Highlights
- Discover the most breathtaking waterfalls in Chapada Diamantina National Park
- Venture into forest-covered trails and enter secluded caves with deep blue lagoons
- Climb up Morro do Pai Inacio for the most stunning views of the table mountains
- Move to the beat of samba music in Salvador and dance the whole night away
Brief Itinerary
| Day | Highlights | Overnight |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Arrive in Salvador | Salvador |
| Day 2 | Salvador to Lençóis, Explore Lençóis | Lençóis |
| Day 3 | Lençóis to Mucugê, Trek to Vale do Pati | Mucugê |
| Day 4 | Day Trek to Cachoeira dos Funis | Mucugê |
| Day 5 | Trek to Capão | Capão |
| Day 6 | Trek Through Chapada Diamantina National Park | Lençóis |
| Day 7 | Lençóis to Salvador, Evening Adventure in Salvador | Salvador |
| Day 8 | Salvador to Recife | Recife |
| Day 9 | Free Day in Recife | Recife |
| Day 10 | Depart Recife |
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Salvador
Day 2: Salvador to Lençóis, Explore Lençóis
Board a bus early this morning for a six-hour drive to Lençóis. Once you've arrived, a driver will be waiting to transfer you to your hotel. This charming cobbled stone town is in the center of the nature reserve known as Chapada Diamantina National Park (Diamond Plateau). All of the towns that dot the national park, including Lençóis, are full of colonial buildings representing the riches of the diamond era that helped make Brazil the first global diamond producer at the beginning of the 20th century.
The trails created by diamond prospectors are still accessible today and serve as paths for discovering secluded caves, enchanting waterfalls, and stunning table mountains. Once checked in, explore this town's brightly-colored architecture and quaint atmosphere, then sit down and relax in one of its many outdoor cafés.
Day 3: Lençóis to Mucugê, Trek to Vale do Pati
Chat with a local specialist who can help organize your trip.
While still within the Diamond Plateau, a private driver will transfer you 52 miles (85 km) to Guinea, where the day's trek begins. Spend some time wandering this beautiful and rustic village before hitting the trail. Join your guide on an 11-mile (18 km) hike through the Vale do Pati, the center of the national park. Along the way, you'll connect with nature as you discover hidden waterfalls, exotic vegetation, and spectacular scenery.
Surrounded by a panorama of table mountains and canyons, hike toward Cachoeirão, one of the loveliest waterfalls in the park. Take a soak and relax before continuing on the forest-covered trail to reach the village of Mucugê, where you'll sleep tonight in a local's home. Enjoy dinner with plenty of time to relax.
Day 4: Day Trek to Cachoeira dos Funis
After yesterday's long trek, today is a more relaxed day to soothe those sore muscles. Join your guide on a leisurely 4-mile (8 km) walk to the waterfall of Cachoeira dos Funis, where you can swim, unwind, and soak in the sun. This is one of seven waterfalls following the Cumbuco River, and along the trail, you'll also find many interesting caves. Discover one or two nearby cave lagoons and jump into the deep blue waters for a refreshing dip. Later in the afternoon, you'll return to your host family and learn more about the local culture as you sit down for a home-cooked meal.
Day 5: Trek to Capão
Day 6: Trek Through Chapada Diamantina National Park
In the morning, there will be time to explore the nearby hippie village of Capão before heading out on your day's hike. Walk along the trail until you reach one of the main trailheads of Chapada Diamantina National Park, leading you to climb Morro do Pai Inácio. This table-shaped mountain is one of the national park's most recognizable and popular landmarks. At an altitude of 3,674 feet (1,120 m), the path becomes very steep but well worth the effort as you're rewarded with incredible panoramic views over breathtaking scenery.
After descending the trail, you'll spend the afternoon exploring the park, discovering hidden grottoes, and observing the exotic wildlife one last time. As the day draws to a close, your driver will be waiting to take you back to Lençóis to stay for the night.
Day 7: Lençóis to Salvador, Evening Adventure in Salvador
Savor your last moments of calm in Lençóis before taking a private transfer to Salvador. After a six-hour drive, allow some time to relax before an exciting evening of adventure. It starts in the Rio Vermelho, affectionately called the Bairro Boemio, or the bohemian quarter. Everything is open all night, and it's the best place in town to rub shoulders with the locals. This traditional and popular neighborhood is home to many bars, restaurants, and botecos (informal neighborhood bars), institutions key to the district's charm.
The boteco tradition is synonymous with a bohemian lifestyle. Grab a beer accompanied by the all-important petiscos or snacks, complemented by lively banter and conversation. The neighborhood is also home to three of the city's most famous and treasured baianas de acarajé (vendors in traditional dress) selling the best Bahian street food. Music completes the bairro's attractions, with many bars providing excellent local live music in its many forms, from traditional to contemporary.
Day 8: Salvador to Recife
It's time to say goodbye to Salvador and depart early this morning for the airport to catch a flight north to Recife. A blend of old-world charm, vibrant nightlife, and beautiful palm-fringed beaches await you in this coastal city, where you'll find everything from colorful colonial architecture to sleek, imposing skyscrapers. Check into your hotel, then stroll through the Old Town with its quaint architecture and do some shopping. Get lost in the bustling markets of the historical center, or save your energy for nightfall and have an unforgettable evening at one of the many hip spots in the Boa Viagem.
Day 9: Free Day in Recife
Day 10: Depart Recife
Your trip has concluded, so say tchau (goodbye) to Brazil for now. When the time comes, you'll be transferred to the Recife International Airport to jet off to your next destination.
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