Chapada Diamantina
Located in the heart of Bahia, Chapada Diamantina national park is one of the largest natural preserves in Brazil encompassing over 152 thousand hectors.
There are innumerable tour options for all ages and interests, including many waterfalls, natural pools, caves, caverns, mountains, canyons and forests.
The park has large diversity of flora and fauna. There are more than 50 types of orchids, bromelias, and trepadeiras along with many species of rare animals such as; capivaras, panthers, spiny wild boar, and numerous types of birds and snakes.
Photos: www.guiachapadadiamantina.com.br
Chapada Diamantina
Lençóis
Located in the heart of the Chapada, Lençóis is considered the principle tourist town of the park with a close proximity to the Horatio de Mattos Airport (19km), and offers a wide variety of hotels, restaurants, shops and tour agencies.
A protected historic site, Lencois was founded in the 1700’s after diamonds were found in the area. The subsequent mining rush brought thousands of people to the town and others in the Chapada. Through preservation efforts the town is much the same today as it was in the past, with cobblestone streets and colonial architecture. Mining is now prohibited, but the town still recognizes the importance of the era with a museum showcases mining culture and an annual festival in January called Festival of Senor Dos Passos.
The end of the mining era and the creation of the national park allowed the natural beauty and wonder of Lencois to be preserved. Many of the natural sites close to town were in danger of being destroyed by the last phase of mechanized diamond mining. Now the many waterfalls and natural river pools a short walk outside of town can be enjoyed by all.
The ecotourism economy has allowed Lencois to flourish and become even more vibrant than in the past. The streets at night are filled with life, a mixture of friendly local residents with international eco-tourists
Photos: www.guiachapadadiamantina.com.br
from all over the world. Live music can be heard from bars and restaurants showcasing Brazilian music, reggae and rock. Culinary options are abundant in Lencois, ranging from inexpensive local fare to gourmet cuisine. You can also experience traditional festivals, such as the washing of the Senhor dos Passos church and procession, the Calvalgada (a 19km horse ride through the forest with over 200 people on horseback, culminating in a street party), the festival of Sao Joao (a 4 day street party celebrating Northeast Brazilian culture and music), and the winter festival which is a 3 day concert in the central plaza that brings in some of Brazil’s best musicians.