Bahia is Brazil's most culturally rich state, blending African, Indigenous, and Portuguese heritage in a vibrant tapestry of music, cuisine, and traditions. Home to Salvador, one of the Western Hemisphere's oldest cities, Bahia offers stunning Atlantic coastline, Afro-Brazilian culture, and colonial architecture. The state's diverse landscape spans mangroves, forests, and the dramatic Chapada Diamantina highlands.
Top trails
Routes worth lacing up your boots for.
-
1
Morro do Pai Inácio Summit Trail
The hike to the summit of Morro do Pai Inácio (1,120m) is one of the most iconic and rewarding short hikes in Chapada Diamantina. The trail begins at a parking area 27km from Lençóis and climbs steadily up the sandstone mesa through typical Chapada vegetation (campo rupestre — rocky highland scrub). The summit rewards with a panoramic 360-degree view over the surrounding plateau and the distant blue horizon of table mountains. Sunset here is magical as the sandstone glows orange and pink.
-
2
Cachoeira da Fumaça (Top) — Vale do Capão Approach
The trek to the top viewpoint of Cachoeira da Fumaça — Brazil's second-highest waterfall at approximately 420 meters — is the iconic Chapada Diamantina hike. Starting from Caeté-Açu (Vale do Capão), the trail climbs through campo rupestre vegetation across an exposed plateau before reaching the clifftop viewpoint. In dry season, the water evaporates before reaching the ground, creating a dramatic mist that gives the waterfall its name. After rains, a full plume of water thunders over the edge.
-
3
Poço Encantado Access Trail
The walk to Poço Encantado is very short — the magic is in the destination itself. A brief trail leads to the cave entrance, then steps descend to the illuminated underground lake. Between April and September, sunlight enters through a cave opening and illuminates the crystal-clear water in an extraordinary turquoise-blue glow. Visitor numbers are capped — book in advance. Swimming is not permitted — the beauty is purely visual.
-
4
Vale do Pati Multi-Day Trek
The Vale do Pati is Chapada Diamantina's premier multi-day trekking route, widely considered one of the best treks in all of South America. The route traverses the most dramatic landscapes of the park — crossing table mountains, descending into deep valleys, swimming in clear rivers, and sleeping in the homes of local fazendas (farmsteads). The valley itself is an extraordinary place with a small permanent community of farmers who have lived here for generations. Campers sleep in hammocks or simple mattresses at family fazendas along the route.
-
5
Cachoeiras Próximas de Lençóis
Several waterfalls and swimming holes are accessible on short walks directly from Lençóis town. The Cachoeirinha (Little Waterfall) and Salão de Areia (Sand Room — a natural chamber carved by the Lençóis River into smooth pink sandstone) are within a 30-minute walk of town. Swimming in the river pools at Salão de Areia is one of Chapada's great simple pleasures.
-
6
Gruta do Lapão
Gruta do Lapão is the largest sandstone cave in South America, located just 3km from Lençóis. The hike to the cave is short and rewarding, passing through typical Chapada Diamantina highland vegetation. The cave itself is a vast natural chamber with impressive formations. Headlamps (or lanterns rented at the entrance) are required to explore the interior.
-
7
Cachoeira do Mosquito / Igatu Trail
A hike from the ghost town of Igatu (a former diamond mining village with stone ruins) to a beautiful waterfall and river. Igatu itself is fascinating — a largely abandoned settlement with collapsed stone buildings reclaimed by vegetation, giving a haunting historical atmosphere. The trail descends from Igatu to the river and waterfall below.
-
8
Praia da Tiririca Jungle Trail (Itacaré)
The trail from Itacaré town to Praia da Tiririca leads through a beautiful section of Atlantic rainforest. Even though it is short, the forest is dense and full of birdlife. The trail emerges dramatically at the beach with the Atlantic Ocean spread before you. Multiple trails in Itacaré connect various beaches through this forest — Resende, Havaizinho, and Engenhoca — all accessible by short forest hikes.
Trail difficulty levels
Pick a route that matches your fitness and experience.
Mostly flat, well-marked paths. Suitable for families and casual walkers.
Some elevation gain, longer distances. Requires basic fitness.
Significant climbs and exposure. Requires good fitness and route-finding.
Technical terrain, scrambling, or alpine conditions. Experience essential.
Local hazards
What to watch out for on the trail.
Sudden weather changes — always carry rain gear and warm layers.
Wildlife encounters — make noise on the trail and store food properly.
Trail conditions can deteriorate after rain — check recent reports before setting out.