Embark on an Exciting Journey in Chapada Diamantina

Cachoeira da Fumaça is among the tallest in Brazil and is ideal for those seeking a trail with plenty of natural beauty

Chapada Diamantina is a paradise for nature lovers and outdoor sports enthusiasts. Its high peaks offer breathtaking panoramic views, while its caves and grottos hide fascinating geological secrets. The various waterfalls, imposing and with crystal-clear water, are a spectacle in themselves and perfect for refreshing baths after stunning trails.

Did you know? Chapada Diamantina is a region of mountains, canyons, deep valleys, and crystal-clear rivers, covering an area of about 38 thousand square kilometers. Its name derives from the diamond mining activities that took place in the region during the 19th century, contributing to its historical and cultural richness.

Cachoeira da Fumaça

If you are looking for adventure and natural beauty, Cachoeira da Fumaça is the perfect choice. It is located in Vale do Capão, in Chapada Diamantina, and has a waterfall about 340 meters high. The name of the waterfall comes from the smoke-like appearance the water creates as it falls from such a height. It’s hard not to be moved when you reach the top of this waterfall, considered one of the largest in Brazil.

The waterfall can be visited from both the bottom and the top, but the most common tour is to see it from the top. The goal is to reach the viewpoints where you can see the imposing waterfall and observe the spectacle of water turning into smoke. The tour lasts all day and the trail is for the experienced – on a scale of 1 to 5, the difficulty level is considered 3. But don’t worry, the guide adapts to your pace!

Trail towards paradise

It all starts in the municipality of Lençóis, in Bahia, where you will embark on an exciting journey that lasts the whole day. To reach the beginning of the trail, there is a 2-hour car ride along a road that offers the most beautiful mountains in the region. Enjoy the stunning view that Chapada provides!

Upon reaching the start of the trail, the guide will give all the necessary instructions for a pleasant and safe tour. In total, it’s a 12 km trail, round trip. The most challenging part is the initial climb, about 2 km long, requiring a lot of breath to overcome the steep terrain. Depending on your pace, this first stage can last from 45 minutes to 1 hour and 15 minutes.

After this initial stage, it’s all joy, as the rest of the route is much easier and more enjoyable. The walk will be on flat terrain for an hour with the Morrão as a backdrop and then a beautiful view of Vale do Capão.

Reaching the top of the waterfall

Every step taken during the trail is rewarded with spectacular scenery and a unique connection with nature. At Cachoeira da Fumaça, the guide will show you two incredible viewpoints. You can also crawl to the end of the viewpoint and look down to see the depth of the canyon and the falling water.

Take advantage of all these points to contemplate such beauty and take many photos to keep as memories. And if you are lucky, and the right ray of sun crosses the waterfall, you will see a beautiful rainbow amidst the falling waters.

It’s time to go back

Since the trail was above Cachoeira da Fumaça, it is not possible to cool off in these waters. But don’t worry! The return trail passes by Cachoeira do Riachinho, where you can take a dip and enjoy a peaceful moment in a natural pool. Enjoy the walk back to stop and capture the moments with incredible and creative photos.

Exploring this trail is a transformative experience and reminds us every moment of the importance of preserving and protecting the natural treasures of our planet.

Heads up!

A full day tour requires some care. First, bring a small backpack with personal belongings, sunscreen, swimwear, a camera, and plenty of water. Don’t forget to choose shoes that are ideal for hiking. If possible, bring a hat and sunglasses to protect yourself from the sun. This trail can be done at any time of the year and the tour can be booked with a guide who speaks English or French. Most importantly, hire only specialized guides and have a safe journey!

So, have you added this trail to your itinerary? Chapada Diamantina has a lot to offer. Follow Visit Brazil and our social media (@visitBrazil), and stay tuned to the experiences you can have in Brazil.