This exciting itinerary delves into the heart of northeastern Brazil with a trekking adventure that’s perfect for intrepid explorers and nature lovers. From the buzzing Afro-Brazilian city of Salvador, bursting with colors and music, to the beautifully colonial gem that is São Luis, and from the emerald-hued highlands of the Chapada Diamantina to the golden sand dunes of Lençois Maranhenses, this two-week trip is filled with thrilling experiences and stunning landscapes. The local guides make sure everything runs smoothly from start to finish, and they are delighted to share their in-depth knowledge of the region. Learn about arts, culture, and history in the cities before delving into the natural wonderlands of Vale do Patí and Cachoeirão Valley, which are brimming with glassy pools, thundering waterfalls, and beguiling flora. This adventure is filled with activity, with several days of trekking. It also provides the perfect opportunity to become immersed in the local way of life, staying with friendly locals in their rural homes and camping in the pristine wilderness, rounding off an exhilarating, authentic experience.
Trip Details
Tour Highlights
Soak up the culture and history of Salvador.
Trek in the Chapada Diamantina National Park.
Discover the colonial heritage of São Luís.
Learn about the rural way of life from local hosts.
Explore the dunes and lakes of the Lençóis Maranhenses.
Itinerary
DAY 1
Exploring Salvador
On arrival in Salvador, a guide and vehicle will be ready to assist. After settling in, head out for a guided walking tour of the Pelourinho District, the fascinating Old Town of Salvador. Learn about Brazil’s colonial h...
On arrival in Salvador, a guide and vehicle will be ready to assist. After settling in, head out for a guided walking tour of the Pelourinho District, the fascinating Old Town of Salvador. Learn about Brazil’s colonial history and the Afro-Brazilian movement in Pelourinho, accompanied by an expert local guide. As a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Pelourinho’s historical center boasts attractive churches, interesting museums, artists’ studios, and irresistible restaurants. Visit the house of famous writer Jorge Amado, the Pierre Verger gallery, and the studio of Goya Lopes, a textile designer from Bahia. After exploring Pelourinho, visit the Lacerda Elevator, an art deco lift connecting the upper and lower city. Enjoy panoramic views of All Saints Bay before descending for a visit to Mercado Modelo. After an introduction to Bahian culture, spend the evening at leisure before tomorrow’s journey to the stunning landscapes of Chapada Diamantina.
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DAY 2
Travel to Chapada Diamantina, the backlands of Bahia
Today, depart early with a guide and private car to board a prebooked motorcoach and head west to the town of Lençóis, the gateway to the stunning Chapada Diamantina National Park. This charming old diamond-mining town i...
Today, depart early with a guide and private car to board a prebooked motorcoach and head west to the town of Lençóis, the gateway to the stunning Chapada Diamantina National Park. This charming old diamond-mining town is full of character with busy outdoor cafes and brightly painted colonial buildings, though the real highlights of this region wait in the neighboring park. The drive will be around 6 hours, plus stops along the way. So sit back and take in some of the surrounding scenery as you go. On arrival in Lençóis, make your way to the hotel for check-in and relax for the rest of the day.
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B
Lençóis (or similar)
6h
DAY 3
Trekking in the hills of Chapada Diamantina
Rise early and drive 30 kilometers from Lençóis to begin your moderately/advanced challenging 5-day trip.
Rise early and drive 30 kilometers from Lençóis to begin your moderately/advanced challenging 5-day trip.
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B, L
Vale do Capão (or similar)
8h
DAY 4
Up Vale do Capão to the Smoky Waterfall
Today’s trekking begins with a scenic 6 km climb to an altitude of of 1,490 m above sea level to Cachoeira da Fumaça. The hike promises gorgeous views of the Vale do Capão, a region carpeted by emerald vegetation and dot...
Today’s trekking begins with a scenic 6 km climb to an altitude of of 1,490 m above sea level to Cachoeira da Fumaça. The hike promises gorgeous views of the Vale do Capão, a region carpeted by emerald vegetation and dotted with pretty wild flowers. After the ascent, reaching the plateau brings the reward of the magnificent ‘Smoky Waterfall’, a towering jet of water that plummets for 420m before crashing onto the rocks below. The fine mist that then rises from the plunge pool earned this natural gem the apt nickname ‘Smoky’, due to the haze created by its power. Continue on to the waterfalls of Riachinho for a further 1km, before snaking your way back to the pousada in Vale do Capão.There’ll be plenty of opportunities to bathe in the pools at Riachinho, before heading back to overnight in Capão.
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DAY 5
A warm welcome in Vale do Patí
After fueling up on breakfast ahead of another exhilarating day of trekking, it’s time to set off towards the Vale do Patí, initially with a 9km cross-country drive to the trailhead. Here, the landscape is awash with ver...
After fueling up on breakfast ahead of another exhilarating day of trekking, it’s time to set off towards the Vale do Patí, initially with a 9km cross-country drive to the trailhead. Here, the landscape is awash with verdant plains and table-top mountains; exotic flora, including bromeliads and evergreens; and undulating hills beyond the valley. Numerous viewpoints along the trail offer prime viewing of this picturesque vista. The 8-hour hike takes on around 24 km of trails, tackling a mix of terrain, with some pathways being more rugged than others. Any effort today is more than rewarded by the spectacle of scenery and crisp, clean air. Having absorbed the beauty of the Vale do Patí, the day concludes with a delicious homemade meal at the house of Mr. Wilson and Maria, who will provide authentic accommodation for tonight in their lovely home.
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B, L, D
8 hours
The house of Mr. Wilson and Maria (or similar)
DAY 6
Forest, waterfall and endless vistas
The trek winds through an enchanting forest, leading to the Funnel Waterfall, where a bottomless pool provides an irresistible spot to swim. After all the activity of the past few days, this serene lagoon is a welcome op...
The trek winds through an enchanting forest, leading to the Funnel Waterfall, where a bottomless pool provides an irresistible spot to swim. After all the activity of the past few days, this serene lagoon is a welcome opportunity to relax and soak up this beautiful natural setting, resting weary legs in the most tranquil surroundings. Then, it’s onto the Morro de Castelo, a naturally-formed peak that resembles an old castle fort, and though the ascent to the summit is tough, the prize at the end is a spellbinding view across the Vale do Patí, which unfolds mile upon mile in front of you. After taking in these memorable panoramas, enjoy a gentle descent back to Mr. Wilson’s house for more delicious food and another stay overnight at his home.
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B, L, D
The house of Mr. Wilson and Maria (or similar)
DAY 7
Hiking home across valleys and plains
It’s the final day of trekking in Chapada Diamantina, and the scenery remains breathtaking. The 22-kilometer climb to the Cachoeirão Valley offers stunning views and lush flora, followed by a refreshing swim in the Pati ...
It’s the final day of trekking in Chapada Diamantina, and the scenery remains breathtaking. The 22-kilometer climb to the Cachoeirão Valley offers stunning views and lush flora, followed by a refreshing swim in the Pati River. Today’s 22-kilometer track crosses the plains of Gerais do Rio Preto, heading towards Guiné, before descending to Morro do Beco, which commands the final sweeping vistas of the Chapada escarpment. After completing the final leg of the journey, a car will be waiting at the foot of the escarpment for the 90-kilometer cross-country drive back to Lençóis. Spend the final night in the Chapada, getting some much-needed rest before returning to Salvador the next morning.
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B, L
Chapada (or similar)
DAY 8
Farewell to the Chapada
Today, take the bus from Lençóis to Salvador to visit any restaurants, sites, or points of interest missed earlier in the tour.
Today, take the bus from Lençóis to Salvador to visit any restaurants, sites, or points of interest missed earlier in the tour.
DAY 9
Discovering São Luís
Today, a driver will be available to carry you to the airport in time for your flight from Salvador to São Luis Airport, where a car will be waiting to take you to your hotel. There’ll be time to settle in before heading...
Today, a driver will be available to carry you to the airport in time for your flight from Salvador to São Luis Airport, where a car will be waiting to take you to your hotel. There’ll be time to settle in before heading into town to get acquainted with the historical centre, a UNESCO World Heritage Site whose cobbled streets are lined with charming colonial buildings. A walking tour of São Luis offers a fascinating insight into this attractive town, home to pastel-hued mansions, the neoclassical Arthur Azevedo Theatre and the Palace of Lions, a fortress built by the French and later transformed into a palace by the Portuguese. On top of its appealing architecture, São Luis exudes a lively Afro-Brazilian culture through a vibrant reggae scene and exuberant festivals. At the end of a busy day soaking up São Luis’ gems, spend the night in a local hotel before the journey to Atins tomorrow.
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DAY 10
From bustling São Luis to remote Atins
After breakfast, your guide will meet you at the hotel for the transfer to the remote fishing village of Atins, the starting point of your next trekking adventure. The transfer takes approximately 6 hours and is done in ...
After breakfast, your guide will meet you at the hotel for the transfer to the remote fishing village of Atins, the starting point of your next trekking adventure. The transfer takes approximately 6 hours and is done in three stages, including a refreshing boat ride along the beautiful Rio Preguiças, during which you will be able to get close-up views of the plant covered river banks. After a stop at Vassouras to see the region’s natural dune-scape in miniature, you will visit the Mandacaru lighthouse and pass Caburé beach. Upon arrival in Atins, a support vehicle will be on hand for the short transfer to your hotel. After check-in, the rest of the afternoon is spent at leisure in the small seaside fishing village, which has become a kite-surf hot spot these last years. Take in the laid-back atmosphere as you stroll around the sandy streets.
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B
Atins (or similar)
6 hours
DAY 11
Building up energy for the adventures ahead
Today is best spent relaxing, preparing mind and body for the next days’ adventures. Alternatively, if you would like to get a first taste of the region’s unique scenery right away, set out on an optional horseback ride ...
Today is best spent relaxing, preparing mind and body for the next days’ adventures. Alternatively, if you would like to get a first taste of the region’s unique scenery right away, set out on an optional horseback ride across parched landscapes, endless white dunes and crystal-clear
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DAY 12
Parque Nacional dos Lençóis Maranhenses
Today you’re in for an early start, being picked up around 6 am for a 4×4 transfer along the coast to the mouth of the Rio Negro river, located some 20 km north of Atins inside the Lençóis Maranhenses National Park. This...
Today you’re in for an early start, being picked up around 6 am for a 4×4 transfer along the coast to the mouth of the Rio Negro river, located some 20 km north of Atins inside the Lençóis Maranhenses National Park. This is the starting point of the moderately difficult 3-day trekking tour that will take you to the remotest corners of the National Park, guaranteeing complete immersion in this wild terrain. The adventure begins with a scenic 4-hour hike inland to Baixa Grande, a wetland oasis in the heart of the National Park. Along the way, several stops are made to rest, bathe and appreciate the breathtaking views. After settling into camp, enjoy a traditionally prepared meal for lunch. The rest of the day is spent at leisure, mingling with the locals, or simply taking in the surreal beauty of the surroundings. As the day draws to a close, enjoy the sunset from atop a nearby dune and contemplate the starry night sky before slipping into a cosy hammock for a good night’s rest.
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B, L, D
4 hours
Baixa Grande (or similar)
1 hour
DAY 13
Trekking and local hospitality in the National Park
After an early breakfast, hike 9 km (approx. 5 hours) through thick sand and past numerous dune lakes to Queimada dos Britos, an oasis in the middle of the National Park. Here, a resilient community of goat farmers tend ...
After an early breakfast, hike 9 km (approx. 5 hours) through thick sand and past numerous dune lakes to Queimada dos Britos, an oasis in the middle of the National Park. Here, a resilient community of goat farmers tend to their livestock and live in hand-thatched homes, as if time has stood still. Take in the local culture, traditions, and traditional dishes while sharing the joys and challenges of rural life. Overnight in hammocks.
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B, L, D
5 hours
Queimada dos Britos (or similar)
DAY 14
Dune hiking and long deserted beaches
Leaving crisp and early, around 4 am, today’s 12 km (approx. 7 h) hike takes us to Betânia. This stretch is particularly scenic, as it passes some of the region’s biggest and most beautiful lagoons. Upon arrival in Betân...
Leaving crisp and early, around 4 am, today’s 12 km (approx. 7 h) hike takes us to Betânia. This stretch is particularly scenic, as it passes some of the region’s biggest and most beautiful lagoons. Upon arrival in Betânia, there will be time to rest and refuel at lunch before being transferred back to São Luís for one final night. The lively bars and restaurants of the historic centre are the perfect place to relax after three days trekking in the Lençóis Maranhenses.
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B, L
7 hours
São Luís (or similar)
DAY 15
Farewell to Maranhão
A transfer will be provided to the airport of São Luís for a flight to
A transfer will be provided to the airport of São Luís for a flight to
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Hotels
Vila Jurará
Charming with Character
Located in Atins, just 200 metres from Atins Beach, Pousada Jurará e Vila Jurará offers a free daily breakfast with homemade bread, cakes, jams and fresh juices. Guests can enjoy the on-site bar. Simply decorated, the rooms here are air conditioned and have a private bathroom with a shower. Bed linen is provided. Pousada Jurará e Vila Jurará is 400 metres from Lençóis Maranhenses National Park. The property is a 2-hour boat ride from Barreirinhas. From there, São Luis International Airport is a 4-hour drive away. The property offers an airport shuttle service for an extra charge.
Air Conditioning
WiFi
Portas da Amazônia
Ecolodge
|
$$$
Located in the historic centre of São Luís, 800 metres from Mercado Central, this guest house offers accommodation equipped with a TV, as well as a garden and free Wi-Fi in the reception area.
The rooms of Pousada Portas da Amazônia are spacious and have wooden floors. They are decorated with local materials and stones, which provide a cozy atmosphere. The rooms are air-conditioned and include a minibar and a TV. Some rooms also have a balcony and a flat-screen TV.
Air Conditioning
WiFi
Hotel de Lençóis
Charming with Character
|
$$$
Blending modern touches with traditional details, the hotel has a private 4-hectare forest with many trees, gardens and lawns, combining everything that nature has to offer without losing sophistication. The preservation of regional fauna and flora is one of our principles.
Located in the upper part of Lençóis, it offers guests a beautiful view of the colonial houses of the old gold mining town. After exploring the region and exploring the area, guests can relax in a pleasant environment and recharge their batteries for the next day in the heated pool with Jacuzzi, sauna or massage parlor.
Air Conditioning
WiFi
SPA
Solar dos Deuses
Charming with Character
|
$$$
Discover why so many travelers make Pousada Solar Dos Deuses their hotel of choice when visiting Salvador. Providing the ideal combination of value, comfort and convenience, it offers a romantic setting with a wide range of amenities designed for travelers like you.
Close to most of Salvador's landmarks, such as Basilica Cathedral (0.1 km) and Ordem Terceira do Carmo church (0.6 km), Pousada Solar Dos Deuses is a great destination for tourists.
Air Conditioning
WiFi
Pousada Villa Lagoa das Cores
Charming with Character
|
$$$
Considered the Charming Inn of Vale do Capão, it has an area of 300,000 m², and is a charming, special place, surrounded by mountains, with stunning views.
It offers environments that combine refinement, charm and beauty.
Several pleasant spaces and flowery corners for your peace of mind.
Air Conditioning
WiFi
SPA
Price Details
Included
All meals indicated as B, L or D
Accommodation in standard hotels
Local Guides specialized in the region
All entrance fees indicated in the itinerary
Boat transportation
Private vehicle location with driver. The driver is available up to 8 hours a day. On activity days, only transfers are included, unless otherwise stated. Price includes petrol, road tax, parking, insurance for the vehicle and driver, accommodation and meals for the driver.
Not Included
International flights
Domestic flights
Additional drinks and meals
Tips
Other items not mentioned as included
Price Base
Price for 2 people:
2.530 USD
* Price is indicated per person
Terms & Conditions
The terms of sale may differ based on the nature of your trip and how close your departure date is. Please review our conditions here for more information .
