Chapada Diamantina National Park

The National Park of Chapada Diamantina (Parque Nacional da Chapada Diamantina) is in the centre of the state of Bahia in Brazil. Understand History The National Park was created in 1985 to protect Serra do Cincorá and to attract growing number of ecotourists. Landscape This scenery mountain range includes mountains, valleys, monoliths, caves, rivers and waterfalls. Highest parts of the park raise over 2000 meters above sea level (average being 1000m above sea level) and offer breathtaking views. Flora and fauna Climate Get in You can start from Lençóis, by plane from São Paulo and Salvador or bus from Salvador (Real Expresso - ~50R$). Another option is to go to Vale do Capão which is at walking distance of many places of interest, and more quiet than Lençóis. Fees/Permits As of Jan 2011 the NP is not officially estabilished, and they won't charge you to enter it Get around See Cachoeira da Fumaça - the highest waterfall (380 m) of Brazil is so high that the water never hits the ground. It vaporizes in the air by the force of the wind. Access usual from guided tours starting in Lençóis that make the whole trip to and fro, or using Vale do Capão, but if starting from Vale do Capão, walk 3km from the main village, get to the entrance, pay a donation (they won't force you), they will offer you a guide, but it is an easy 2 hour walk, with only two places where the trail forks (pay attention). Start in the early morning (best if hot season) and you will be back for lunch. Cachoeira do Sossego - another spectacular waterfall. Cachoeira do Buracão - ...and another. The caverns of Lapa Doce and Pratinha - a must for cave enthusiasts. Poço Encantado - Enchanted Pool with incredibly blue water. Do Buy Eat Drink Sleep Palmeiras : couple of cheap Pousadas in town starting from 10 real, but not much point staying here, better head straight to Vale do Capão. Jeeps do the trip for 7 real usually, but if you charter the vehicle they will charge 50 real. Vale do Capão : Many places to stay to all budgets. If you facy camping go to Pousada Sempre Viva, you get plenty of room for your tent, plus cement bungalows and cheap rooms with toilet. Lodging Camping Inside the National Park in the Vale do Paty trail you can camping in locals houses, they will charge you between 5-6 real pp and give you firewood and kitchen to use. Otherwise you can camp anywhere else, but beware of camping close to a river, because of flashfloods. Few people have drownded already In Vale do Capão, best place to camp is Pousada Sempre Viva, from 7 real camping, but you can haggle for longer stays. Backcountry Stay safe Keep in mind that evening storms are quite frequent in the area. Get out This article is an outline and needs more content. It has a template, but there is not enough information present. Please plunge forward and help it grow!