Start your journey with Voliage

When we arrived in Chapada Diamantina's Pati Valley in March 2023, we were surprised that people were surprised to see us. A local guide said to us, “Two Americans in one week?! That’s a record.”

Chapada Diamantina is a breathtaking remote region located in the heart of Bahia, Brazil. With its rugged landscape of mountains, waterfalls, and canyons, the region, home to a rich variety of wildlife, is a paradise for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. Visitors to Chapada Diamantina can explore a diverse range of ecosystems, from lush forests and grasslands to arid canyons and wetlands. In addition to its natural wonders, Chapada Diamantina is also steeped in history and culture, with charming colonial towns and traditional communities that offer a glimpse into the region's fascinating past. Whether hiking to hidden waterfalls, exploring underground caves, or stargazing under the clear night sky, a visit to Chapada Diamantina is a truly unforgettable experience. Immerse yourself in the wonders of this unique destination during your next hike in Brazil!

Chapada Diamantina (Portuguese for the “Diamond Plateau”) is a beautiful region in the state of Bahia, Brazil. The area's history is deeply connected to the diamond and gold mining industry, which flourished in the region during the 19th century.

Prior to the arrival of European colonizers, the Chapada Diamantina was inhabited by indigenous peoples who had their own unique cultures, traditions, and ways of life. With the discovery of gold and diamonds in the region, however, the area began to attract large numbers of people seeking their fortunes.

Gold was first discovered in the region in the late 17th century, and by the early 18th century, the area had become one of the most important gold mining regions in Brazil. The gold rush attracted thousands of people to the area, and many towns and settlements were established to support the mining industry.

The first diamond deposits in the region were discovered in the early 1840s, and within a few years, thousands of people had flocked to the area in search of riches. Many of the old gold mines were abandoned, and miners turned their attention to diamonds. Diamond mining in Chapada Diamantina was a dangerous and difficult job. Miners had to work in deep, narrow pits, often using only hand tools to extract the diamonds. The work was grueling, and many miners died from accidents, disease, and exhaustion.

Despite the challenges, diamond mining continued in Chapada Diamantina for many decades. The boom in diamond mining also led to the development of towns and cities in the region, including Lençóis, which became a major center for the diamond trade. However, by the early 20th century, the diamond deposits had been largely depleted, and the industry began to decline.

Over time, as the diamond and gold mining industries began to decline, the region's economy shifted to other industries such as agriculture and tourism. In 1985, the Brazilian government created the Parque Nacional da Chapada Diamantina to protect the area.

Today, Chapada Diamantina is known for its stunning natural beauty, including waterfalls, rivers, streams, mountains, and unique geological formations, as well as its rich cultural heritage and history. The region has a rich biodiversity. Some of the types of animals in Chapada Diamantina are hummingbirds, hawks, snakes, lizards, fish, monkeys. The region also has a diverse range of insects, including butterflies, ants, and beetles.

The area is popular with visitors from around the world, who come to hike, swim, and explore the many wonders of this fascinating region.

To reach Lençóis we flew from Rio de Janeiro's Santos Dumont Airport (SDU) to Salvador Bahia Airport (SSA). From the Salvador Bahia Airport we took an Uber to the bus terminal (Terminal Rodoviário de Salvador). We took the Rápido Federal bus line from Salvador, Bahia to Lençóis. We purchased our bus tickets online using the Bus Bud website.

When planning your visit to Chapada Diamantina, it's a good idea to stay in one of the nearby towns. Lençóis is a popular destination for travelers, thanks to its prime location and charm. Downtown you will find French-colonial style homes and cobblestoned streets. Whether you're looking for adventure or relaxation, Lençóis offers something for everyone. From delicious local cuisine to comfortable accommodation options, this town is a great place to start your journey into the heart of Bahia.

By Air

There are a couple of options for how to fly to Chapada Diamantina.

The Salvador Bahia Airport (SSA) is the nearest major airport to Chapada Diamantina.

The airport is located in Salvador, the capital city of the state of Bahia. Salvador is about 400 kilometers away from Chapada Diamantina. From the airport you can take a flight to Lençóis Airport or travel by car or bus to Lençóis.

Lençóis Airport

The Lençóis Airport is in the Chapada Diamantina National Park. It is about 12 miles (20 km) from downtown Lençóis.

By Bus

To reach Lençóis by bus, you can board the Rápido Federal bus line from Salvador, Bahia, which is a convenient mode of transport. There are different options for purchasing your ticket: you can either buy it at the Terminal Rodoviário de Salvador or book it online through reliable websites like Bus Bud or Quero Passagem. The journey takes approximately 7 hours and 30 minutes to 8 hours, depending on traffic conditions.

There are several ticket options available depending on your preferences and budget, ranging from approximately $22 to $42. The bus seats are comfortable and can recline to ensure a comfortable ride, while your luggage, stored beneath the bus, is carefully tagged and associated with your bus ticket.

The bus also makes regular stops for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, where you can indulge in buffet meals or grab a quick snack. The bus is equipped with two floors and a bathroom, ensuring a pleasant and hassle-free travel experience.

By Car

If you're planning to arrive in Lençóis by car, there are several options depending on your starting point.

Many of the roads in the region are narrow and winding, and some sections may be unpaved. It's a good idea to check road conditions and plan your route carefully before setting out on your journey to Lençóis.

Cars can be rented at the Salvador Bahia Airport. There is not an international car rental company in Lençóis, so you’ll want to plan on returning your car to Salvador after your trip.

We visited in March and the weather was warm. Each day there was rain in the early morning hours before 5 am. The park can be visited year-round. Each time of the year has its own perks. The dry season is generally from May to August. Chapada Diamantina is usually warm to hot year round. The rainy season is from November to March. Different flowers are in bloom depending on the season and you will be able to see and hear different wildlife.

Food to try in Chapada Diamantina:

• Cachaça
  • Cachaça (pronounced kah-shah-sah) is a distilled spirit that is only produced in Brazil. It's often compared to rum, but unlike rum, Cachaça is made from sugarcane juice while rum is often made from molasses, a byproduct of sugarcane refining. The spirit is a staple of Brazilian culture, and it's used in a variety of traditional cocktails, such as the Caipirinha. You can find Cachaça in most bars and restaurants, and it's also sold in many stores throughout the country.
• Different varieties of banana
• Corn couscous
• Sugar cane
• Green papaya
• Mango
• Sweet potato
• Sweet potato cake
• Coconut cake
• Pineapple
• Honey
• Jackfruit

Learn more

Learn more

Learn more

Learn more