Things to do — Chapada

Activities at Chapada Diamantina are 100% nature and adventure. Iconic waterfalls. Cachoeira da Fumaça (smoke, 380 m, Brazil's 2nd highest) accessible from top via Vale do Capão (8 km RT, 6h, vertiginous panorama on free fall — recommended guide €30-50/person) or from bottom via Vale do Cachoeirão trail (3-day trek, more demanding). Cachoeira do Buracão (vertiginous canyon with 80 m waterfall, possible rappel descent €50-80, basin swimming). Cachoeira do Mosquito (easy, 1h, refreshing bathing). Cachoeira do Sossego (2h RT, natural pool bathing).

Caves and blue wells. Poço Encantado (the must-do May-August 10:30am-12:30pm for crystal blue light ray, guided tour €50-80/person 4h from Andaraí). Poço Azul (same phenomenon, snorkelling possible, 14 km from Encantado). Pratinha (underground river, vest + snorkel floating in semi-submerged cave, €20/person). Lapa Doce (850 m limestone cave, stalactites, 1h30 visit, €30). Gruta do Lapão (South America's longest quartzite cave, 1 km, speleological adventure experience €40-60).

Trekkings. Pati Valley (3-5 days, Brazil's emblematic trek, lost valley crossing inhabited by hundred families, basic shelters with locals, grand panoramas — €200-400/person all-inclusive with guide and equipment). Travessia Diamantina (5-7 days, complete park crossing, for experienced trekkers). Morro do Pai Inácio (1,120 m, 1h RT, spectacular 360° panorama, essential sunset, €8). Capão–Fumaça from top (8 km RT, 6h, recommended guide).

Other experiences. Vale do Capão: hippie-chill village, alternative base for 1-2 disconnection nights. Mucugê and Igatu: preserved colonial villages, 19th century diamond rush architecture. Bird watching (350 species, including endemic hummingbirds). Mountain biking and canyoning (local operators at Lençóis, €50-100/day).