The Poção Watertfall at Capivari River, Chapada Diamantina

Poção Waterfall

 The Poção Waterfall, at the Capivari River is one of the most pleasant places to stay some time, be one afternoon or even two or three days. There is a big pool, a gentle cascade, a good camping ground and a very roomy flat rocky ground, to lay down and watch the sky at night. Besides, it’s the best place to stay if you want to visit the Mixila Waterfall, which is up river, deep into the canyon. Definitely is a must see at Chapada Diamantina, for those who love trekking and beautiful landscapes.

Poção Waterfall, seen from a viewpoint nearby.

Águas Claras Pools and cascades, an easy and beautiful trekking

Some trekkings at Chapada Diamantina are really hard. I wouldn’t recommend, for beginners at least, the three days trail to the bottom of Fumaça Waterfall. But if you want to start trekking or just want a warm up before harder stuff, there are some excellent options here. One of the most beautiful and easily accessed places is the pools and cascades of the Águas Claras (which means literally, Clear Waters). Surrounded by a breathtaking landscape, with the Morrão Hill at the background, this place is really worth a visit. One can make it in one day or can spend two or three days there, then it’s possible to walk to the summit of Morrão or to the Morro dos Cristais. The access to the pools and camping ground is really easy. It’s possible to arrive there without going uphill at all. So if you are not in perfect shape or are not an outdoor ace, but want to enjoy a pleasant walk, beautiful landscape and refreshing baths the Águas Claras is the place for you. 

The XXI Waterfall

At Chapada Diamantina, Bahia, there are waterfalls for all tastes. Big or small, remote or close, clear or dark water, there are plenty. But there are some waterfalls which appear only in the rainy season. It’s the case of the XXI waterfall, which has its name after a miner with 21 fingers (a case of polydactyly). Now as our summer, and rainy season, is coming it’s time to see the waterfalls at full power. For sure one has to be very careful because of flash floods, which can be very dangerous if you are at the wrong place at the wrong time. Notwithstanding, even with high water it’s possible to visit quite few of the waterfalls and be safe and sound. Our summer is quite hot, but who wouldn’t like some hot weather with so many rivers to refresh during the trekking? Come and check it out!

Encounters at the trail

At Chapada Diamantina there are about 25 species of snakes, among the estimated 42 species of reptiles. It’s not easy to find them at the trail, but is always good to keep eyes open just in case for poisonous snakes. However, most of the encounters with snakes are a good and peculiar experience. We found this jibóia Boa constrictor while hiking at the trail from Lençóis to the Capão Valley. It was on the ground next to the trail and as we approached it went up this small tree. With almost two meters the jibóia is a harmless and beautiful creature which must be respected and protected.

Lapão Cave, at Lençóis, Chapada Diamantina, Bahia, Brazil

At Chapada Diamantina, the Lapão Cave is the second biggest sandstone (meta-sandstone actually) cave in Brazil. It was formed by an underground river, the Lapão River. This river goes to the surface downhill, below the big portal of the cave. Its small cascades, rapids and pools are perfect for bathing and relaxing. It’s possible to cross the cave, after walking about 1 kilometer through the darkness, entering through the cave’s small entry and leaving through the big one. There, an amazing view unfolds in front of you, as the light comes back when you approach the portal. Located nearby Lençóis, Lapão Cave is a good day hike if you want a good river bath and beautiful views to enjoy.