Fumaça Waterfalls, Bahia State, Brazil is a breathtaking place to see within northwest Brazil. To reach this amazing place you have to trek through valley, rivers, and caves. This unique place is not known by many adventure seekers. Due to this, it’s one of the most untouched but timeless locations in Bahia.
Activity/Place Highlights
Do you have two routes, which takes you to different parts of Fumaça Waterfall.
Route 1: To see it from above, it is a 6km trek divided into two different sections.
First, you must face a 1 hour steep climb to reach the highlands called “Gerais da Fumaça”. Then a 1 hour light hike through the rainforest to get to the top of the fall of the waterfall.
Route 2: For lovers of adventures, you will need to take the trek known as “Fumaça por Abajo”. Where it is possible to see the waterfall from below and bathe in a beautiful natural pool. This walk is considered to be one of the most difficult in the park. For that reason, it is mandatory to be taken by an experienced Chapada Diamantina tour guide.
How to get there
The Fumaça Waterfall is one of the most well-known attractions of the Chapada Diamantina. Located in the Capão Valley, a region located between the municipalities of Lençois and Palmeira in the state of Bahia. There you will see more than 384 meters of free fall, the second largest waterfall in Brazil.
For example, you can get there from Lençóis, it’s necessary to take the BR242 and enter the BA849. Then follow the road that leads to the valley. There are indicative and local signs to park the car. However, you can take the bus from Salvador, it takes 5-7 hours to get there.
In the same way, you can take the flight from the capital of the state Salvador to Lençois. Surely, this lasts 1 hour. In fact, you need to remember: Lençois Airport is located 20 kilometers from Lençois.
When to go
We recommend that you plan your trip from June to September. Because are the coldest months, with daytime temperature in the 21-26 ° C. But the rainy period is also interesting, this occurs from December through March. However, you will also be amazed when the vegetation becomes exuberant, and the rivers and water wells become impressive.
How long
The first route to the waterfall lasts approximately 2 hours going and 2 hours back. Start your walk before 13h, since after that maybe you don’t have enough time to go and return with sunlight.
The second route takes basically 4 days between the going and the return. In that way, it’s better for you if you camp several days in the park. Because you can do the other tours to the different wells that are in Chapada Diamantina.
Opening and Closing Hours
The park is open all day. But the ACV-VC (Association of guides of the Capão Valley) opens at 8 o’clock in the morning.
Planning
Lencóis has all kinds of places to stay in. The nearby villages, such as Mucuge and the Capao Valley, are located deeper within the park and are less touristy.
Finally, you can take day trips in the Chapada Diamantina at your own pace. However, it is strongly recommended to hire a guide for longer trips because the trails can be very confusing.
Inside Information
It’s good to arrive when the park is newly opened, this to avoid facing excessive heat during your trip.
Also, you can sign the guest book that is located at the headquarters of the ACV-VC just at the entrance. As a result, they do a check on the visitors and can know if someone has been lost or has had a problem.
History
Also, the geological history of more than 1,500 million years, rock art testifies to the prehistoric occupation of the area. In fact, that has been a space for the evolution and adaptation of the flora. In that way, you’ll be surprised to find giant ferns, carnivorous plants, and orchids. That have survived thousands of years in an unimaginable environment.
In fact, its name is given by the water that is lost in the air, as if it were smoke. However, depending on the season, it may be completely dry. But no matter when you go, this beautiful national park will dazzle you with its beautiful views.
On the other hand, the region was flooded by miners in the mid-nineteenth century. Seduced by the promise of diamonds and gold. Today, those old trails form a three-day trek from the city of Lencóis, to the base of the falls.
Websites
www.chapada-diamantina.travel
Other nearby attractions
In the Chapada Diamantina are many alternative routes and activities that you can do. However, we recommend that you go to the natural pools. As they are: the Devil’s pit, Blue pit, Pratinha grotto, the Enchanted pit, and many more.
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