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Blog - Jim's Thoughts

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

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

8 & 9 Day Adventure Tours

Chapada Diamantina Basic Package: 3 Days & 2 Nights
Economic Tour by Regular Bus – Departure/Arrival: SALVADOR

1st Day: At 06:30am pick up hotel/airport and transfer to Bus station, departure in regular Bus to Lençois (7hs approx), arrival at 1:30pm Welcome by local staff and transfer to Hotel. In the afternoon, walking city tour of Lençois; Serrano River and Primavera waterfall. Overnight with buffet breakfast.

2nd Day: At 08:30am Departure for Full Day Tour Chapada Highlights with Lunch Box. visiting Lapa Doce cave ( 1 km trek inside the cave); Pratinha Cave, and then transfer for lunch at Toca do Pato at Mucugezinho River, trek to the ‘poço do diabo’ (a big black lake); and Trekking up the Pai Inacio Hill (500mts). Night at leisure. 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: 7:00am transfer to Bus station and regular bus ticket to Salvador. Arrival by 1:30pm aprox. Welcome by our staff and transfer to hotel or airport.

Private Tour Chapada – Departure/Arrival: SALVADOR

1st Day: At 8:00am. Departure by private car to Lencois, direct transfer. Arrive by midday. Lunch on the way and Accommodation. PM: Half day walking tour in Lençois and Serrano river with bathing at Natural Pools and Primavera waterfall. Night at leisure. OV/BB

2nd Day: At 08:30am departure for F/Day Chapada Highlights with Lunch Box: By car leaving Lencois to Mucugezinho River, trek to the ‘poço do diabo’ (a black lake); visit to Lapa Doce cave ( 1 km trek inside the cave); Pratinha Cave, a beautiful subterraine river and lake complex and Trekking up the Pai Inacio Hill (500mts). Night at leisure. 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 Ribeirão do Meio for a little bit of fun at the natural tobogan. Night at leisure. OV/BB

3rd Day: Morning at leisure and departure by private car, with Lunch box, to Salvador.

Chapada Diamantina Basic Package: 4 Days & 3 Nights
Chapada Light Cultural Private Tour – Departure/arrival: SALVADOR

1st Day: At 8:00am departure by private car to Lencois, visiting on the way the `Reconcavo Baiano` area, surrouding the Bay of All Saints. With Sugar Cane, Tobacco and Cocoa plantations; walking tour of Cachoeira (hist city known as the bahia´s Ouro Preto); cigar factory and São Felix. Lunch (included at old Convento do carmo). Arrival in Lencois late in the afternoon. Accommodation. Night at leisure. OV/BB.

2nd Day At 08:30am Departure for F/Day Tour Chapada Highlights with Lunch Box. visiting Lapa Doce cave (1 km trek inside the cave); Pratinha Cave, and then transfer for lunch at Toca do Pato at Mucugezinho River, trek to the ‘poço do diabo’ (a big black lake); and Trekking up the Pai Inacio Hill (500mts). Night at leisure. OV/BB

3rd Day: At 8h30 Departure in a 4x4 to the swamp area of Marimbus - stop at REMANSO a small village that was in the past a Quilombo (place created in the colonial time by fugitive African slaves) the black community of Remanso, still maintain its tradition and roots. After a walking in the village, we will embark in rustic canoes that will be guided by local native paddling in the channels, lakes and rivers of Marimbus swamp.. Lot of birds and with luck we can watch local fauna... capybaras and rodents. Stop for Lunch box at Roncador waterfall and bathing. Meet our 4x4 and drive back to Lencois through the old mining road.OV/BB

4th Day AM: Return back to Salvador in private car…

Economic Tour by Regular Bus – Departure/Arrival: SALVADOR

1st Day: At 06:30am pick up hotel/airport and transfer to Bus station, departure in regular Bus to Lencois (7hs approx), arrival at 1:30pm Welcome by local staff and transfer to Hotel. In the afternoon, walking city tour of Lencois; Serrano River and Primavera waterfall. OV/BB

2nd Day: At 08:30am Departure for F/Day Tour Chapada Highlights with Lunch Box. visiting Lapa Doce cave ( 1 km trek inside the cave); Pratinha Cave, and then transfer for lunch at Toca do Pato at Mucugezinho River, trek to the ‘poço do diabo’ (a big black lake); and Trekking up the Pai Inacio Hill (500mts). Night at leisure. OV/BB

3rd 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 tobogan. Night at leisure. OV/BB

4th Day: at 7:00am transfer to Bus station and regular bus ticket to Salvador. Arrival by 1:30pm Aprox. Welcome by our staff and transfer to hotel or airport.

SEMI ESCORTED: Means that part of the trip or package will be done with full escorted assistance. But it will not be with fully escorted by our tourguide or staff.

Private Tour Chapada – Departure/Arrival: SALVADOR

ITINERARY A:
1st Day: At 8:00am. Departure by private car to Lencois, direct transfer. Arrive by midday. Lunch on the way and Accommodation. PM: Half day walking tour in Lençois and Serrano river with bathing at Natural Pools and Primavera waterfall. Night at leisure. OV/BB

2nd Day: At 08:30am departure for F/Day Chapada Highlights with Lunch Box: By car leaving Lencois to Mucugezinho River, trek to the ‘poço do diabo’ (a black lake); visit to Lapa Doce cave ( 1 km trek inside the cave); Pratinha Cave, a beautiful subterraine river and lake complex and Trekking up the Pai Inacio Hill (500mts). Night at leisure.OV/BB

3rd 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

4th Day : AM: Return back to Salvador in private car…

ITINERARY B:
1st Day: At 8:00am. Departure by private car to Lencois, direct transfer. Arrive by midday. Lunch on the way and Accommodation. PM: Half day walking tour in Lençois and Serrano river with bathing at Natural Pools and Primavera waterfall. Night at leisure. OV/BB

2nd Day: At 08:30am departure for F/Day Chapada Highlights with Lunch Box: By car leaving Lencois to Mucugezinho River, trek to the ‘poço do diabo’ (a black lake); visit to Lapa Doce cave ( 1 km trek inside the cave); Pratinha Cave, a beautiful subterraine river and lake complex and Trekking up the Pai Inacio Hill (500mts). Night at leisure. OV/BB

3rd Day: After breakfast, transfer with guide Lençois/Igatu city; visit the stone town and trekking on the ruins of the old mine village. Visit the Blue well a beautiful blue water cave, where you may dive, snorkel, and swim. Then we stop for a regional lunch. Transfer to Mucuge town, and we go for a visit to the Byzantine cemetery. Accommodation in a local pousada. Night at Leisure, on your own.

4th Day: at 7:00am Private transfer Mucuge/Salvador, passing by Poço Encantado (if it is open), one of the best natural attractions of Chapada. Lunch box included. Arrival in Salvador aprox. By 6:00pm.

ITINERARY C
1st Day: At 7:00am. Departure by private car to Lencois, passing by Reconcavo baiano with visits to Sugar cane and cocoa plantations; walking tour of Cachoeira, cigar factory and São Felix. Lunch (included at old Convento do carmo). After lunch drive through the drylands to MUCUGÊ village (South of Chapada). Arrival late in the afternoon. Accommodation and visit to the Byzantine Cemetery of Mucugê. Night at leisure. OV/BB

2nd Day: Early in the morning departure to the Never die flower project, to visit and trek on the natural gardens of the park. Then, we continue to one of the best attractions of Chapada, the poço Encantado. After lunch box we proceed to visit the ghost stone town of IGATU and the village of Andaraí. Arrival in Lençois and accommodation. OV/BB

3rd Day: At 08:30am departure for F/Day Chapada Highlights with Lunch Box: By car leaving Lencois to Mucugezinho River, trek to the ‘poço do diabo’ (a black lake); visit to Lapa Doce cave ( 1 km trek inside the cave); Pratinha Cave, a beautiful subterraine river and lake complex and Trekking up the Pai Inacio Hill (500mts). Night at leisure. OV/BB

4th Day: relax and private transfer directltly to Salvador with lunch included on the way.

Hotels 4 Stars: PORTAL LENCOIS: Located at the top of the City.
Swimming Pool, Sauna, Bar, Restaurant and mini-shopping. Rooms with AC, TV, Radio, Phone and private WC.
CANTO DAS AGUAS - Located downtown, with Pool, Gardens with Nice view, Bar and Restaurant. Rooms with AC, TV, phone, Radio, FrigoBar and Private WC.
Hotels 3 stars: HOTEL LENÇOIS. Located downtown, with Pool, Gardens with Nice view, Bar and Restaurant. Rooms with AC, TV, phone, Radio, FrigoBar and Private WC.
Hotels 2 stars: (lodges or pousadas): LAVRAMOR, CASA DA GELEIA, O VIOLEIRO or similar
Lençois and Pousada VERDE in Vale do Capão: Simple lodges. Rooms with Fan, TV, private WC and friendly service

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.