Tucked away in Brazil’s north-east state of Bahia, Chapada Diamantina National Park is where nature goes wild in the best way. Think towering table-top mountains, lush canyons, underground rivers, waterfalls plunging into turquoise pools, and trails that snake through terrain as rugged as it is spectacular.
For first-time visitors, Chapada can feel like a sprawling, untamed paradise. But you don’t have to be a seasoned explorer to experience its magic. These three hikes offer an unforgettable introduction to Brazil’s wild side, and recent events show just how alive, vulnerable, and globally important this park truly is.
If there’s one place that defines Chapada Diamantina’s landscape, it’s Morro do Pai Inácio. A short but steep trail takes you to the summit, where panoramic views stretch over plateaus, valleys, and ridge-lines that look like the set of a fantasy film. It’s a must for first-timers, especially at sunset.
But this beauty comes with fragility. Earlier this year, forest fires swept through parts of the park, including areas near Morro do Pai Inácio. Firefighters worked tirelessly to contain the blaze, protecting this iconic site from permanent damage. The incident was a stark reminder of the environmental challenges facing Brazil’s protected areas and the need for responsible tourism.
Often dubbed the most beautiful trek in Brazil, the Vale do Pati trail winds through deep canyons, forested valleys, waterfalls, and remote plateaus. It’s a multi-day trek where you stay with local families in rustic homes, offering both cultural immersion and unmatched natural beauty.
Chapada Diamantina for First-Timers
Morro do Pai Inácio
- Difficulty: moderate
- Duration: ~1 hour round trip
- Why go: Sunset views over the entire Chapada
If there’s one place that defines Chapada Diamantina’s landscape, it’s Morro do Pai Inácio. A short but steep trail takes you to the summit, where panoramic views stretch over plateaus, valleys, and ridge-lines that look like the set of a fantasy film. It’s a must for first-timers, especially at sunset.
But this beauty comes with fragility. Earlier this year, forest fires swept through parts of the park, including areas near Morro do Pai Inácio. Firefighters worked tirelessly to contain the blaze, protecting this iconic site from permanent damage. The incident was a stark reminder of the environmental challenges facing Brazil’s protected areas and the need for responsible tourism.
Vale do Pati: The Heart of Chapada
- Difficulty: hard
- Duration: 3-5 days (overnight trek)
- Why go: Immersive adventure with local homestays
Often dubbed the most beautiful trek in Brazil, the Vale do Pati trail winds through deep canyons, forested valleys, waterfalls, and remote plateaus. It’s a multi-day trek where you stay with local families in rustic homes, offering both cultural immersion and unmatched natural beauty.
In May 2025, the valley played host to a stage of the Adventure Racing World Series, with over 150 athletes from 14 countries tackling the terrain as part of the Malacara Expedition. The event highlighted Chapada’s rising global status as a destination for eco-sports and adventure travel.
For international travellers joining such events, the online visa application for Brazil has made trip planning more streamlined, especially for those coming from countries that now require e-visas.
At over 340 meters, Cachoeira da Fumaça (Smoke Falls) is Brazil’s highest waterfall. The hike to the top is steep but rewarding, offering breathtaking views as the water seems to vanish into mist before hitting the rocks below. For those new to long-distance hiking, it’s a great way to push your limits with a massive visual payoff.
Just beyond this trail lies Serra da Chapadinha, where researchers recently discovered 15 undocumented caves, including the dramatic Xangô Cave and the geological wonder known as the Rolada Abyss. These findings underscore the region's untapped ecological richness, and also its vulnerability to threats like mining and land clearing.
Whether you’re catching your first sunset from Morro do Pai Inácio, hiking to the edge of Cachoeira da Fumaça, or sleeping under the stars in Vale do Pati, Chapada Diamantina offers one of the rawest, most unforgettable nature experiences in Brazil. But recent fires, environmental threats, and the pressure of increasing tourism show that this wilderness needs careful stewardship. As more travellers seek authentic, off-the-beaten-path adventures, places like Chapada remind us that “wild” isn’t just about terrain, it’s about balance, too.
For international travellers joining such events, the online visa application for Brazil has made trip planning more streamlined, especially for those coming from countries that now require e-visas.
Cachoeira da Fumaça: The Skyfall of Brazil
- Difficulty: moderate to challenging
- Duration: 5-6 hours round trip
- Why go: Brazil’s tallest waterfall, viewed from above
At over 340 meters, Cachoeira da Fumaça (Smoke Falls) is Brazil’s highest waterfall. The hike to the top is steep but rewarding, offering breathtaking views as the water seems to vanish into mist before hitting the rocks below. For those new to long-distance hiking, it’s a great way to push your limits with a massive visual payoff.
Just beyond this trail lies Serra da Chapadinha, where researchers recently discovered 15 undocumented caves, including the dramatic Xangô Cave and the geological wonder known as the Rolada Abyss. These findings underscore the region's untapped ecological richness, and also its vulnerability to threats like mining and land clearing.
First-Timer Tips for Sustainable Trekking
- Hire local guides: They know the terrain, tell better stories, and directly benefit from tourism.
- Carry in, carry out, leave no waste behind: This region is too beautiful to litter!
- Stay with locals: Many treks offer overnight stays with traditional families. It’s more immersive and supports the community.
- Respect fire risks: Given recent wildfires, it's critical not to light fires or discard cigarette butts in dry areas.
- Travel off-season, to avoid overcrowding and reduce your footprint, visit during shoulder seasons (March–May, September–November).
Chapada Is Still Wild, and Worth Protecting
Whether you’re catching your first sunset from Morro do Pai Inácio, hiking to the edge of Cachoeira da Fumaça, or sleeping under the stars in Vale do Pati, Chapada Diamantina offers one of the rawest, most unforgettable nature experiences in Brazil. But recent fires, environmental threats, and the pressure of increasing tourism show that this wilderness needs careful stewardship. As more travellers seek authentic, off-the-beaten-path adventures, places like Chapada remind us that “wild” isn’t just about terrain, it’s about balance, too.
