Family Adventure in Chapada Diamantina National Park

Enchanted Depths and Azure Dreams

Today was a day of subterranean wonders, a journey into the heart of Chapada Diamantina National Park's most captivating natural treasures. Imagine descending into the earth, only to discover hidden realms of ethereal beauty, where light dances on water in ways you've never seen before. It's a day that reminded me why I love exploring, why I love sharing these experiences with my family, and why I feel so fortunate to call myself a travel blogger.

Our day began, as most do on this camping trip, with a simple breakfast amidst the sounds of nature. Francisca had prepared some strong coffee, a necessity for early mornings, and Nilton was already buzzing with excitement about the day's adventures. After packing up our campsite, we set off towards our first destination: Poço Encantado.


Discover Poço Encantado: A mesmerizing natural wonder in Bahia with crystal-clear turquoise waters and stunning sunbeam displays.
The drive itself was an experience, the rugged terrain of Chapada Diamantina National Park unfolding before us in all its glory. As a tour guide, I always appreciate the journey as much as the destination, and this drive was no exception. The landscape, with its towering plateaus and verdant valleys, whispered stories of ancient times, of the forces that shaped this incredible region. It reminded me of stories my grandfather used to tell me about the volcanic origins of Cabo Verde, a land shaped by fire and time.

Reaching Poço Encantado, I was immediately struck by the sheer majesty of the place. The entrance to the cave was unassuming, but as we descended the steps, a breathtaking vista opened up before us. The 'Enchanted Well' is a massive underground lake, the water so clear that it seemed as if we were looking into an abyss of pure blue light. Sunlight streamed through a crack in the cave ceiling, creating an ethereal beam that pierced the water, illuminating the depths below.

Unfortunately, swimming is not allowed in Poço Encantado, in order to preserve this unique environment. But even without taking a dip, the experience was profoundly moving. The silence within the cave was broken only by the occasional drip of water, and the air was thick with a sense of mystery. I felt a connection to something ancient and powerful, a reminder of the hidden wonders that lie beneath the surface of our world. Nilton was mesmerized, his eyes wide with wonder as he gazed into the blue depths. Francisca, ever the pragmatist, was equally impressed, commenting on the geological forces that must have created such a place.

To witness such natural beauty is to understand the importance of preserving these hidden sanctuaries for generations to come.

After spending a contemplative hour at Poço Encantado, we continued our journey to Poço Azul.


Discover the breathtaking beauty of Poço Azul in Bahia: swim in crystal-clear waters and explore a paleontological treasure.
The drive between the two wells was relatively short, about 40 minutes, and the anticipation was building. Poço Azul, the 'Blue Well', is another flooded cave, but with a very different character. Here, swimming is allowed, and we were all eager to take a dip in its crystalline waters.

Upon arrival, we were greeted by a bustling atmosphere. Unlike the serene solitude of Poço Encantado, Poço Azul was alive with the chatter of fellow travelers. After paying the entrance fee and receiving our snorkeling gear, we descended into the cave. The water was cool and refreshing, a welcome contrast to the warm Bahian sun. As I slipped into the water, I was immediately struck by the clarity and the intense blue hue.

The experience of floating in Poço Azul was surreal. The water was so buoyant that I felt weightless, suspended in a world of blue. Snorkeling allowed us to observe the underwater formations, the stalactites and stalagmites that adorned the cave's interior. The sunlight filtering through the water created an otherworldly effect, casting shadows and highlighting the unique geological features. I spotted small fish darting among the rocks, adapted to this subterranean environment.

Nilton was in his element, splashing and laughing as he explored the cave with his snorkel. Francisca, initially hesitant, soon succumbed to the allure of the water and joined us in our underwater exploration. It was a joy to see them both so happy, so immersed in the moment. These are the memories that I cherish, the moments of shared wonder that bind us together as a family.

After our swim, we were all ravenous. We headed to Restaurante Sabor da Serra for lunch.


Experience authentic Bahian cuisine at Restaurante Sabor da Serra in Lençóis - where every dish tells a story.
We enjoyed a hearty meal of local specialties. Francisca had the Moqueca de caju, while I opted for the Risoto Baiano. Nilton, predictably, chose the Peixe na folha de bananeira. The food was delicious, and the atmosphere was convivial. It was the perfect way to refuel after our subterranean adventures.

Before heading back to our campsite, we stopped at a local shop called MUNDO NATURAL.


Experience the essence of organic living at Mundo Natural, a prime destination for health-conscious travelers in Palmeiras, Bahia.
I wanted to pick up some souvenirs for friends and family back in Lisbon. I found some beautifully crafted wooden carvings and some locally produced honey, a sweet reminder of our time in Chapada Diamantina National Park.

As we drove back to our campsite, the sun began to set, casting long shadows across the landscape. I reflected on the day's experiences, the awe-inspiring beauty of Poço Encantado, the refreshing waters of Poço Azul, and the simple joy of sharing these moments with my family. It was a day that reaffirmed my love for travel, my passion for exploration, and my gratitude for the opportunity to experience the wonders of our world.

Tomorrow, we plan to explore Cachoeira Mixila and Cachoeira da Primavera, two waterfalls that promise to be equally captivating. And perhaps, after a day of hiking and swimming, we'll treat ourselves to a well-deserved beer at Cervejaria Artesanal Chapada. Until then, I'll cherish the memories of today, the enchanted depths and azure dreams that will forever be etched in my mind.

As I sat by the campfire tonight, under a sky full of stars, I couldn't help but feel a sense of contentment. This trip to Chapada Diamantina National Park has been everything I hoped for and more. It's a reminder that the greatest treasures are not always found in museums or monuments, but in the natural wonders that surround us, waiting to be discovered. And sometimes, the greatest joy comes from sharing these discoveries with the people we love.

I am also happy I didn’t forget any of the essentials today, especially after the trouble I had remembering the portable water purifier and extra memory cards at the beginning of the trip. Now, if you'll excuse me, I hear the Morna calling…