Brazil Trekking Tour: Salvador, Lençóis & Chapada Diamantina - 8 Days

Day 1: Arrive in Salvador, Walking Tour, Transfer to Lençóis

Welcome to the Brazilian city of Salvador, the capital of the northeastern coastal state of Bahia! Upon arrival at the airport, meet your driver and guide and head to the city center for a walking tour of Salvador's historic downtown and Pelourinho district, home to Latin America's most extensive collection of colonial buildings. Walk along cobblestone streets surrounded by houses in pastel colors. Visit the exuberant São Francisco Church, and see the Cathedral of Salvador's Rococo refinement. Then, continue to the Lacerda Elevator, which transports you down to the Lower Town, where the tour ends. 

 

After lunch, your driver will take you on the six-hour journey west to Lençóis. This charming cobbled stone town is in the center of the nature reserve known as Chapada Diamantina National Park (Diamond Plateau). All the cities 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. You'll trek through several of these trails over the next four days, starting at one end of the Pati Valley and finishing on the other end of the valley while staying with a different local family each night. But first, you'll have a night to explore Lençois's brightly-colored architecture or simply have dinner at one of its many outdoor restaurants.

Day 2: Transfer to Vale do Pati, Vale do Pati Trek

This morning, a private driver will transfer you to the beginning of the trek in the Pati Valley. Enjoy the views as you make the 50-mile (80 km) drive through the fields of the Rio Petro and Vale do Pati Belvedere until you reach the local homestay house, where you'll spend the night.

Upon arrival, drop off your bags, grab a quick bite to eat, and then hit the trail for your first day of hiking. With your guide, you'll cross the Black River and see incredible landscapes along the adventurous 8.7-mile (14 km) hiking path. Connect with nature as you discover hidden waterfalls, exotic vegetation, and spectacular scenery.

Day 3: Cachoeirão Waterfall Trek

Start your morning with a delicious breakfast in your Indigenous host family's home. The valley and surrounding areas are home to people from the Maracas and Cariris tribes, who have lived here for millennia, so there's plenty to learn. With a full stomach, continue your expedition to the Valley of Cachoeirão to see the incredible Cachoeirão Waterfall. Today's panoramas of the valley are some of the trip's best, and the views to the bottom of the 920-foot (280 m) waterfall are breathtaking. After a 12-mile (20 km) trek, you'll reach your next homestay in the valley and enjoy a homemade dinner. 

Day 4: Morro do Castelo Trek

After breakfast, get ready for another 12.4 miles (20 km) trek as you climb to the Morro do Castelo Rock along a steep and rocky path. Pass grottoes as you follow the craved-out trails rising to the tops of hills. Then climb higher to the lookout points to see the paths you'll hike in the following days. You'll ascend to 5,250 feet (1,600 m), then take a break at the Funis Waterfall to relax, soothe your feet in the cool water, and take an energizing shower under the water's mist. The remainder of the trail will descend from here until you reach your overnight accommodation.

Day 5: Tree Well Trek

Say goodbye to your friendly homestay family and head out for another beautiful hike in the valley. Today's route is 6 miles (10 km) through several remarkable landscapes before reaching the next homestay in the afternoon. Stop along the way for a meal and enjoy cooling off in a natural bath found in a tree well in the serene forest, then relax and enjoy the evening. 

Day 6: Andaraí Trek, Transfer to Lençóis

Savor your last day of hiking today as you head to the town of Andaraí. This is the traditional exit from the Pati Valley, where coffee that is grown and produced in the Pati Valley is transported to be sold in other Brazilian cities. You'll travel 12 miles (20 km) along the famous Empire Ascent, reaching the top for incredible views of the surrounding area. Bid farewell to this valley paradise, then descend to the city, where a car will be waiting to take you to Lençóis, a 65-mile drive (105 km). Check-in at your hotel and enjoy your last evening in town. 

Day 7: Transfer to Salvador, Evening Culture Tour

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 (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) that are 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, and listen to the 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 Market Tour & Cooking Class, Depart

In Salvador, there are few better ways to immerse yourself in the city than by visiting its municipal markets. The São Joaquim Fair is the largest such market, and you'll have an opportunity to tour this massive labyrinth of merchant stalls, produce vendors, and food purveyors. Rub shoulders with locals doing their daily shopping, try a fresh fruit suco (juice), or purchase authentic Bahian souvenirs.

The market is also where you can find all the ingredients necessary to prepare Bahia's signature dish—moqueca—a rich seafood stew made with cilantro, lime, garlic, coconut milk, and dendê (red palm) oil. After the market, you'll visit a local restaurant for a cooking demonstration in which the chef prepares this dish right before you. Enjoy this delicious meal as a farewell to your time in Brazil. At the appropriate time, a driver will pick you up at your hotel and transfer you to the airport for your onward flight. Safe travels! 

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