Adventures in Chapada Diamantina: Exploring Brazil's Natural Wonder

Diamonds, Devils, and Delicious Brews

Today was a day of contrasts, mon! We started by diving deep into the history of diamond mining and ended with a refreshing plunge into the Poço do Diabo – the Devil’s Pool. And, of course, no day is complete without sampling some local flavors. Come, let me tell you all about it.

Our morning kicked off with a hearty breakfast at Restaurante Sabor da Serra. I swear, they make the best *arepas* this side of Kingston! Energized and ready to explore, we headed to the Museu do Garimpeiro. Now, I’ve always been fascinated by history, especially when it involves a bit of adventure and intrigue. The museum didn't disappoint.

The Museu do Garimpeiro, or the Mining Museum, is located in Mucugê. It’s set in an old miner’s dwelling, which has been restored to show what life was like during the diamond rush. You walk along the Antiga Estrada Real (Old Royal Road) for about 400 meters to get there. The road itself is a piece of history, dating back to when the Portuguese used it to transport gold.


Explore the legacy of diamond miners in Lençóis at the Museu do Garimpeiro, a tribute to Bahia's rich mining history and cultural heritage.

Inside, we saw all sorts of tools and artifacts from the mining era. Old machines, rough diamonds, and displays explaining the whole process of finding and cutting these precious stones. What struck me most was the sheer determination of the *garimpeiros* – the miners. They faced harsh conditions and long odds, all in the hope of striking it rich. It reminded me of the early days of 'Yaad Vibes,' when Klara and I were just starting out, pouring our hearts and souls into the restaurant, hoping it would take off. It’s that same spirit of resilience that connects us, no matter where we are in the world.

The journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step, and the richest diamond starts as a humble stone.

After immersing ourselves in history, it was time for some natural refreshment. We packed a lunch – some *jerk chicken* wraps I whipped up this morning – and headed to Poço do Diabo. The name, which translates to Devil’s Pool, might sound a bit ominous, but I promise you, it’s heavenly.


Discover the stunning beauty and somber history of Poço do Diabo in Chapada Diamantina, a natural pool with a past.

The pool is part of the Rio Mucugezinho. The hike to get there is pretty easy, about 1.5 km. You start near the BR-242 highway at Restaurante Mucugezinho and Cabana do Louro, then it’s a short walk to the river and another 20 minutes to the pool. The trail is surrounded by lush vegetation, and the sound of the water rushing nearby is just so relaxing.

Legend has it that the name “Devil’s Pool” comes from a dark chapter in history when a cruel colonel discovered his enslaved people were smuggling diamonds. In a fit of rage, he allegedly murdered them and threw their bodies into the pool, staining the water with their blood. Whether true or not, the story adds an eerie layer to the already dramatic landscape.

When we arrived, the sight was breathtaking. A waterfall cascades down about 20 meters into a dark, cool pool. The water is perfect for swimming, and some of my friends were brave enough to try the zipline that ends right in the water. Me? I preferred to relax by the shore, enjoying my jerk chicken wrap and soaking in the vibes.

After a refreshing afternoon, we headed back to Lençóis, but the day wasn't over yet. It was time to check out Cervejaria Sincorá. This microbrewery is inspired by the Serra do Sincorá mountains and creates some seriously tasty artisanal beers. They're known for using local ingredients and having a slow fermentation process without preservatives, which really makes a difference.


Discover the unique flavors of craft beer at Cervejaria Sincorá, a vibrant brewpub in Lençóis, Bahia, perfect for beer enthusiasts and travelers alike.

The brewery itself is a cool spot, and you can even book a visit in advance. We sampled a few of their brews – I particularly enjoyed the Equinocio IPA. Sipping on a cold beer, surrounded by the stunning landscape of Chapada Diamantina National Park, was the perfect way to end the day. We shared stories, laughed, and made plans for tomorrow’s adventure. Maybe I'll even try to sneak in a couple of Jamaican recipes to share with the brewmaster!

For dinner, we went back to Restaurante Sabor da Serra. After such a busy day, we were all happy to enjoy a hearty meal. The service was excellent, and the food was just what we needed.

Tomorrow, we're off to Cachoeira da Primavera and Serra das Paridas. I hear the views are incredible, and I can't wait to share them with you all. But for now, it's time to rest up and dream of diamonds, devils, and delicious brews. Until next time, *walk good*!

Oh, and I almost forgot! I did manage to find a spot to play dominoes today. It wasn't in a park like I usually do in Berlin, but under the shade of a tree near the Poço do Diabo. Let me tell you, playing dominoes with the sound of a waterfall in the background is a whole different level of relaxation! It reminded me of home, playing with my uncles in Linstead. It’s amazing how a simple game can bring back so many memories. Gotta remember to call my momma soon.

And about those essentials I forgot? Well, let’s just say my camera almost died at the Poço do Diabo. Good thing one of my friends had an extra portable charger. Lesson learned: always double-check your packing list, especially when you’re relying on technology in the middle of the wilderness. Still kicking myself for not bringing those extra camera batteries, though. The views were just too good not to capture!

The people here are so warm and welcoming. I even met a few folks who were curious about Jamaican cuisine. I promised to share some recipes when I get back to Berlin. Maybe I’ll even host a Brazilian-Jamaican fusion night at 'Yaad Vibes'! Now, that’s an idea worth exploring...