What to do in Lençóis, Bahia: sights, food and tours

Knowing what to do in Lençóis helps you enjoy not only the tours but the town itself. A former diamond-mining capital, Lençóis has a listed historic center, stone streets, river pools a short walk away and a relaxed but lively evening scene. It is also the starting point for Chapada Diamantina’s main tours.

In this article

• Sights in town
• Food in Lençóis
• Regional tours from Lençóis
• Why Lençóis is the best base

Sights in town

Historic center

Colorful mansions, squares and stone streets tell the story of the diamond era. Strolling through the center in the late afternoon, as the lights come on and restaurants open, is one of the most pleasant moments of the trip.

Serrano

A few minutes’ walk from the center, Serrano is a set of natural pools and rock slabs on the Lençóis River, with tea-colored water. It is a great spot for a quick swim on arrival or rest days, always paying attention to the river level.

Ribeirão do Meio

Known for its natural rock slide, Ribeirão do Meio is close to town. On our itineraries, it is visited on the same day as Cachoeira do Sossego and Ribeirão de Cima.

Food in Lençóis

The town has restaurants serving regional Bahian food, contemporary kitchens, pizzerias and cafés. Dishes with local ingredients, such as banana godó and sun-dried beef, sit alongside vegetarian options. On tour days lunch is included, leaving dinners free for you to explore town.

Regional tours from Lençóis

Chapada tours leave Lençóis in organized vehicles and return at the end of the day. Distances vary a lot, so it helps to know what is close and what requires more driving:

• Close to town: Serrano, Ribeirão do Meio and Cachoeira do Sossego, reached on foot.
• Short to medium drive: Cachoeira do Mosquito, Poço do Diabo, Marimbus and the cave circuit, with Pratinha and Morro do Pai Inácio.
• Full day with more driving: Poço Azul and Poço Encantado, Cachoeira da Fumaça and, south of the park, Cachoeira do Buracão.
• Demanding trek in the south: Cachoeira da Fumacinha, near Ibicoara, involves a long drive and a difficult canyon trail. It is arranged on request.

For more ideas, see what to do in Chapada Diamantina and our guide to the waterfalls of Chapada Diamantina.

Why Lençóis is the best base

Staying in Lençóis lets you do multi-day itineraries without changing lodging, with easy access to restaurants, pharmacies and services. Chapada Soul is based in town and can include a hand-picked stay in your package on request. See where to stay in Chapada Diamantina.