Curiosities of Rio de Contas in Chapada Diamantina

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When we hear about Chapada Diamantina, the city that immediately comes to our mind is Lençóis – BA, which already for this reason becomes the first option of travel to the Chapada, making the whole wave of tourists opt for it that has a structure focused on them.

But when we travel, we want tranquility, we don’t want to find attractions and trails crowded with people.

That is why Rio de Contas is a city with great attractions that does not lose a bit to other cities of Chapada Diamantina (Lençóis, Andaraí, Igatu and Mucugê), but with the differential of not being so well known yet, which provides us with much more pleasant walks, with the assistance of guides and good conversations with locals.

See the map Chapada Diamantina

Map of the Trails and Tourist Spots of Chapada Diamantina

Rio de Contas is a city where adventure and history go together, it has an incredible baroque architecture listed by the historical heritage, hospitable people and exuberant beauty.

Curiosities about Rio de Contas

Foundation and History: Rio de Contas is one of the oldest towns in Bahia and the Chapada Diamantina, founded in the 17th century, with preserved colonial architecture dating from that period. In 1745, it became Brazil’s first planned city, during the height of the gold cycle, which at the time seemed inexhaustible.
Communities and culture: The town is home to communities of Portuguese descendants who, to this day, maintain the tradition of marriages only between their members, living at an altitude of 1,500 metres. Two black communities, of African descent, live at an altitude of 1,050 metres, preserving their own cultural heritage.
Historical Archive: The municipal historical archive holds valuable documents such as letters of release, ecclesiastical judgements and slave certificates, offering an overview of local history and the colonial period.
Riqueza da Flora: In 1974, more than 100 English and Brazilian researchers carried out a study of the region’s botanical diversity, cataloguing more than 1,100 species and discovering more than 100 previously unknown ones.
Santana Church: Built in 1725, it is one of the oldest churches in Brazil and an important landmark of colonial architecture.
Carnival of Masks: The Rio de Contas Carnival is famous for its masks and folkloric traditions, attracting visitors for its unique cultural and musical atmosphere.
Climate and Natural Landscapes: Situated at an altitude of around 1,200 metres, the town has a mild climate and beautiful mountainous landscapes, as well as natural attractions such as the Fraga Waterfall and the Poço das Andorinhas.
Trails and Mountains: Rio de Contas is the starting point for challenging trails, such as trekking to Pico das Almas and Pico do Itobira, both among the highest in north-eastern Brazil.