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A sequence of large and beautiful waterfalls of the Chapada Diamantina await you.
You will find hundreds of waterfalls from north to south of the Parque Nacional da Chapada Diamantina, but the biggest and most famous is the Cachoeira da Fumaça, with its more than 385 meters high.
Many of them can be visited on the same day and others you even have to stay overnight in tents in the middle of the forest.
But one thing is certain, it takes stamina and good physical preparation to visit all the main waterfalls of the Chapada Diamantina. Do not think it is an easy task, because it is not. But walking slowly you will reach all of them.
There are also the famous Buracão Waterfall, Fumacinha, Cachoeirão do Vale do Pati and Mixila Waterfall, besides the little known Entocada, Encantada and Fundão.
All of them are mandatory itineraries for those who want to know the main waterfalls of Chapada Diamantina.
Biggest waterfalls in Chapada Diamantina
Cachoeira do Mosquito em Lençóis na Chapada Diamantina02:29
Cachoeira do Mixila em Lençóis na Chapada Diamantina00:33
Cachoeira do Buracão em Ibicoara na Chapada Diamantina01:26
Cachoeira do Ramalho em Andaraí na Chapada Diamantina11:04
Cachoeira do Ferro Doido no Morro do Chapéu na Chapada Diamantina06:05
Cachoeira do Samuel em Andaraí na Chapada Diamantina05:00
Cachoeira do Herculano em Andaraí na Chapada Diamantina02:32
Cachoeira da Fumacinha em Mucugê na Chapada Diamantina05:08
Cachoeira dos Cristais em Andaraí na Chapada Diamantina05:00
Cachoeira Encantada em Itaetê na Chapada Diamantina01:51
Cachoeirão no Vale do Pati na Chapada Diamantina00:38
Cachoeira da Fumaça no Vale do Capão na Chapada Diamantina03:23
- Mosquito Waterfall (70m) in Lençóis
- Mixila Waterfall (80m) in Lençóis
- Buracão Waterfall (85m) in Ibicoara
- Waterfall of Ramalho (90 m) in Andaraí
- Cachoeira do Ferro Doido (96 m) in Morro do Chapéu
- Samuel Waterfall (100 m) in Andaraí
- Herculano Waterfall (100 m) in Andaraí
- Fumacinha Waterfall (100 m) in Mucugê
- Cachoeira dos Cristais (110 m) in Andaraí
- Cachoeira Encantada (230 m) in Itaetê
- Cachoeirão (270 m) in Vale do Pati
- Fumaça waterfall (385 m) in Vale do Capão
1. Mosquito Waterfall (70m) in Lençóis
With a beautiful waterfall amidst grandiose rocky walls, the Mosquito Waterfall pleases by combining a beautiful setting with easy access and without the need for a guide.
The name of the Mosquito waterfall dates back to the time when small diamonds were found in the ground, called mosquitoes by the prospectors. Located 40 km from Lençóis, Cachoeira do Mosquito is grandiose amidst the green of Chapada Diamantina.
A stop at the viewpoint on the road gives you an idea of the size of the place. Be sure to take a picture! The look is wonderful.
Access to the Mosquito Waterfall begins by car. A good part of the road is paved.
When you arrive at the entrance to the private property where the waterfall is located – Fazenda Santo Antônio Tourist Complex – you will see a house, where a delicious regional food restaurant operates. If it is close to lunchtime, take advantage and try some local culinary delights. From this point on, the road is dirt. At the end, a parking lot marks the beginning of the trail.
The walking trail to the Mosquito Waterfall is almost all a long staircase. With a little breath, it will be easy to overcome the steps and reach the edge of the waterfall, which is 70 m high.
The descent takes no more than twenty minutes. When you arrive, remove your shoes to get over the water and enjoy the beauty of the Mosquito Waterfall, one of the most beautiful and accessible in the entire Chapada Diamantina.
Depending on the amount of water, it will be possible to bathe in the fall and even stay under it, in the stone gap. A wonderful experience! Unfortunately, in the dry season, it is common for the waterfall to be practically without water. Still, the look of the surrounding rocks will be beautiful.
Easy access and beautiful landscape. With these characteristics, there is no way you don’t want to visit Cachoeira do Mosquito, in Chapada Diamantina. It is located 40 kilometers from Lençóis and you don’t need a guide to visit it.
You don’t have to worry about repellent. The name of the waterfall actually refers to small diamonds that were found there by the prospectors. The precious stones were so small that they were nicknamed mosquitoes.
The waterfall already begins to impress even before arriving at it. On the access road to the site there is a lookout where you can see the waterfall from afar. It is worth a stop to take a picture and admire what lies ahead.
The path is partly asphalt and then dirt. A stop is made at a private property, the Fazenda Santo Antônio tourist complex, which has a restaurant, toilets and a hammock. On the way back it is worth a break for lunch and rest.
The walking trail is made almost entirely on a staircase. The descent takes an average of 20 minutes. Then finally the visitor is faced with the imposing waterfall of 70 meters high. Time to take off your shoes and do the ritual repeated by all to follow to the base of the waterfall. It is invigorating to sit on the stone and under the waterfall feel the force of the water hitting your back.
2. Mixila Waterfall (80m) in Lençóis
There are 80 meters of waterfall in an extraordinary greenish canyon with several wells for bathing. Due to the long walk, it is recommended to camp on site. On the same trail, you can visit the Capivari and Poção waterfalls.
The tour can be combined with Palmital Waterfall (3 days) or Lajes and Samuel Waterfall (4 to 5 days). It is not recommended to do this trail in a rainy season.
3. Buracão Waterfall (85m) in Ibicoara
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You can ask any tourist or guide in the Chapada Diamantina among dozens of waterfalls which one you can’t miss and surely the answer will be Buracão. So many recommendations are definitely not for nothing.
Indeed, the Buracão Waterfall offers an impressive look and a unique experience. The feeling of swimming through an imposing and narrow canyon three meters wide and ninety meters high and at the end of it with each stroke see an immense waterfall revealing itself is truly magical.
The Cachoeira do Buracão is located in the municipality of Ibicioara and the trail to it is easy with only three kilometers along the banks of the Rio Espalhado, with the obligatory company of a local guide. On the way, as an appetizer, you pass other waterfalls such as Buracãozinho, Orquídeas and Recanto Verde. Beautiful, it is true, but nothing compares to Buracão.
The detail is that when you reach the access you can not see the waterfall.
You must first pass through the canyon in the shape of a curve. There are two options: either walking against the walls or swimming through them. Without a doubt, the second alternative is the coolest and most special. After putting on your life jacket, it’s time to throw yourself into the dark and foamy water (effect of the organic remains of the forest).
Then just swim against the current with tranquility and go through the canyon until slowly see the waterfall showing itself. It is exciting to come across the huge stone span with a stunning 85-meter-high waterfall and when you arrive at it really wash your soul.
With body and spirit renewed, the visitor is taken to the top of the waterfall to enjoy the landscape from above. Then you will be one more in the immense and ever-growing list of those who indicate the Buracão and all its augmented beauty.
Located in the Espalhado Natural Park, it is one of the most incredible waterfalls in the region. Its 85 m of waterfall and immense canyon framed by foliated stones meet in a flowing well. To access the site, it is necessary to be accompanied by a tour guide from the municipality.
4. Ramalho Waterfall (90 m) in Andaraí
It is one of the most majestic attractions in the municipality of Andaraí.
Leaving the city of Andaraí we go on a moderate trail of approximately 5.5 km until we reach the Ramalho Waterfall from above.
A waterfall with 90 meters of free fall, with a spectacular viewpoint.
In addition to having its complex of waterfalls.
There are 3 fantastic waterfalls! Each one with its different beauty. Going down a crevice we will reach the bottom of the waterfall where you will have another contemplation of beauty. The Ramalho Waterfall is more suitable in the flood period where the volume of water is greater for those who want to know its beauty, but its look is fantastic.
Visitors can visit it during the dry season if they wish.
5. Ferro Doido Waterfall (96 m) in Morro do Chapéu
With four waterfalls, the waterfall has an immense canyon that exceeds 100 m in height. It can be reached via BA-052, known as Estrada do Feijão, at km 254.
Orchids, the Chilean eagle and the famous hummingbird known as the golden hummingbird are found there. The itinerary is also included in the Integrated Center for Geological Studies of the Geological Service of Brazil, being quite visited by researchers.
6. Samuel Waterfall (100 m) in Andaraí
The Samuel waterfall is located on the Roncador River, where it was the scene of many historical passages and events related to diamond exploration.
7. Herculano Waterfall (100 m) in Andaraí
Three magnificent waterfalls of approximately 100 meters high each.
8. Cachoeira da Fumacinha (100 m) in Mucugê
The physical effort to visit one of the most imposing waterfalls in the region is rewarded by its 100 m of waterfall combined with a beautiful trail with canyons up to 280 m high, wells and waterfalls.
Note: Geographically, Cachoeira da Fumacinha belongs to the territory of Mucugê, but I access it only through the municipality of Ibicoara.
9. Cachoeira dos Cristais (110 m) in Andaraí
According to the tour guide, the waterfall is named after the quartzite’s glow in the sunlight, revealed when the water level is lower.
10. Cachoeira Encantada (230 m) in Itaetê
Access to the amazing 230 m high waterfall can be done in two ways: from below and from above, with the possibility of sleeping on site.
In both options, you can see canyons of up to 400 m, wild animals, such as monkeys, as well as rock paintings.
11. Cachoeirão (270 m) in Vale do Pati
When it rains, the huge drop in the Pati Valley is multiplied by several water outlets.
12. Cachoeira da Fumaça (385 m) in Vale do Capão
The name Cachoeira da Fumaça refers to the effect caused by the force of the wind, which prevents the water from reaching the base, forming a kind of smoke with the droplets that are sprayed upwards.
The Cachoeira da Fumaça is the second largest waterfall in Brazil. Just the title alone, of course, already draws attention, but the charms of Cachoeira da Fumaça go beyond its 385 meters high.
The path itself to reach it, in Vale do Capão, is already an attraction and challenge apart.
There are two ways to visit the Fumaça Waterfall.
From above, the most common and easy in one day, and from below, the most arduous and difficult in three days.
Vale frisar que optar pela primeira não significa necessariamente facilidade.
In total there are 12 kilometers of trail, round trip, and the first two kilometers are a steep climb that requires a certain breath and physical preparation. But there are several stops to rest and enjoy the beautiful view of Vale do Capão.
After this part, the walk for the next four kilometers becomes flatter and quieter, including passages through some streams.
Two hours after starting the journey, you finally arrive at the viewpoint from where you can observe the waterfall and prove the explanation for its name. It is so high that the water comes down in the form of smoke with the wind.
On clear days, the spectacle becomes even more beautiful with the appearance of some rainbows.
To admire it well, you need courage. That’s because getting to the tip of the rock that offers the best view can give some people vertigo and fear.
That’s why the guides advise everyone to reach the edge slowly and lying down. With the necessary care and respecting the limit of each one it is possible to appreciate the smoke screen from the beautiful window of the valley.
The 5 most beautiful waterfalls in Chapada Diamantina
Chapada Diamantina has more than 200 waterfalls, rivers, canyons and caves that form a unique setting.
Located in the state of Bahia, the region is responsible for almost all the river sources of the Paraguaçu and Contas river basins.
5 Cachoeiras da Chapada que você precisa conhecer
1. Buracão Waterfall – Ibicoara
Of medium difficulty, the trail gives a pleasant chill in the belly at the end, when you have to cross a bridge over the river to complete it. The good news is that those who do not trust their balance can do this stretch by swimming. Life jackets are available to visitors.
2. Ramalho Waterfall – Andaraí
The trail to Cachoeira do Ramalho is approximately 7 km long and is considered of medium difficulty.
The waterfall rises in the vicinity of Serra Escura and flows into the Baiano River on a vertical slope of about 90 meters. It has walls in escarpments and sedimentary rocks.
On the way we contemplate the Balneário do Comercinho and the Poço do Ferverdor, where the reflux of the water prevents us from sinking.
We also observe constructions and arrangements of stones made to separate larger stones (mining waste) and how the work of the miners was carried out through the gullies (channels of water flow to the place of work), formations of gravels (characterized by the exploitation of mining), passing through the den of Seo Esmeraldo, former miner.
3. Cachoeira do Bom Jardim – Itaetê
The Bom Jardim waterfall is 30 km from Andaraí and 8 km from the village of Colônia (municipality of Itaetê) and guarantees a refreshing bath to those who visit the Serra do Ginete. Access is by dirt road and a small trail of about 150m.
4. Andorinhas Waterfall – Mucugê
One of the most accessible trails for those who do not have a car and want to visit a waterfall from the city of Mucugê, as they only need to walk 2km of unpaved road and already arrive on the trail, inside the National Park.
It is a 2km trail that can be done in 1h30min, slowly. It goes up the mountain a little until you have a view of the viewpoint of the valley of the Mucugê River, which gave its name to the city.
From there, it follows over the mountain, in an area with predominant vegetation on top of the rocks (rupestrian field), permeated by centenary structures of old mines, such as a tank, water detour and a den that can be visited for rest and shade. All this can be interpreted by a trained guide.
Before arriving at the waterfall, there is a viewpoint of the Cumbucas River, the first to be found diamond in Chapada Diamantina, along with the Andorinhas waterfall.
Then just go down, passing through a “condominium” of old prospectors’ burrows, cross the Cumbucas River and arrive at the waterfall.
The waterfall is a wall of water +/-6m high, where the visitor can take a shower, stand behind the waterfall and swim in its well. Next to it, there is a rocky slab good for resting, sunbathing and eating a snack.
The return can be done by the same trail, or the visitor can choose to go to the Tiburtino Waterfall, Piabinha Waterfall and Sempre-Viva Project, all in the Mucugê Municipal Park, or go up the Cumbucas River passing seven waterfalls with wells at different points, until reaching the Funis Waterfall and return by another trail.
5. Moendas Waterfall – Ituaçu
Chapada Diamantina Waterfalls – Tourism Guide
