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The Poço Encantado is a spectacle of nature all year round, especially in winter, when a ray of sunlight falls on the surface of the well through an opening at the top of the cave and illuminates it, making its waters even bluer. It’s an impressive phenomenon (150 kilometres from Lençóis).
Knowing where the rock ends and the water begins is a disturbing but unavoidable exercise when visiting the Enchanted Well.
Not even its 65 metre depth can hide the rocks and fallen logs at the bottom of this extremely crystalline lagoon.
The magic of its intense, transparent blue colour is due to the purity of the water. But it is the rays of the sun that enter the well through a natural skylight that are the protagonists of the show. As it passes over the rock, the sun enchants by illuminating the water.
As with any show, there is a set date and time for the show.
In winter, the sun reaches the ideal position to enter the well. That’s why the best time to visit is from April to September, from 9.30am to 2pm. June and July (from 10am to 12pm) are the months when the lightning is most intense.
As well as changing and intensifying the colour of the lagoon, the sun’s rays transform the well into a mirror on which images of the ceiling are projected. To find out which is which, pay attention to the difference in colour. The dark blue part corresponds to the bottom of the lagoon and the lighter part to the reflection of the ceiling.
From December to February (from 10.30pm to 2am) the sun gives way to the moon. On nights with a full moon, a silver beam invades the well.
Map of the Chapada Diamantina Trails and Sights
110 metres long and 70 metres wide, the lagoon is inhabited by a very rare fish: the albino catfish.
Blind, the albino catfish is guided by its three antennae. With an average length of 4.5 cm, the fish feeds on debris found in the cave – organic matter, bat faeces and insects.
A similar species has already been found in other Brazilian caves: Poço Azul (Nova Redenção-BA), Lapa Doce (Iraquara-BA) and those located in Petar (São Paulo-SP).
Watch the video about Igatu, Poço Azul and Poço Encantado
Igatu, Poço Azul e Poço Encantado
Poço Encantado na Chapada Diamantina03:58
Poço Encantado - Chapada Diamantina - Saiba Tudo25:49
Enchanted Well in the Chapada Diamantina
1. Origin
Formed by limestone rock, the well’s cave was excavated by the movement of water from an underground river.
As the water level decreased over the years, the highest part of the galleries dried up and part of the ceiling collapsed, forming a sinkhole.
Today, this passage serves as access to the Encantado well.
Until 1990, bathing was allowed in the well, but as the water circulation is slow, dives were forbidden to avoid the accumulation of sun cream and sweat.
2. History
Legend has it that the Enchanted Well was discovered in 1940 by a boy called Gustavo. When he saw a crack in the rock while hunting, he thought it was a jaguar’s den.
Later, he returned to the crevice with his friends and climbed down with a rope. When he reached the bottom, he threw down a stone and discovered that what looked like sand was actually a calcareous cream beneath which was an extremely blue well.
The cave is listed by Ibama (Brazilian Institute for the Environment and Renewable Natural Resources).
3. Location and how to get there
The Encantado well is located in Itaité (44 km south-east of Andaraí). To get there, take the BA-142 motorway for 20 km to the road to Itaité. A sign indicates the entrance to the well, which is about 17 km from this point.
Poço Encantado is located outside the Chapada Diamantina National Park, on a private property.
Although it is very common to take the tour from Lençóis, the town is far from the attraction and the journey will be very tiring.
The ideal option is to take an overnight trip closer to Itaetê, where the Poço Encantado is located.
If you’re travelling by car, good options for accommodation are Mucugê and Igatu.
The trip to the Poço Encantado is usually combined with a visit to the Poço Azul, which has a similar light phenomenon and allows tourists to float in the water.
As the visit to the well is usually very busy, it’s best to arrive early so as not to miss the entrance.
Access to the Poço Encantado is of medium difficulty. After descending a long staircase to the mouth of the cave, visitors face a steep section where they have to walk slowly holding onto ropes.
The guides light the way with lamps, but head torches are welcome.
4. What are the differences between Poço Encantado and Poço Azul in Chapada Diamantina?
The Poço Encantado and the Poço Azul are two of the most iconic destinations in the Chapada Diamantina, and although both impress with their crystal-clear waters and natural beauty, they have distinct characteristics that make each one unique.
Location
- Poço Encantado: Located in the municipality of Itaetê, in the south of the Chapada Diamantina.
- Poço Azul: Located in the municipality of Nova Redenção, around 60 kilometres from Poço Encantado.
Distinctive Features
| Appearance | Enchanted Well | Blue Well |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Larger and deeper. | Smaller, but with more accessible waters for floating. |
| Water Colour | Intense, crystalline blue, with great visibility. | Translucent blue with similar crystalline tones. |
| Experience | Observation only; no swimming or floating allowed. | Floating allowed with snorkel and life jacket. |
| Geological Formation | More closed environment, with a large submerged cave. | More open and illuminated formations |
| Sunlight | The beam of light occurs from April to September, creating a magical spectacle. | The beam of light occurs from February to October, at specific times. |
Accessibility
Enchanted Well
- Access is more restricted and requires a short walk up narrow stairs and a descent to the cave entrance.
- It can be a little challenging for people with reduced mobility.
Blue Well
- Easier to access, with light trails and good infrastructure for visitors.
- Ideal for families and people with less hiking experience.
Which one to choose?
- Choose the Poço Encantado if you are looking for a more mystical and impressive environment, even without the possibility of swimming.
- Choose the Blue Well if you want to swim and float in crystal-clear waters, with an interactive experience and stunning visuals.
Both wells can be visited on the same day, depending on your planning, as they are relatively close together. It’s worth visiting both wells to enjoy the best of the Chapada Diamantina!
Municipality of Itaetê in Bahia
The origins of the town of Itaetê date back to around the end of the 19th century, from a small settlement called Tamanduá on the banks of the Paraguaçu River. In the early years of the last century, a branch of the railroad was built to Tamanduá, a fact that gradually developed the town, but it was the muleteers who made Itaetê an important commercial centre as a support point for troops coming from various locations in the high sertão and from the diamond mines to the railway station.
The municipality of Itaetê was created by Law No. 1,497 of 25 September 1961, signed by the Governor of the time, Juracy Magalhães. The municipality was established on 07 April 1963, when the 1st Chamber of Councillors and the 1st Mayor, Mr Valdemar Ferraro, were sworn in. The territory of the new municipality was dismembered from Andaraí.
The name Itaetê is of Tupy-Guarani origin and means ‘Hard Stone’.
Located in the Chapada Diamantina Meridional Micro-Region
From Salvador on the BR 324 to Feira de Santana – BR 116 and BR 245 just before the town of Milagres, passing through Iaçú and Marcionílio Souza or on the BR 242 Itaberaba, then Iaçú, Marcionílio Souza, or on the BR 242 to the BA 142 passing through Andaraí.
Bahia.ws is the largest tourism and travel guide for Bahia and Salvador.
Chapada Diamantina Tourist Guide
