Family Adventure in Chapada Diamantina National Park

A Fond Farewell to Chapada Diamantina

As our family adventure in Chapada Diamantina National Park draws to a close, I find myself reflecting on the incredible experiences we've shared over the past twelve days. Today, we set out to embrace the final moments of this journey, seeking out the natural beauty and local flavors that have defined our time here. It's a bittersweet feeling, knowing that our adventure is ending, but I'm filled with gratitude for the memories we've created together.

Our final day in Chapada Diamantina began, as most of our days here have, with the simple pleasure of breakfast enjoyed amidst nature's grandeur. Though we were camping, Francisca always ensures we have a delightful meal to start the day. She truly has a knack for making any place feel like home. After packing up our campsite, we set off early, eager to make the most of our last day exploring this stunning national park. Our first destination was Cachoeira Ferro Doido, a name that translates to Crazy Iron Waterfall. I was intrigued by the name alone, and the reality of the falls far exceeded my expectations.


Discover Cachoeira Ferro Doido in Bahia: a stunning waterfall, diverse wildlife, and geological significance in Chapada Diamantina.
The drive to Cachoeira Ferro Doido took us through the rugged landscapes that have become so familiar during our stay. As we approached, the anticipation grew. We parked and then walked a short distance to the canyon's edge. The view was simply breathtaking. From above, we could see the immense canyon and the multiple waterfalls cascading down its face. The sheer scale of the falls is awe-inspiring, and the power of nature is palpable. I couldn't help but feel a sense of wonder and respect for the natural world. Nilton was especially excited, his eyes wide with amazement as he took in the scene. Francisca, ever the pragmatist, made sure we kept a safe distance from the edge, but even she couldn't hide her admiration for the view.

We learned that during the rainy season, one can witness up to four major waterfalls, a sight that truly takes one's breath away. Although we visited during a drier period, the falls were still magnificent, and we could easily imagine the spectacle during wetter months. The falls are part of the Monumento Natural da Cachoeira do Ferro Doido, a state-protected area that also serves as a research site for geologists. As a tour guide with a keen interest in history and culture, I found this aspect particularly fascinating.

Nature does not hurry, yet everything is accomplished.

After spending a good amount of time at Cachoeira Ferro Doido, soaking in the views and taking photos, we continued our journey to our next destination: Cachoeira da California. The drive was scenic, and we enjoyed the changing landscapes as we made our way to Igatu, a charming village known for its unique stone houses. The village itself is a testament to human ingenuity and resilience, with its buildings seamlessly integrated into the rocky terrain.


Discover Cachoeira da California in Bahia: a hidden waterfall with scenic trails, bouldering, and natural beauty in Chapada Diamantina National Park.
The hike to Cachoeira da California was relatively short, about 1.5 kilometers, but it offered a different kind of beauty compared to Ferro Doido. This waterfall is nestled within a canyon, and the ten-meter cascade flows over the beautiful pink sandstone. The trail was moderately challenging, with some rocky sections, but the serene surroundings made it a pleasant experience. Nilton, always full of energy, scampered ahead, eager to reach the falls. Francisca and I took our time, enjoying the tranquility of the area.

Upon reaching Cachoeira da California, we were greeted by a picturesque scene. The waterfall, though smaller than Ferro Doido, had its own charm. The water was cool and refreshing, and we couldn't resist taking a dip in the natural pool at the base of the falls. Nilton splashed around with glee, while Francisca and I relaxed and enjoyed the moment. The sun filtered through the trees, creating a magical atmosphere. It was the perfect way to unwind and connect with nature.

After our refreshing swim, we hiked back to the car, feeling rejuvenated and content. It was time for lunch, and we were looking forward to trying the local cuisine at Restaurante Sabor da Serra in Lençóis. We had heard great things about this restaurant, especially their vegetarian options, and we were eager to experience it for ourselves.


Experience authentic Bahian cuisine at Restaurante Sabor da Serra in Lençóis - where every dish tells a story.
Arriving in Lençóis, we quickly found Restaurante Sabor da Serra. The restaurant has a cozy and inviting atmosphere, and we were warmly greeted by the staff. We perused the menu, which featured a variety of regional dishes, with a focus on fresh, local ingredients. Francisca, a vegetarian, was delighted to see several enticing options. I decided to try the Risoto Baiano, a dish made with carne de sol (sun-dried meat) cooked in pumpkin broth with cilantro. Francisca opted for the Moqueca Vegana, a flavorful stew made with jackfruit. Nilton, as always, chose the safest option: a simple pasta dish.

Our meals were delicious. My Risoto Baiano was rich and flavorful, with the perfect balance of savory and sweet. Francisca raved about her Moqueca Vegana, praising the creative use of jackfruit to create a hearty and satisfying dish. Even Nilton enjoyed his pasta, which was cooked to perfection. We savored every bite, knowing that this was our last taste of Chapada Diamantina's culinary delights.

During our meal, we chatted with the owner of the restaurant, Katiana, who shared her passion for using local ingredients and creating innovative dishes. She told us about her experiments with licuri, a regional coconut, and other native ingredients. It was inspiring to see her dedication to showcasing the flavors of Chapada Diamantina.

After lunch, we took a brief stroll through Lençóis, soaking in the atmosphere of this charming town. We stopped by CHAPADA STORE to pick up a few souvenirs to remind us of our trip. I found a beautiful postcard featuring Cachoeira Ferro Doido, which I added to my collection of vintage postcards from Cabo Verde and Lisbon. Francisca bought a handcrafted bracelet made from local seeds, and Nilton chose a colorful Chapada Diamantina t-shirt.


Explore the best of tobacco culture at Chapada Store - a unique destination for aficionados and casual shoppers in the heart of the region.
As the day drew to a close, we returned to our campsite one last time to pack up our belongings. We savored a final dinner amidst the park's serene atmosphere, reminiscing about our favorite moments from the trip. Sharing stories of our adventures, we laughed, and felt a profound sense of connection as a family. It was the perfect ending to our Chapada Diamantina adventure.

Tomorrow, we begin our journey back home, carrying with us a wealth of memories and experiences. We'll fly from Salvador back to Lisbon, filled with stories to share and a renewed appreciation for the beauty of our planet. This trip to Chapada Diamantina has been more than just a vacation; it's been a transformative experience that has brought us closer as a family and deepened our connection to nature and each other. I am already looking forward to our next adventure, wherever it may take us.

This journey has reinforced the importance of embracing the unexpected and finding joy in the simple moments. As we prepare to leave, I am filled with gratitude for the opportunity to have experienced the wonders of Chapada Diamantina with my family. The landscapes, the culture, and the people have left an indelible mark on our hearts, and we will cherish these memories for years to come.