snorkeling, and floating (which I highly recommend!). This is the most touristy spot in Chapada, featuring great infrastructure, restaurants, and even a guesthouse.

Finally, it’s time to watch the sunset from Morro do Pai Inácio. The 500-meter hike is short but rewarding, offering an unforgettable panoramic view from the top of Chapada Diamantina. My Bahia is truly stunning, especially from up here!

There’s also a heart-shaped rock, making the sunset even more magical. Plus, a local storyteller shares an interesting legend about the place—it’s worth listening to! But no spoilers… you’ll have to go see for yourself!

Day 4: Cachoeira do Buracão (Buracão Waterfall)

On the fourth day, we’ll visit another stunning Bahian waterfall, this time Cachoeira do Buracão. A perfect mix of hiking, nature, and waterfalls—everything you need for another unforgettable day in Chapada Diamantina.

The hike is 6 km each way, with a 300-meter descent (and ascent). The difficulty level is moderate, and just like Cachoeira da Fumaça, it’s mandatory to go with a guide.

While there, don’t miss out on Cachoeira Buracãozinho, Cachoeira das Orquídeas, Recanto Verde, and Mirante do Buracão.

Make sure to wear hiking shoes, bring plenty of water, swimwear, a towel, insect repellent, a dry change of clothes for the return trip, and, of course, a camera or phone to capture everything.

If you prefer to stay overnight in the region, I recommend Mucugê (2 hours away) or Ibicoara (1 hour away), which are closer than Lençóis (4 hours away). Another great option is Vale do Capão, a peaceful and scenic area!

👉 Check out my Guide to Vale do Capão in Chapada Diamantina!

Day 5: Ribeirão do Meio e Cachoeira do Mosquito

On the fifth day, we’ll explore the waterfalls of the Ribeirão River, a must-visit attraction just 3.5 km from Lençóis.

The site features a large natural pool for swimming and a rock slide, making it an absolute favorite among visitors.

Enjoy every moment at this 45-meter-high waterfall, surrounded by lush greenery.

Next, we’ll visit Cachoeira do Mosquito. It’s close to Lençóis, has easy access (a 20-minute staircase hike), and is well worth the effort. Entrance costs R$30.

And don’t worry—the name “Mosquito Waterfall” doesn’t mean there are actual mosquitoes! It comes from the small diamonds that were once found in the area, known as “mosquitos”.

Day 6: Lençóis

The final day of our Chapada Diamantina itinerary will be fully dedicated to exploring Lençóis, a charming town filled with amazing bars and restaurants—which I’ll recommend later in this guide.

One of the gems of the city is Rua das Pedras (Stone Street), the most famous street in town, and an absolute favorite of mine.

Right in front of Rua das Pedras, you’ll find Mercado de Lençóis, located just across the bridge.

Also, don’t miss Igreja de Nossa Senhora do Rosário, a beautiful church at the end of Rua das Pedras.

What if I don’t have 6 days available?

Here’s the question: what if I want to visit Chapada Diamantina but don’t have 6 days available? Don’t worry, I’ve got the solution for you! As I mentioned before, Chapada Diamantina is a huge park that covers several towns and offers various different tours.

If you can’t spend 6 or more days, just pick the ones that best match your interests and go! You can plan a weekend itinerary and visit a waterfall + the center of Lençóis, or spend both days at the Fazenda Pratinha inn, among many other options.

Several companies also offer all-inclusive tours with transportation, accommodation, and attractions departing from Salvador to Lençóis, Ibicoara, and Vale do Capão. Another option, if you have at least 5 nights available, is the Vale do Pati Crossing.

Discover the top places for hiking in Brazil!

Do I need to hire a travel agency to explore Chapada?

I 100% recommend hiring a travel agency to explore Chapada. In addition to the safety of having a guide who knows the area with you, it’s a great way to support the local community and encourage responsible tourism.

It also makes things much easier! The packages include transportation to the attractions and even snacks or lunch, depending on the tour.

Where to eat in Chapada Diamantina?

If it’s Bahian cuisine you’re after, then Bahian cuisine is exactly what you’re going to get. I’ve gathered here some of the best recommendations for where to eat in Chapada Diamantina so you can try those delicious regional flavors.

During the tours, it’s ideal to have some snacks in your bag, so you’ll stay energized for your adventures. However, for the main meals, I’ll highlight a few great spots for you to enjoy a wonderful meal when you return. Check it out!

Cafeteria São Benedito (@cafeteriasaobenedito)

The first option is the friendly Cafeteria São Benedito, located in the center of Lençóis.

In addition to coffees and cappuccinos, the menu includes several sweet and savory pie options. The coolest part is that the coffee is produced locally in the region.

Here, you can also find sandwiches, crepiocas, cakes, dried meat, and soup. If you’re vegan or vegetarian, there will be options for you as well.

Restaurante Lampião (@lampiaofood)

Another restaurant located in the center of Lençóis is the famous Restaurante Lampião, serving Northeastern cuisine.

Here, you’ll find a menu with options like filet mignon, dried meat, queijadas, craft beer, caipiroskas, and much more.

So come and taste the best of Northeastern cuisine with exclusive regional dishes like carne de sol (sun-dried meat) and escondidinho.

Quilombola – Culinária Regional (@restaurantequilombola)

Quilombola, with its rustic setting and live music, is another great option for where to eat in Lençóis. In addition to the highly praised moquecas, the place also offers several vegetarian dishes.

You can also find dishes like baião de dois, carne de sol, and breaded shrimp, which can be ordered as a starter.

Among other things, don’t miss the delicious godó de banana, a typical dish made with green bananas and pork. There’s also the farofa de banana da terra, which will definitely delight you.

Restaurante Garimpo Gourmet (@gourmet_garimpo)

Another place with live music is Restaurante Garimpo Gourmet, located in Lençóis.

Craving a good picanha (a Brazilian cut of beef)? This is the place for you! The menu also offers pasta dishes, risottos, and seafood.

Restaurante O Bode (@restauranteobode)

Restaurante O Bode, also in the center of Lençóis, offers a rustic setting with an outdoor area. The menu features several regional dishes.

Bistrô Café do Mato (@bistrocafedomato)

Among the crepes on the Bistrô Café do Mato menu, you’ll definitely love the shrimp and dried meat ones. There are also vegetarian and vegan options.

Have you ever tried a coffee caipirinha? This is a great opportunity to do so. Check out this pleasant environment located in an old house with rustic décor.

Santo Chico Sushi Bar (@santochicosushibar)

And, of course, we can’t forget delicious Japanese cuisine. That’s why I recommend Santo Chico Sushi Bar, located in the center of Lençóis. Additionally, you’ll find contemporary and vegetarian cuisine here.

Restaurante e Pizzaria Point da Chapada (@pointdachapada)

Finally, I’d like to recommend a spot in the center of Mucugê, a town on the way to Lençóis.

Restaurante e Pizzaria Point da Chapada offers regional food, including vegetarian options.

The atmosphere is pleasant, with tables outdoors, and the venue has wheelchair access.

Ready to experience the magic of Chapada Diamantina?

Well, folks, in this article, I showed you how to make the most out of a 6-day itinerary in Chapada Diamantina.

I’ve shared the best tips on tours and attractions in the area, why staying in Lençóis is the best option, and where to eat there.

As a true Bahian, I recommend you plan well to explore one of the best parts of my state. I’m sure you’ll fall in love with every landscape you visit!

Send me a message if you have any questions about Chapada or other destinations, and don’t forget to share this with your friends who you’re going to invite on this adventure!

Also read: What to do in Bahia, Brazil: complete guide!