Myriad Waterways and Orchids in the Heart of Bahia

The Chapada Diamantina lies in the heart of the State of Bahia. This mountainous region, with its imposing landscape of high plateaus and dramatic mesas, is the source of 90 percent of the tributaries that will eventually form the basins of the Paraguaçu, Jacuípe and Contas Rivers. 

There are thousands of kilometers of rivers with crystal-clear waters that flow from the summits, cascading down the sierras into high plateaus and plains forming breathtaking natural pools and swimming holes.

The beauty of the waters is the perfect complement to the exuberant vegetation that abounds with many species of cactus from a desert-like environment known as the caatinga and rare examples of mountain flora, including bromeliads, orchids and immortelles.

There is a prospecting tale to be told in each of the winding streets and centuries-old mansions in the towns of Lençóis, Rio de Contas, Andaraí and Mucugê, as well as in the tiny mountain village of Igatu, known as “the Stone City”. These cities were founded and flourished during the mining boom, which started in the 17th century when gold and diamond fever struck with dreams of instant wealth.

Declared a historic and artistic national monument, Lençóis is the starting point for journeys throughout the Chapada. It was considered one of the most important cities for diamond mining and its architecture has been greatly influenced by this activity. The cobblestone streets are vestiges from the mining period.

Pratinha Cavern, in the municipality of Iraquara, is typical of caves forming in limestone deposits. In its interior, there is an underground river with bluish, crystal-clear waters. The town of Mucugê has many surprises in store, including the 19th century Byzantine-style Santa Isabel cemetery with its hand-carved white parapets and headstones. And it may even be possible to see UFOs, as many local inhabitants have attested.
 
Another important historic city in Bahia is Rio de Contas, one of the shining jewels of the Chapada Diamantina. In the area, there are many attractions such as Pico das Almas—Souls’ Peak, one of the highest points in the state, the Fraga Waterfall, whose waters cascade over several different natural pools, and the Estrada Real—a cobblestone road dating from colonial times.

The three highest points in Bahia are in the Chapada: Souls’ Peak, Itobira Peak and Barbados Peak. The region is also home to the one of the tallest waterfalls in Brazil, the famous Glass Falls, known locally as Cachoeira da Fumaça, the “smoking waterfall,” because as the water drops the 420 meters to the pools below, the wind blows it in such a way that it literally “falls up,” creating the impression of smoke.

Another fascinating option is the Poço Encantado or Enchanted Well, a natural sink whose deep silvery waters, when illuminated by the sun’s rays, turn a radiant blue, an almost mystical experience that thrills all who visit. There are literally dozens of excursions to choose from, rivers with crystal-clear waters, grottoes, caves and lagoons. And visitors will certainly be charmed by the hospitable and friendly inhabitants of this rustic region.