Exploring the Natural Wonders of Chapada Diamantina with Family

A Day of Subterranean Wonders

Today was nothing short of magical, a true immersion into the heart of Chapada Diamantina National Park's subterranean beauty. The kids were buzzing with excitement as we set out, and Fatoumata and I were equally eager to explore the famed Poço Azul and the adventurous Gruta do Lapão. It's days like these that remind me why I started this blog—to share these incredible experiences with you all and hopefully inspire your own family adventures.

Our day began with a hearty breakfast at Restaurante Sabor da Serra. I opted for a traditional Bahian dish, while the kids devoured pancakes. Fuelled up, we headed towards our first destination: Poço Azul. The drive itself was a treat, with the landscape unfolding in layers of green and gold under the clear September sky. It's amazing how much the scenery here reminds me of certain parts of Mali, especially the way the light plays on the rock formations.

Arriving at Poço Azul, I was immediately struck by the intense blue of the water. The entrance to the cave is unassuming, but as you descend the stairs, the view opens up to reveal this stunning natural pool. Aminata and Ibrahim were captivated, their eyes wide with wonder. Before taking a dip, we took a mandatory shower to keep the water pristine. Then, clad in life jackets, we plunged into the cool, clear depths.


Discover the breathtaking beauty of Poço Azul in Bahia: swim in crystal-clear waters and explore a paleontological treasure.

Floating in Poço Azul was an ethereal experience. The water was so clear that I could see the rocky formations deep below. The sunlight filtered through the cave opening, creating an almost mystical glow. It felt like swimming in another world. The kids were thrilled, splashing around and marveling at the underwater scenery. I managed to snap some photos with my waterproof camera, hoping to capture the magic of the moment. Fatoumata, ever the cautious one, stayed close to the edge but even she couldn't resist the allure of the blue depths for too long.

The magic of Chapada Diamantina lies not just in its landscapes, but in the way it makes you feel—connected to nature, to each other, and to something larger than ourselves.

After our swim, we dried off and enjoyed a simple picnic lunch by the entrance to the cave. The energy of the place was palpable, a sense of ancient wonder that seemed to seep into your bones. I couldn't help but think of my homeland, Mali, and the ancient Dogon people who have lived in harmony with their environment for centuries. This place, like theirs, felt sacred. It’s important to note that Poço Azul was discovered in 1920 by miners and became a tourist attraction in 1994, so it’s relatively new as a tourist destination.

Next on our itinerary was Gruta do Lapão, a completely different experience but equally rewarding. Unlike the serene Poço Azul, Gruta do Lapão promised adventure and a bit of a physical challenge. The drive to the trailhead was bumpy, but the anticipation kept our spirits high. As we started our trek, the landscape transformed into a drier, rockier terrain. The kids, surprisingly, were full of energy, scrambling over boulders and pointing out interesting rock formations. I was grateful for my hiking boots, a definite essential for this trip!

The entrance to Gruta do Lapão is quite impressive, a massive opening in the rock face. Inside, the cave is a labyrinth of tunnels and chambers, formed from quartz and iron. Unlike the limestone caves more common in Chapada Diamantina, Gruta do Lapão has a unique metallic feel to it. We explored its galleries with the help of torches. The sound of the Lapão River running through the cave added to the mysterious atmosphere.


Explore Gruta do Lapão in Chapada Diamantina: a stunning quartzite cave with adventure and natural beauty.

Navigating the cave required some careful footwork. There were slippery rocks and tight passages, but the kids took it all in stride, their adventurous spirits shining through. At one point, we turned off our torches to experience the complete darkness of the cave. The silence, broken only by the sound of the water, was profound. It was a moment of pure connection with the earth, a reminder of the power and beauty that lies hidden beneath the surface. We learned that the cave is about 1,000 meters long and 10 meters wide.

Emerging from Gruta do Lapão, we were greeted by the warm afternoon sun. We descended the river and enjoyed the refreshing waterfalls formed by the river's waters. Feeling invigorated, we made our way back to Lençóis. Before heading back to our accommodation, we stopped by Sangue Bom Brechó & Artesanato - Presentes, suculentas e lembranças., a charming local shop. Fatoumata and Aminata spent ages browsing the handmade crafts and unique clothing, while Ibrahim and I admired the collection of succulents. It was the perfect way to end our day, supporting local artisans and picking up a few souvenirs.


Explore a vibrant collection of gifts, crafts, and flowers at Sangue Bom Brechó & Artesanato in Lençóis, Bahia, a true gem for visitors.

For dinner, we returned to Restaurante Sabor da Serra, drawn back by the promise of more delicious Bahian cuisine. The restaurant was bustling with activity, filled with fellow travelers sharing stories of their Chapada adventures. Over a hearty meal, we recounted our own experiences of the day, laughing and reminiscing about our subterranean explorations.

As I sit here now, writing this blog post, I can't help but feel a sense of gratitude for this incredible journey. Chapada Diamantina has a way of getting under your skin, of awakening a sense of wonder and adventure that I thought I had lost. And to share this experience with my family, to see the joy and excitement in their eyes, is a gift beyond measure.

Tomorrow, we're planning to tackle Cachoeira da Fumaça, one of the highest waterfalls in Brazil, and explore Vale do Pati [Cachoeira da Fumaça, Vale do Pati]. It promises to be another challenging but rewarding day, and I can't wait to share it with you all. We also plan to visit Quilombola for a drink [].

Until then, may your own adventures be filled with wonder and discovery.