AMARILDO’S PLACE (THE VILLAGE OF IGATU)
ANDARAÍ
This natural storyteller, who is a native of Igatu and a specialist on everything that happens in town, has carefully written down everything that has happened in the village (deaths, the better arguments among the villagers, the names of everybody who has left). He also has an extensive collection of articles about the TV show host for kids, Xuxa, which has brought him to the national spotlight a few times.
ARENA THEATER
LENÇÓIS
The foundation was initially for the Our Lady of Conception church (patron saint of the town of Lençóis). The construction was never carried through. Later on, a federal government program reformed the area for popular parties and cultural presentations.
ART GALLERY AND REMEMBRANCES OF IGATU
ANDARAÍ
A worthwhile visit to see the works in exposition and on sale. Delicious coffee is also served at the gallery with crepes and homemade ice cream to top off your visit.
BOM JESUS DOS PASSOS CHURCH
LENÇÓIS
It is in this church that the patron saint of the miners of Lençóis can be seen. It was brought to Lençóis from Portugal by boat in the last century, crossing the Atlantic Ocean and then going up the Paraguaçu and São José Rivers.
BYZANTINE CEMETERY
MUCUGÊ
Constructed in 1847 by Europeans that lived in the area and following a Byzantine style, the Saint Izabel Cemetery is one of the main tourist attractions in Mucugê. At night there is special scenic lighting that guarantees a spectacle.
Level of difficulty: light
What to take: Sunblock, a hat, money, water and comfortable walking shoes.
CARNIVAL IN THE TOWN OF PALMEIRAS
PALMEIRAS
In the months of February or March, there is a traditional type carnival party with groups of merry makers dancing to the carnival music of days gone by.
CAVE LITTLE SMOKE
NEAR THE TOWN OF IRAQUARA
Opened to the public just recently, many geological formations, including stalactites and stalagmites can be seen in this cave. The local guides are charismatic and hospitable.
Level of difficulty: Easy
What to take: swimsuits, sunblock, a hat, money, water, a light jacket, comfortable walking shoes (flip-flops are not permitted in the cavern).
CELEBRATION OF THE DIVINE HOLY GHOST (MAY 29th 30th AND 31st)
ANDARAÍ
Apart from the locals’ participation in the festival, many people from other nearby cities come to take part in the religious party.
CELEBRATION OF THE PATRON SAINT OF THE DIAMOND MINERS NOSSO SENHOR BOM JESUS DOS PASSOS (JANUARY 23rd TO FEBRUARY 2nd)
LENÇÓIS
A religious celebration and popular party that takes place in the town of Lençóis with novenas, outdoor masses, processions and a street party.
CORETO SQUARE
LENÇÓIS
A pleasant square with a gazebo (bandstand). On special occasions the Phiharmonic Band of Lençóis, which has been playing for more than 100 years, gives free presentations.
CULTURAL MARKET
LENÇÓIS
One of the most beautiful old architectual structures of the city, the Market is located on Nagôs Square, alongside the Lençóis River.
FUAMACINHA WATERFALL
Having a freefall of 100 meters (328 feet), this is one of the favorite waterfalls of the region. The visit can be made from beneath the waterfall or from the top. To see the waterfall from up top, begin your walk in Mucugê. The trail is approximately 14 km (8.7miles). It is relatively easy being similar to the Fumaça trail. To see the waterfall from beneath, we recommend that you camp out one night. The trail is more difficult. You will have to jump from rock to rock while walking in the riverbed and there is a steep climb to get to the top. The hike is approximately 18 km. (11.2 miles) long.
Level of difficulty: Advanced
What to take: Swimsuits, sunblock, a hat, a light jacket, money, water, comfortable walking shoes and a trail lunch.
HISTORIC CENTER OF ANDARAÍ
ANDARAÍ
The visitor can walk the streets of this small town and see the preserved arquitecture of the days when diamonds were abundant and rich “Colonels” enforced their own laws.
HORÁCIO DE MATOS SQUARE AND NAGÔS SQUARE
LENÇÓIS
This area is in the heart of Lençois and has many century-old buildings with beautiful architecture which will remind the visitor of the times when diamonds brought great wealth to the region. The Lençóis Music Festial is held here.
LAPA DOCE CAVE
NEAR THE TOWN OF IRAQUARA
Considered the third largest cave in the country and one of the most visited in the Chapada Diamantina, Lapa Doce has 17 km (10.56 miles) mapped and 850 meters (2,800 feet) that can be walked through by visitors. The tourists can go in one way and come out the other guided by friendly local guides and see the countless stalactites and stalagmites, glittering curtains and other interesting formations.
Level of Difficulty: Easy to moderate
What to take: swimsuits, sunblock, a hat, money, water, a light jacket, comfortable walking shoes (flip-flops are not permitted in the cavern). Lapa Doce Cave offers a good infrastructure with local guides, snack bar, souvenir shop and restrooms. Telephone for contact: (75)3625-1084 / (75)9961-0689 – Link: www.lapadoce.com.br.
LAPÃO CAVE
ITAITÊ
Located only 5 km 3.1 miles) from the town of Lençóis, an hour and a half walk, the visitor can get to know the second biggest quartzite cave in Brazil. To go through the cave which is 1 km (0.6 miles) a specialized guide can be hired. The crossing takes approximately two hours.
Level of difficulty: Moderate
What to take: swimsuits, sunblock, a hat, money, water, a light jacket, a trail lunch and good walking shoes.
LITTLE DIAMOND WATERFALL / IMPOSSIBLES RANCH
The hospitality and the local food captivate people from around the world. In this private property you can get to know the Mosquito Waterfall, very beautiful and with a special energy. The waterfall is considered one of the most beauiful in the region.
Level of difficulty: Moderate
What to take: swimsuits, insect repellent, sunblock, a hat, money, water, a light jacket, a good pair of walking shoes.
Tips: You can do both the Mosquito Waterfall and visit the archeological site of Parridas Mountain. You can buy great home made sweets at the Impossibles Ranch
MIDDLE CREEK ( NATURAL WATERSLIDE )
LENÇÓIS
This natural water slide is located very near the city of Lençóis and is guaranteed fun. It is a short walk through the forest to reach the slide.
Level of difficulty: Light
What to take: swimsuits, sunblock, a hat, money, water, a light jacket and good walking shoes.
MR CORI’S DIAMOND MINING
LENÇÓIS
When diamond mining was prohibited, Mr Cori, who had worked as a diamond prospector since the age of 13, decided to recreate a prospector’s site in his backyard. This charismatic 87 year old man will delight you with his explanations and show you exactly how the miners worked. He happily receives all the tourists and doesn’t charge for the visit. Donations are accepted. It’s very much worth the visit.
MUCUGÊ MUNICIPAL PARK (ALWAYS ALIVE PROJECT, TIBURTINHO AND PIABINHAS WATERFALLS)
NEAR THE TOWN OF MUCUGÊ
Always alive is a research and visitors center near the town of Mucugê which receives visitors from around the world. The project, together with its informative and friently instructors, studies the sempre viva plant which is endemic to the area. In the area of the project, the visitor can visit the really beautiful waterfalls of Piabinhas (minnows) and Tiburtino.
Level of difficulty: Easy
What to take: swimsuits, sunblock, a hat, money, water, a light jacket and good walking shoes.
Tip: Just right for the whole family.
MUCUGEZINHO/THE DEVIL’S POOL
Located 20 km (12.4 miles) from Lençóis, the Mucugezinho River has many beautiful dark-water pools and some natural waterslides. In the Mucugezinho Natural Swimming Pools, the famous Devil’s Pool can be visited with its 20- meter (65.6 feet) waterfall.
Level of difficulty: Easy
What to take: swimsuits, insect repellent, sunblock, a hat, money, water and comfortable walking shoes.
Tips: There are some bars that serve local dishes along the river.
PAI INÁCIO MUNICIPAL PARK (PAI INÁCIO MOUNTAIN, ORCHID GARDEN AND THE PAI INÁCIO WATERFALL)
PALMEIRAS
The picture postcard of the Chapada Diamantina, The Pai Inácio Mountain is one of the most visited tourist attractions of the region. It belongs to the municipality of Palmeiras. The beauty of the lookout, the myths and the “Legend of Pai Inácio” add a dose of mystism to the locale. At the foot of the Pai Inácio Mountain, there is a private Orchid Garden open to the public, where the visitor can see hundreds of types of orchids, along with other flowers endemic to the area. In the same area, one can make a visit to the Miner’s Museum which has a permanent exposition that portrays the history of the miners of the Chapada Diamantina. The Pai Inácio Waterfall completes the tour of the municipal park. It’s a short walk of 2 km (1.24 miles) that will take you to a waterfall of about 3 m (about 10 feet) and a crystal clear pool of refreshing water. Don’t miss it.
Level of difficulty: Moderate
What to take: swimsuits, sunblock, a hat, money, water, a light jacket and good walking shoes.
Tips: Visitation to the Pai Inácio mountain is until 5:00 pm and is monitored by volunteers. You can contribute to their work by making a donation. The local tourist agencies offer excellent package tours.
PARAGUAÇU RIVER
ANDARAÍ
One of Bahia’s most important rivers, the Paraguaçu is where the people from the town os Andaraí celebrate their New Year’s. It is a good place to go swimming and contemplate life.
PRÉDIO VICE-CONSULADO FRANCÊS
LENÇÓIS
Na Praça Horácio de Matos fica o centro comercial, de onde saíam as negociações das exportações de diamantes para a Europa.
PREFEITURA ANTIGA
LENÇÓIS
Palacete construído em 1860 pelo Coronel César Sá para satisfazer sua jovem esposa. Possui arquitetura rica e detalhada.
PUBLIC LIBRARY
LENÇÓIS
The Public Library is located in the house where Urbano Duarte, a famous writer from Lençóis, was born. He was one of the founders of the Brazilian Academy of Letters.
ROSARIO CHURCH
LENÇÓIS
A one hundred-year-old church built in the past by a local resident.
SAINT SEBASTIAN CELEBRATION (JANUARY 20th)
ANDARAÍ
The celebrations in honor of St. Sebastian occur in the village of Igatu, patron Saint of the Village.
SAN SEBASTIAN (JANUARY 20th)
PALMEIRAS - Capão Valley
Religious festivities, artistic groups and local and regional cultural manifestations honor the patron saint of the village of Capão.
SERRA DAS PARIDAS
LENÇÓIS
Just 36 kilometers (22.3 miles) from the town of Lençóis, Serra das Parridas is considered a true archeological treasure. It is one of the biggest archeological sites in the state of Bahia. There is an great number of prehistoric rock paintings in the middle of great natural beauty. This has been attracting the attention of students, researchers and a wide variety of visitors.
Level of difficulty: Light
What to take: sunblock, insect repellent, a hat, water and comfortable walking shoes.
Tip: The tourist agency Volta ao Parque (www.voltaaoparque.com.br) in Lençóis is specialized in tours in this area.
SERRANO MUNICIPAL PARK (THE ROOMS OF COLORED SAND, HALLEY POOL, PRIMAVERA WATTERFALL, THE LOOKOUT OF LENÇÓIS AND THE CACHOEIRINHA WATERFALL)
LENÇÓIS
Nearly 90 % of all the visitors of Lençóis get to know the beauty of this park. A short fifteen-minute walk from Lençóis will take you to the Caldeirões, (natural swimming pools) background scenery for soap operas and films, and a great place to hang out and go for a dip in the pools that can give you a hydro-massage as the water goes from pool to pool. The Colored Sand Rooms have different shades of colored sands in the many rooms. Parts of the film “Diamante Bruto” by the local film maker Orlando Senna were filmed here. It is guaranteed fun for kids and adults alike. The Halley Pool, Cachoeirinha Waterfall, the famous Primavera Waterfall and the Lookout of Lençóis complete your visit to the municipal park; a memorable and unique experience. Adventure sports like abseiling (rappel) and rock climbing can be done here.
Level of difficulty: Light to moderate
What to take: swimsuits, sunblock, repellent, a hat, money, water, a light jacket and good walking shoes.
Tips: There are some tourist agencies specialized in rock climbing and abseiling (rappel).
SILVER CAVE AND CAVE BLUE
NEAR THE TOWN OF IRAQUARA
Located in the Speleological Park of Iraquara, Pratinha Cave is a must for those who want to relax and enjoy beauiful scenery. The water in Pratinha is a transparent blue and reflects shining silver. On the outside part of the cave, swimming is allowed and you can go floating, rent a kayak or go ziplining. While in the Pratinha Farm, it is worth your while to see the Blue Cave (Gruta Azul). At certain times of the year and at a certain time of day, a ray of sun comes into the entrance of the cave and the beam of light hits the crystal clear water and creates an amazing blue spectacle.
Level of difficulty: Easy
What to take: swimsuits, sunblock, a hat, money, water, a light jacket and good walking shoes.
Tip: The Pratinha Farm (where the caves are located) has a good infrastructure including restaurants, restrooms, rental equipment, local guides and a bed and breakfast. Contact: Fazenda Pratinha – (75)3625-0879 – Link: www.pratinha.com.
SMOKE WATERFALL
Cachoeira da Fumaça Waterfall is considered one of Brazil’s most fascinating waterfalls (approximately 380 meters (1,250 feet). It has a breathtaking view and it unforgettable. The Capão Valley is the starting point for the trail to see the waterfall from the top. It is an exciting 7 km (4.4 miles) walk with beautiful views and a lot of adrenalin. On the way back, be sure to visit the nice Riachinho Waterfall. It is easily accessed from the road and you can go swimming there. When leaving Capão Valley, visit the Morrão mountain to top off your tour.
Level of difficulty: Moderate to advanced
What to take: Swimsuits, sunblock, a hat, money, plenty of drinking water, comfortable walking shoes and a trail lunch.
Tips: Try the jack fruit turnover and the whole wheat pizza sold in Capão Valley.
SMOKE WATERFALL TRAIL FROM BRNEATH VIA CAPÃO VILLAGE-TOWN
LENÇÓIS
For those with a spirit of adventure and who want to see the waterfall from a different angle, you can choose this trail. The hike takes three days and you will camp out in tents and a cave.
Level of difficulty: Advanced
What to take: swimsuits, sunblock, clothes for hiking and a light jacket, tooth brush and tooth paste, flip-flops, a hat, money, water, tent, sleeping bag, food, a sleeping pad and good walking shoes.
Sossego (Tranquility) Waterfall and Upper Ribeirão River
The hike to Sossego Waterfall can be difficult for those not used to walking and jumping on rocks. It is 7 k (4.3 miles) and takes about three hours, but it is very much worth the effort. You reach the magnificent waterfall and the cold pool of water at its base by first hiking on the old miners’ trails and then going into the riverbed. On the way back to Lençóis, you must take a dip at the natural stone swimming pool called Ribeirão de Cima.
Level of difficulty: Advanced
What to take: swimsuits, sunblock, a hat, money, water, a light jacket, comfortable walking shoes and a trail lunch.
ST. JOHN’S DAY AND FESTIVITIES (JUNE 23rd AND 24th)
The St. John’s day festivities is a time of traditional type music and dance in all the cities of the Chapada. The local people participate and large numbers of visitors also come to the area. It is good to remember that the patron saint of the town of Mucugê is St. John.
ST. JOSEPH RIVER
At the entrance to the town of Lençóis, the São José river is an excellent place to go swimming, ideal for kids. Refreshing pools of dark water, long stretches of sand and luxuriant green are the main attractions to this area.
Level of difficulty: Light
What to take: swimsuits, sunblock, insect repellent, a hat, a trail lunch, water and good walking shoes.
Note: There are periods of the year that the river does not have much water, at these times it is not recommended.
THE BIG HOUSE IN THE SÃO FELIX NEIGHBORHOOD
LENÇÓIS
This was the general headquarters of the warlord Horácio de Matos. It was a veritable fort in the 1920s and from here the “Colonel” defended the regional interests. Horácio de Matos was a legendary figure from Lençóis, and besides his many accomplishments, he was also involved in city, state, and national politics serving as Mayor of Lençóis, Congressman and Senator.
THE BLUE POOL
NOVA REDENÇÃO
Located near the town of Nova Redenção, the Poço Azul is frequently visited and is an enchanting place. The depths of the pool vary between 3.5 meters (11.5 feet) to16 meters (52.5 feet) and it is possible to see the bottom of the pool very clearly due to the crystal clear water. Swimming and floating are permitted in part of the pool.
Level of difficulty: Light
What to take: swimsuits, sunblock, a hat, money, water, a light jacket and good walking shoes.
THE CIRCUS FROM CAPÃO
PALMEIRAS
The magic of the circus in the mystical and pleasant village of Capão.
THE ENCHANTED POOL
ITAITÊ
Located near the town of Itaetê, Poço Encantado was one of the principal attractions of the Chapada. It is closed at the moment due to judicial matters. From the months of April to September, a ray of light comes in through a crack in the ceiling of the cave and the beam of light stretches down to the bottom of the pool while reflecting on the ceiling of the cavern an incredible subterranean blue.
Tip: The site mentions the Poço Azul because of its extreme beauty and importance to the Chapada, but we emphasize the fact that it is temporarily closed to public visitation.
THE HOUSE AND CULTURAL CENTER OF AFRÂNIO PEIXOTO
LENÇÓIS
Here you can learn about the life and works of the famous Lençóis author Afrânio Peixoto. Open from 8:00 am to 12:00 pm and from 2:00 pm to 5:00 pm.
THE LENÇÓIS (CAPÃO TRADITIONAL TRAIL)
This is a beautiful trail for those who love to be in contact with nature. It is 25 kilometers (15.5 miles) long. It is an old trail opened by prospectors who took the scenic route between the town of Lençóis and Capão. As you climb the hills and go down the valley you will see all kinds of orchids and bromeliads and beautiful scenery everywhere. Along the way you will be able to stop and take refreshing dips in some of the pools and rivers.
Level of difficuly: Advanced
What to take: swimsuits, sunblock, a hat, money, water, a light jacket, comfortable walking shoes and a trail lunch.
THE PAI INÁCIO ( CAPÃO TRAIL VIA ÁGUAS CLARAS)
This trail is for those who would like to walk amongst the giant picture postcard mountains of the Chapada. Besides the Pai Inácio Mountain and the Morrão (Big Mountain), you will also see incredible views of the Sobradinho, Mucugezinho and Bacia Sierras. You will make a stop at the Águas Claras which is a little oasis of clean water and quaint, naturally decorated gardens. You can go for a swim and take unforgettable photographs.
Level of difficulty: Moderate
What to take: swimsuits, sunblock, a hat, money, water, a light jacket, comfortable walking shoes and a trail lunch.
Tips: Upon arrival at the Mystical Capão Valley, don’t forget to try the whole wheat pizza and the famous jack fruit and hearts of palm turnover.
THE SAINT FRANCIS OF ASSIS CELEBRATION IN THE VILLAGE OF REMANSO (OCTOBER 4th)
LENÇÓIS
A traditional celebration that takes place in the small village of Remanso whose patron saint is Saint Francis of Assis. During the event, the visitor can watch the procession of the local people through the village and then the collective baptism in front of the church.
THE TRAIL BETWEEN THE PAI INÁCIO MOUNTAIN AND LENÇÓIS
Various options on this tour offer different attractions. Option # 1: Begin in Lençóis and walk to the Pai Inácio Mountain. There you can see one of the most traditional and best sunsets of the Chapada. Option # 2: Take a car to the trail of the Mucugezinho River where you can visit the Pai Inácio Waterfall, go for a swim and walk back to Lençóis. Option #3: Take the trail via the Mandassaia River Waterfall. This option is not so common so you will be off the beaten path. Option #4: Get in touch with a specialized agency that deals with mountain biking and do the trail by bike.
Level of difficuly: Moderate
What to take: swimsuits, sunblock, a hat, money, water, a light jacket, comfortable walking shoes and a trail lunch.
THE UNIVERSITY OF FERIA DE SANTANA ADVANCED STUDIES CAMPUS
LENÇÓIS
Located in Horácio de Matos Square, the university occupies the old colonial house of a certain Mrs. Sobral, a repesected lady of the last century.
THE VILLAGE AND RUINS OF IGATU
NEAR THE TOWN OF ANDARAÍ
Igatu is a small village which came to be because of the discovery of diamonds in the 19th century. It is encrusted in the mountains. It is a quaint little town where everything is made of stone. It has ruins remnant of the times when diamonds were ever so important.
The Village of Remanso Marimbus (A Little Pantanal-swamp) and the Roncador (Snoring) River
It is the village of Remanso where many runaway slaves made their home. It is also a point of departure to get to know one of the most unique ecosystems of the Chapada; the Marimbus swamp. Regional tourist agencies and local guides, who are natural storytellers, will help you make this contemplative canoe tour down the San Antonio River. After the boat trip, you will walk for thirty more minutes to arrive at the Roncador river where you will find many natural rock pools. On the way back, for those who would like to add some adrenaline to the story, a company from Lençóis rents out four-wheel drive motorcyles. It is well worth it.
Level of difficulty: Light
What to take: swimsuits, sunblock, a hat, money, water, a light jacket and good walking shoes.
Tip: To rent a quadricyle, check at the Tourist Agency Lentur
Torrinha (Little Tower) Cavern
IRAQUARA
Gypsita needles and aragonite flowers and other unique marvellous formations can be seen in the Torrinha Cavern. Visitors are accompanied by local guides and can choose from three different tours, including a complete experience. It is definately something that can’t be missed.
Level of difficulty: Light to moderate
What to take: swimsuits, sunblock, a hat, money, water, a light jacket, comfortable walking shoes (flip-flops are not permitted in the cavern).
TREETOP TOURISM IN THE KABANA DE PEDRA
ANDARAÍ
Inaugurated in 2009, The Kabana de Pedra offers the first Treetop Canaopy Tourism in the region.
Vale do Paty (Hikiing in the Paty Valley)
The Paty Valley is considered one of the most beautiful in Brazil and holds many differnt attractions. Spend your nights in the homes of local people who always have good stories and delicious food cooked on wood burning stoves.
Level of difficulty: Moderate to advanced
What to take: swimsuits, sunblock, some personal clothing including a jacket, toiletries, flip-flops, a hat, money, water, a tent, a sleeping bag and sleeping pad and good hiking/walking shoes.
WATERFALL BIG HOLE
Thirty kilometers from the town of Ibicoara, in the southern part of the Chapada, is one of the most beautiful attractions of the Chapada Diamantina National Park. Canyons three meters wide (nine feet) and ninety meters deep (nearly 300 feet) lead to the Buracão Waterfall. For those looking for even more thrills, experienced guides will conduct abseiling (rappel) adventures 86 meters (282 feet) down the canyon wall. The view is magnificent and you can see all of the canyon. You can’t miss it and it is totally safe.
Level of difficulty: Moderate
What to take: swimsuits, sunblock, a hat, money, water, a light jacket, comfortable walking shoes and a trail lunch.
Tip: Spend the night in Ibicoara, Mucugê or Igatu to make the trip less tiring.