Waterfalls of Chapada Diamantina: the most beautiful to visit

The waterfalls of Chapada Diamantina are among the most beautiful in Brazil, but they differ greatly. Some are near Lençóis and need only a light walk; others lie deep in canyons or in the middle of Vale do Pati and require long hikes and good fitness. This guide brings together the main falls, with location, effort level, swimming options and precautions, so you can choose the ones that suit your trip.

In this article

• Cachoeira do Buracão
• Cachoeira da Fumaça
• Cachoeira do Riachinho
• Cachoeira do Mosquito
• Poço do Diabo
• Cachoeira do Sossego
• Cachoeirão in Vale do Pati
• Rio Funis waterfalls
• Cachoeira da Fumacinha
• Effort at a glance
• Waterfall safety

Cachoeira do Buracão

Near Ibicoara, south of the park, Buracão drops into a narrow canyon with tall walls. The approach includes a trail and a swim through the canyon with a life jacket to reach the fall. Effort is moderate, but the day is long because of the drive. See the complete Cachoeira do Buracão guide and 4 Days Classics with Buracão.

Cachoeira da Fumaça

One of the highest waterfalls in Brazil, seen from the top of the cliff. The trail starts with a steep climb, then crosses the high plains to the edge. There is no swimming at the main fall; the viewpoint requires care and guidance. On 7 Days Classic, it is paired with Cachoeira do Riachinho. Read the complete Cachoeira da Fumaça guide.

Cachoeira do Riachinho

A fall with a swimming pool, perfect for cooling off after the Fumaça hike. Effort is light to moderate, and swimming is usually easy when the river is at normal level.

Cachoeira do Mosquito

On Fazenda dos Impossíveis, a fall of about 50 meters forms pools and small rock beaches with swimming spots of different depths. Effort is moderate. See our Cachoeira do Mosquito and Poço do Diabo guide.

Poço do Diabo

On the Mucugezinho River, near Lençóis, a waterfall flows into a wide pool of dark water surrounded by rocks. The walk is short to moderate, and swimming follows the guide’s advice on safe spots.

Cachoeira do Sossego

Leaving Lençóis on foot, the trail follows the riverbed past Ribeirão do Meio and Ribeirão de Cima to a pool framed by rock walls. Some stretches involve scrambling over boulders, so effort is moderate. After heavy rain upstream, the guide may adapt the outing.

Cachoeirão in Vale do Pati

A set of falls plunging into a huge rock amphitheater in Vale do Pati. On our treks, it is seen from above, from the top of the cliff. Access is part of a strenuous multi-day trek. See Vale do Pati trek difficulty and Vale do Pati 3 days.

Rio Funis waterfalls

Inside Vale do Pati, the Funis River forms falls and swimming pools, visited on the second day of the 3-day trek, together with Gruta and Morro do Castelo. Access is only possible as part of the trek.

Cachoeira da Fumacinha

Near Ibicoara, Fumacinha sits at the end of a narrow canyon and is one of Chapada’s most demanding hikes, with long boulder stretches, river crossings and many hours of walking. It is suited only to very fit hikers and is arranged on request, always with a guide and extra attention to the weather.

Effort at a glance

• Light to moderate: Poço do Diabo, Riachinho, Mosquito.
• Moderate: Sossego, Buracão (with a long driving day).
• Moderate to strenuous: Cachoeira da Fumaça.
• Strenuous: Cachoeirão and Rio Funis (Pati trek) and Fumacinha.

Waterfall safety

• Always follow your guide’s advice on where to enter the water.
• Rain upstream can raise river levels quickly; in that case the itinerary may be adapted.
• Wet rocks are slippery: wear shoes with good grip.
• Do not jump from rocks or approach viewpoint edges.

In the rainy season, waterfalls are fuller and the landscape greener. See Chapada Diamantina in the rainy season and the best time to visit.