Right in the center of Brazil's northeastern state of Bahia, 394 kilometers from Salvador, the Chapada (plateau) Diamantina spreads across an area of 38,000 sq. km, including the 152,000 hectares forming this national park, established in 1985. In the Serra do Sincorá (a mountain range) and its surroundings, including the municipalities of Lencóis, Palmeiras, Andaraí and Mucugê, you can find a great number of paths, caves, waterfalls, natural swimming holes and incredible gorges, that’s why the best advice is to allow yourself plenty of time when you visit this area.
The colonial buildings found in the cities around this plateau, especially in Lencóis, are testimony of the burgeoning diamond trade in Brazil in the early 20th century. One of the major attractions of the chapada are the underground caves with crystal clear waters. One of the best known is the ‘blue well’, where you can swim and indulge in the strange shapes of the cave and even see remains of submerged trees that are very well conserved. The‘enchanted well’ is also very well known. From March to December sunlight seeps through an opening and lights up the well, which is 60 meters deep, and many different blue hues can be seen. The two highest peaks in the state of Bahia are in this area: Pico do Barbado, rising 2033 m, and Pico das Almas, 1958 m above sea level.
The Chapada Diamantina is a delight for visitors with its wonderful landscapes, but it also offers many possibilities for adventure sports. A micro climate with pleasant temperatures features colorful, lush vegetation in the mountains and valleys: bromeliads, orchids, always vivid, unique species, some of which are yet to be classified by scientists, are some of the surprises that can be found in this National Park. Tourists in Chapada Diamantina must have environmental awareness; it is essential that you respect nature and help to preserve the flora and fauna by nor buying any wild plants or animals.
Friendly advice: Climbing Morro do Pai Inácio (Father Ignatius), the most famous mountain in the Chapada, is not at all difficult. Legend has it that climbing the mountain can causecompulsive laughter … How about trying it out? 
from our blog Passport To...
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