<<< Back to Home << Back to Tourism in Brazil < Back to Ecological Tourism The name makes reference to diamonds which, for a brief period, were explored in the region; in 1985, the government created the 152,000 hectares National Park. Another Chapada: high, weird, flat top, wonderful rock formations, separated by long canions; the richness of animal and vegetal life in the chapada contrasts with the aridness of the sertao which surrounds it. There are many ponds, waterfalls, caves to see. Cachoeira da Fumaca (Smoke Waterfall) is almost 400 m high, one of the highest in Brazil; in drier seasons, the water doesn't even reach the bottom, but completely disperses during the fall (like smoke). Cachoeira do Sossego (Waterfall of Quietness) honors the name; rocky hills covered with natural vegetation, cristaline water falling to form a pond, everything here reminds tranquility. Gruta da Lapa Doce: cave 24km long, all explored and maped, very curious formations. Poco Encantado (Enchanted Well): a pond inside a cave, blue waters; from April through August, the sun shines passes through a crack, adding a gloom to the water. Morro do Pai Inacio (Father Inacio Hill): the landmark of the area, a 1120 m high mountain which affords a panoramic view of the region. Getting there: the city of Lencois is the best base to explore the chapada. There is no airport in the city. Lencois is 425 km distant from Salvador; buses run daily. Useful sites: Chapada Diamantina Travel log (versions in Portuguese and English) Welcome to Chapada in Portuguese only, but with plenty of photos. On the front page, click on the link "Mapa" to access a map of the park; then, click on any of the red spots to see a few pictures of that area. Because of the long distances, it may be a good idea do contact a tour operator. Venturas Phone (11) 38720362 - Sao Paulo Ambiental Phone (11) 38194600 - Sao Paulo Back to Top