BRAZIL TRAVEL: Hot Tips By SAE's Volunteer, Caroline Major

SOME TREK AND TOUR OPTIONS IN THE CHAPADA DIAMANTINA

Serrano, Cachoerinha, Primavera, Salao de Areais, Poco Halley
This trip can in fact be done by yourself if you’re happy maybe get lost a couple of times or ask for directions when you pass someone. Serrano is a group of waterholes 15 minutes from the centre, with a great view of Lencois. The next 2 places are waterfalls, and Salao de Areias is a group of rocks that you can walk under and see where they get the sand to make the sand art sold at the market in town. They can be seen in a short day, easy walking.

Sossego Waterfall and Riberao de Meio
This is a 1 day trek. To get to Sossego, which means Peace and Tranquility, you walk up a river bed so lots of stone hopping and you need a guide. Riberao is a natural waterslide and swimming hole with locals standing up surfing down it. Riberao can just be a half day trip in itself, it’s a 40 min walk from town and you can do this by yourself.

Fumaca Waterfall
This is a one day trip to the second highest waterfall in Brazil. It can only be done when there has been enough rainfall. It takes 2 hrs by car to get to the start of the walk. The beginning is a VERY steep uphill climb for 45 mins. Once up its flat to get to the waterfall which is very impressive though to see it best you need to lean over a rock so no good if you don’t like heights.

Marimbus
This is a kayak or boat trip-you choose- to the mini pantanal wetlands area. There is not much wildlife. You kayak then visit the Rio Roncador large swimming hole, and have very traditional food for lunch.

Poco do Diabo, Poco Encantado, Poco Azul, Grutas, Morro do Pai inacio
The 1 day trip where you get to see park highlights, particularly Morro do Pai Inacio. However, little walking involved and a slight tourist trail so you won’t be the only one at the locations. However, truly wonderful swimming holes, caves and views. This is the best 1 day trip along with Fumaca or Sossego.

Poco Encantado (closed at time of writing )and Gruta Azul
Quite far from Lencois so requires a while in the car. It can’t be visited all year round as are only spectacular when the sun is at the right angle. You can snorkel in one of them.

2 day Trek- Mixila Waterfall
One the first day you see waterfalls. On the second day, after camping under the stars, you leave your rucksack at capsite and walk to Mixila. You then have to either rock climb or swim through the pools as the journey is through a canyon, with the impressive Mixila waterfall at the end. Interesting and fun though with less spectacular views than the other trip options.

3 day Trek- Fumaca waterfall
On this trip you see more than just Fumaca but get to see it from above and below. It is the most challenging of the treks as it involves the most steep climbing (Fumaca is Brazil’s second highest waterfall and you have to get to the top)

3 day Trek-Pati Valley
This trek is just spectacular and you get to see incredible views. It is less taxing than Fumaca. Not only are there the most amazing views you also have several opportunities to go swimming in pools/waterfalls. This was my favourite trip.

Other treks
You can trek for longer and combine as much of the park as you wish, trips can be tailor made and suited to individuals’ requirements.