Exploring the Natural Wonders of Chapada Diamantina with Family

A Day of Awe and Exploration

Today was a day of pushing our limits and soaking in the raw beauty of Chapada Diamantina National Park. The park's vastness is starting to sink in, and I am excited to share the adventures of today. We tackled the challenging hike to Cachoeira da Fumaça, one of Brazil's highest waterfalls, and then immersed ourselves in the stunning landscapes of Vale do Pati. It was a day filled with breathtaking views, physical exertion, and the kind of profound connection with nature that reminds you why you travel.


Discover the natural wonders of Chapada Diamantina National Park – a breathtaking blend of stunning landscapes, rich biodiversity, and adventure.

We started our day early, grabbing a quick breakfast at our lodging before heading out. I made sure everyone had plenty of water, sunscreen, and snacks; I wasn't about to forget any essentials today! The drive to the trailhead was scenic, with the landscape slowly transforming as we approached the park. The air was crisp and clean, carrying the scent of the local flora. It felt good to be out in nature, away from the hustle and bustle of Montreal.

The hike to Cachoeira da Fumaça is known to be challenging, and it lived up to its reputation. The initial climb was steep, testing our endurance right from the start. Aminata and Ibrahim were troopers, though, and Fatoumata kept us all motivated with her unwavering enthusiasm. I must admit, there were moments when I questioned my sanity, but the thought of the views from the top kept me going. The trail wound through a mix of cerrado and rupestrian fields, with small streams providing refreshing breaks.

After about two hours of huffing and puffing, we finally reached the top of the rocky cliff. And oh, was it worth it! The view was simply breathtaking. Cachoeira da Fumaça, with its 340 meters of free fall, is considered the second highest waterfall in Brazil. The wind dispersed the water into a fine mist, creating beautiful rainbows in the sunlight. The kids were mesmerized, and even Fatoumata and I stood in awe of the sheer power and beauty of nature. I took out my camera and snapped as many photos as I could, trying to capture the moment, knowing full well that no picture could ever truly do it justice.


Experience the majestic Cachoeira da Fumaça in Chapada Diamantina: Hike to breathtaking views of Brazil's 'Smoke Falls'.

Sometimes, the most scenic roads in life are the detours you didn't mean to take.

We spent a good hour at the top, soaking in the views and enjoying a well-deserved picnic lunch. The kids ran around exploring, while Fatoumata and I sat quietly, taking in the immensity of the landscape. It was a moment of pure serenity, a reminder of the importance of disconnecting from the digital world and connecting with nature.

The descent was tough on the knees, but the thought of a cold drink kept us motivated. Back at the car, we took a moment to rest before embarking on our next adventure: Vale do Pati. This valley is known for its stunning landscapes and challenging treks, and I was eager to experience it firsthand.


Discover Vale do Pati, Brazil: Hike through breathtaking landscapes, immerse in local culture, and disconnect in this natural paradise.

Vale do Pati is a place of immense beauty, with its rolling hills, lush vegetation, and towering cliffs. As we drove closer, the landscape transformed once again, revealing a hidden world of natural wonders. I was particularly excited about this part of the trip, as I had read so much about the valley's unique ecosystem and its remote, untouched beauty. We parked the car and began our exploration on foot.

We didn't have time to do a full trek, but we managed to hike a portion of the trail, taking in the panoramic views and immersing ourselves in the valley's tranquility. The kids were fascinated by the different plants and animals we encountered, and I found myself constantly stopping to take photos of the stunning vistas. The air was still and quiet, broken only by the sound of birds and the rustling of leaves. It was a welcome change from the noise and chaos of city life.

As the sun began to set, we made our way back to the car, feeling grateful for the opportunity to experience such a magical place. Vale do Pati is a place that stays with you long after you leave, a reminder of the power and beauty of nature. I know I'll be back someday to explore it more fully.

Before heading back to our lodging, we decided to stop at Quilombola, a local bar in Lençóis. I had read about it and was intrigued by its unique atmosphere and connection to the local community. The bar is owned by descendants of the Quilombola community, Afro-Brazilian communities that have preserved their cultural heritage for centuries.


Discover the taste of Bahia at Quilombola, where authentic Brazilian cuisine meets a vibrant atmosphere in the heart of Lençóis.

The bar was bustling with locals and tourists alike, all enjoying the lively music and friendly atmosphere. We ordered some local snacks and drinks and settled in to soak up the scene. The kids were fascinated by the traditional music, and Fatoumata and I enjoyed chatting with some of the locals, learning about their history and culture. It was a great way to end the day, experiencing the warmth and hospitality of the Chapada Diamantina community.

The Quilombola bar and restaurant aims to present the culinary traditions and hospitality of its people. The chef, Angelina, cooks with ancestral knowledge passed down through generations, using ingredients from the local area.

As we drove back to our lodging, I reflected on the day's adventures. We had hiked to one of Brazil's highest waterfalls, explored the stunning landscapes of Vale do Pati, and immersed ourselves in the local culture at Quilombola. It was a day of physical exertion, natural beauty, and cultural immersion, the kind of day that makes travel so rewarding. I felt grateful for the opportunity to share these experiences with my family, creating memories that would last a lifetime.

Back at our lodging, we enjoyed a simple dinner and shared stories of the day's adventures. The kids were exhausted but happy, and Fatoumata and I felt a sense of accomplishment and gratitude. As I drifted off to sleep, I couldn't help but wonder what tomorrow would bring. We are planning to visit Cachoeirinha and Pratinha, and I am excited to see what other natural wonders Chapada Diamantina has in store for us. I also plan to check out MUNDO NATURAL, a local shop. I need to find a travel guidebook, after all!

Chapada Diamantina continues to surprise and amaze me. It's a place of raw beauty, challenging adventures, and warm hospitality. I can't wait to see what tomorrow brings.

The weather in Chapada Diamantina in September is generally warm, with average daily highs between 24°C and 27°C. It's the dry season, so we can expect clear skies and plenty of sunshine. However, it can get cooler at night, so it's important to pack a jacket.

The hike to Cachoeira da Fumaça is considered moderate to vigorous, with a steep ascent at the beginning. The trail is about 6 km each way and takes around 4-6 hours to complete. It's important to bring plenty of water, sunscreen, and a hat, as there is little shade along the way.

Vale do Pati offers a range of trekking options, from short day hikes to multi-day treks. The valley is known for its stunning landscapes, including waterfalls, canyons, and plateaus. It's important to be prepared for the heat and to bring plenty of water and sunscreen.

Restaurante Sabor da Serra is a popular spot for lunch in Chapada Diamantina. They offer a variety of local dishes at reasonable prices. It's a great place to try some traditional Bahian cuisine.


Experience authentic Bahian cuisine at Restaurante Sabor da Serra in Lençóis - where every dish tells a story.

I am so grateful for this opportunity to explore Brazil with my family. It's a dream come true, and I can't wait to see what other adventures await us.