Chapada Diamantina National Park

When we think of the state of Bahia, images of capoeira dancers and vast beaches immediately come to mind, but on your trip to Brazil you should get to know the other sides of Bahia as well. Apart from Salvador, the lively capital with its long history and its distinctive culture, the region holds many other treasures for you to explore. And by "treasures", we mean literal treasures as you make your way to Chapada Diamantina National Park, famous for the discovery of gold and diamonds. Chapada Diamantina is located in the heart of Bahia, and vacationers to Brazil who are looking for peace and seclusion in nature will certainly enjoy their stay in the park, which is crisscrossed by rivers, grottos, waterfalls, and mountains.

The seemingly endless green landscapes were first inhabited by indigenous populations, but the region was gradually developed after the discovery of gold in 1710.
When diamonds were first discovered in the region in 1844, it was mainly European traders who were interested in the business of valuable stones and ultimately settled in the area. Diamonds continued to be found throughout the land, giving the region the name it is known by today, Chapada Diamantina: "The Diamond Plateau". However, about 30 years after the first discovery of diamonds, the sources seemed to have dried up and the important commodity is now encountered much less frequently. New plans needed to be made to strengthen the local economy, and what better way to do so in a region riddled with scenic beauty than tourism? In 1985, Chapada Diamantina National Park was inaugurated, paving the way for environmentally friendly tourism in a true natural paradise.

A popular place to visit today, for example, is the Cachoeira da Fumaca waterfall. With a height of 340 meters, this waterfall is the second largest in Brazil, which is quite remarkable considering the vast amount of waterfalls that flow down the rock walls in this country. So, if you have enough time, don't miss out on a hike to the top of this waterfall, and if you're up for some more hiking adventures, let us tell you about another destination that will offer you breath taking views: Located further north of Brazil's second-highest waterfall is a gigantic mountain called Morro do Pai Inacio. At an altitude of over 1,000 meters, visitors are offered a spectacular view of Chapada Diamantina and, especially in the evening hours, you should take advantage of the 360-degree panorama to watch the sun disappear into the valley. In addition to the impressive flora, Chapada Diamantina is also home to countless rare animal species, and with a little luck, you may spot different species of hummingbirds, as well as various frog and rodent species during one of your hikes. How you go about discovering Chapada Diamantina is up to you as you have a wide range of choices to choose from including paddling, canoeing, hiking, and horseback riding.
If you would like to spend several days in this green paradise, then the 5-day hike through the Vale do Pati might be an attractive program for you. Wewill hike with you through the beautiful nature and where you will be rewarded with [b]unique views after strenuous ascents.
[/b]If after all the tranquillity and idyllic scenery you are ready for some hustle and bustle again, we suggest you continue your trip to Salvador, about 6 hours away, where a rich culture and active nightlife await you. On your Brazil trip, be sure to make a stop in the state of Bahia and experience the region's charming diversity.