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| Chapada Diamantina
The heart of Bahia
Multisport
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Welcome to Chapada Diamantina (Diamond Plateau) National Park, the heart of Bahia. Created in 1985 by a federal decree, and covering 152 thousand hectares, it shelters the springs of almost all rivers in the Paraguaçu river basin – from the Jacuípe to the Contas Rivers. This plateau also features the two highest peaks in the Brazilian state of Bahia. The landscape is bountiful: crystalline water streams spring from mountain tops, cascading down the rocky relief in lively waterfalls that pour into wondrous natural pools.
This plateau impresses for its beauty, the majesty of its mountains, and the richness of its fauna and flora. Enjoying these natural attractions through different types of activities is a unique experience. And, with that in mind, we put together its Chapada Diamantina multi-sport tour.
Our journey starts in Lençóis. We will meet at the charming Hotel Canto das Águas. After the check-in, we will take an easy stroll to get to know a bit more of the town history. The following day we will bike to a former slave village. We will then sail to Andaraí, going past Marimbus – the plateau’s marshlands.
And so will be our every day: full of activities and nice surprises. On the second day, we will pedal to Xique-Xique de Igatu and get acquainted with the Sempre Viva (Always Alive) environmental project. Then we will go to Poço Encantado (Enchanted Well) and Poço Azul (Blue Well); crystalline blue watered caves. At Poço Azul, we will just let ourselves go, float, and enjoy its magnificent beauty.
Over the coming days, we will enjoy unforgettable moments, such as a delicious lunch at Casa da Dona Nenza – an attraction of its own in the Chapada region – or, maybe, leisurely hike up to the top of the plateau from which the famous Cachoeira da Fumaça (Smoke Waterfall) takes its plunge. Amongst our souvenirs, we will always cherish the amazing vista we’ll have at the top of Morro do Pai Inácio (Father Ignacio’s Hill). After much hiking, biking, discovering and sight-seeing, we will go back home revived, for we will have experienced a magical part of Brazil.
Also worth noting is the full support from our staff and the constant presence of a tour coordinator who, from beginning to end, will ensure the trip progresses smoothly and efficiently. A support vehicle will be as close as possible, although almost always unseen.
You should keep in mind that we may also gear our activities and balance them as to best serve your party’s specific requirements, not only in regard to their intensity, but also to their cultural, gastronomic, athletic or ecological content.
The Trip...
DAY 1 – Lençóis
Arrival at Lençóis where we will meet in the charming lodging, Hotel Canto das Águas. Welcome dinner and a brief introduction to the history of the region and an overview of the activities scheduled for the days to come.
The activity:
Day 1 - Stroll around the city of Lençóis.
DAY 2 – Lençóis
After breakfast, we will hike to Sossego Waterfall (Calm Waterfall, approximately 2 hours away). Our guides will always be carrying fresh and dried fruit, cereal bars, nuts and water refills, in addition to first-aid kits and two-way radios. Afterwards, we will continue to Ribeirão do Meio (In-between Stream – a 1h30’ hike, approximately). After a swim in the river, we’ll return to Lençóis (about 1 hour on foot).
Before dinner, we will visit “Fazendinha”, to taste cachaças (sugarcane spirit).
The activity:
Day 2 – Trekking to Sossego and Ribeirão do Meio waterfalls.
DAY 3 - Marimbus
Forty-five minute – 18 km – transfer on our 4x4 car from Lençóis to Remanso (a village of slave descendants founded in 1948). We will then follow Santo Antonio River downstream on a rowboat, leaving the village of Remanso and crossing Marimbus, known as Chapada’s marshlands: the natural habitat of several types of local fish (piau, curimatá, tucunaré, tambaqui, etc.) and innumerable water-birds (sangue-de-boi, galinha-d'água, mergulhão, garça). This trip is done on a rowboat for up to six passengers, crewed by a rower and a lifeguard, and lasts approximately 2 hours.
Stop for lunch around Rondacor River (Roaring River), whose spring is 1,400 meters above sea level. Seventy-meter-high Samuel Waterfalls are a must-see stop for a swim in their natural pools.
Transfer back on our 4x4 to Lençóis (1h30’).
The activity:
Day 3 – 4x4 ride, canoeing on Remanso River and hike around Rondacor Waterfalls.
DIA 4 - Vale do Capão
In the morning, departure by car to Vale do Capão (Capão Valley – approximately 2 hours). A hike to the top of Cachoeira da Fumaça (Smoke Waterfall – about 2 hours), known around the world for its 422 drop.
Lunch at the Capão village. On the way back to Lençóis, a stop to climb one of the region’s postcards, Morro do Pai Inácio (Father Ignacio’s Hill), where our host will recount the legend revolving around that natural attraction.
The activity:
Day 4 – Hiking to Cachoeira da Fumaça and a visit to Capão village. Hiking to Morro do Pai Inácio.
DIA 5 – Grutas
After breakfast, transfer by car to visit Mucugezinho River waterfalls
and Poço do Diabo (Devil’s Well). At Poço do Diabo, the brave will have the option of rappelling 15 meters (beginner’s level) or taking a canopy-cable ride spanning the whole crater. After lunch, we will continue by car to explore Gruta Azul (Blue Cave), and Gruta da Pratinha (Silvery Cave), famous for its extremely crystalline waters. At day’s end, transfer back to Lençóis.
The activity:
Day 5 – Short hikes and optional rappel.
DIA 6 – Lençóis
After breakfast, we will do a bike ride. Car transfer to Morro do Pai Inácio and ride on the dirt road between Serra do Brejão (Marshlands Ranges) and Morro do Camelo (Camel Hill), leading to Poço Verde (Green Well) on the Santo Antonio River, with a stop for a swim and a snack. On the return trip, after the long uphill ride, stop for a swim at the beautiful Pai Inácio Waterfall. Car transfer to Lençóis. Farewell dinner at the quaint Neco’s restaurant.
The activity:
Day 6 – Biking from Morro do Pai Inácio to Poço Verde.
DIA 7 – Lençóis
After breakfast, end of our services.
Hotel Canto das Águas - Lençóis - Bahia
Set on the bank of the Lençóis River and a few steps from the city’s historic center, Hotel Canto das Águas combines charm, good taste and harmony to Chapada Diamantina’s natural beauty. Following the rocky river bed, the hotel was designed to interfere as little as possible with the locale’s scenery. The architecture of Canto das Águas harmonizes with the empire-age houses found in the city of Lencóis and features charming and cozy spaces. The hotel features a swimming pool, a relaxation space including a massage area, a reading room and outdoors reading chaises set amidst the greenery, in invitation to sweet idleness lulled by the sound of the river. The rooms provide all comforts, and the restaurant overlooks the beautiful river.
The details...
LEVEL OF ACTIVITY
MODERATE/CHALLENGING
The walking trails range from flat to very challenging terrains, with several very hilly stretches.
The biking itineraries are slightly hilly, alternating upwards and downwards slopes on packed dirt roads, always followed by our support vehicle.
WHAT IS INCLUDED
All accommodation in double rooms, inclusive of breakfast.
Meals: Day 3 – Lunch at Roncador | Day 4 – Lunch at Capão | Day 6 Dinner at Neco’s
Guide Services and a support vehicle.
All gear required during the activities; state-of-the-art bicycles calibrated to the rider, helmets, etc.
Special on-the-go light meals, for all days of trekking/biking activities.
Maps, itinerary spreadsheets and a water bottle.
Fruit, sports drinks and energy food during the activities.
All transfers described in the tour by private vehicles or boats.
International travel insurance.
WHAT IS NOT INCLUDED
Air Transportation
Personal expenses
Alcoholic beverages, except at tasting events.
DURATION
7 days/6 nights
BEGINS
At Hotel Canto das Aguas
ENDS
At Hotel Canto das Aguas
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