Background

Poço Encantado: Bahia's Enchanted Well

Discover Poço Encantado: A mesmerizing natural wonder in Bahia with crystal-clear turquoise waters and stunning sunbeam displays.

4.9

Poço Encantado, or Enchanted Well, is a mesmerizing cave in Bahia's Chapada Diamantina region, near Itaeté. Its crystal-clear turquoise waters and the sunbeams that pierce through a cave opening create an ethereal blue glow, offering a tranquil and visually stunning experience. Swimming is not allowed to preserve its delicate ecosystem.

A brief summary to Poço Encantado

  • Monday 8 am-4 pm
  • Tuesday 8 am-4 pm
  • Wednesday 8 am-4 pm
  • Thursday 8 am-4 pm
  • Friday 8 am-4 pm
  • Saturday 8 am-4 pm
  • Sunday 8 am-4 pm

Local tips

  • Visit between April and September, from 10:00 AM to 1:30 PM, to witness the stunning sunlight phenomenon.
  • Combine your visit with a trip to Poço Azul for a similar experience where swimming is allowed.
  • Consider staying overnight in Itaetê, Mucugê, or Igatu to avoid a long, tiring journey from Lençóis.
  • Be aware that the entrance to the cave involves descending many steps, and the path can be slippery.
widget icon

Getting There

  • Car

    From Lençóis, take BR-242 eastward for approximately 22 kilometers, then turn onto BA-142 towards Itaeté. Continue for about 25 kilometers until you see signs for Poço Encantado. Follow the Estrada para Itaeté, a mostly unpaved road, for approximately 5 kilometers to the entrance. A 4x4 vehicle is recommended due to the bumpy road conditions. Parking is available near the entrance for a small fee, around R$10.

  • Public Transportation

    From Lençóis, take a bus to Itaeté. Buses typically run several times a day, with a journey lasting about 1.5 to 2 hours. Check the schedule in advance at the local bus station. The bus fare is approximately R$15. Upon arriving in Itaeté, take a local taxi or 'mototaxi' to Poço Encantado, roughly 5 kilometers from the bus terminal. A taxi fare should cost around R$30-R$50, depending on negotiation.

Unlock the Best of Poço Encantado

Buy tickets

    No tickets available

Book tours with entry

    No tours available

Book tours without entry

    No tours available

Discover more about Poço Encantado

Poço Encantado (Enchanted Well) is a captivating natural attraction nestled in the state of Bahia, within the Chapada Diamantina region. Located near Itaeté, this magical cave features incredibly clear, deep turquoise waters, reaching depths of approximately 60 meters. The water's transparency allows you to see submerged rocks and tree trunks with remarkable clarity. The most stunning spectacle occurs between April and September when a beam of sunlight penetrates through a fissure in the cave, striking the water's surface directly. This interaction creates an intense blue glow due to the minerals in the water, producing a mesmerizing visual effect that gives the location its name. The cave measures 110 meters long and 70 meters wide. Access to Poço Encantado is via well-maintained steps, totaling 325 steps over 230 meters, ensuring a safe and comfortable descent. Although swimming is prohibited to protect the delicate natural formations, the enriching explanations provided by local guides more than compensate. They share details about the cave's geological formation, the region's biodiversity, stories from the diamond mining era, and cultural curiosities linking the well to Chapada Diamantina's history. The well was discovered around 1940 by a hunter named Gustavo. Visiting Poço Encantado is an experience of contemplation, beauty, and connection with nature, ideal for those seeking a sensory, educational, and visually stunning destination.

Popular Experiences near Poço Encantado

Popular Hotels near Poço Encantado

Select Currency