Brazil
Chapada Trek
Réf : UBRADIAX
In summary
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Sports
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Duration15 days
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LevelConfirmed
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DestinationAmerica / Brazil
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AgeFrom the age of 18
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CO₂-Emissions4905 kg CO2
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Type of stayIn a group
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Languages
French
In a few words
The itinerary for this wonderful trip begins with the Chapada Diamantina National Park, home to diamond prospectors, countless waterfalls, and charming, authentic villages. Next, we'll visit the unspoiled island of Boipeda, with its fishermen and crystal-clear waters. Finally, we'll explore Salvador, the historic yet vibrant regional capital. After arriving in Salvador de Bahia, we'll head to the Chapada Diamantina for a three-day trek through lush vegetation, endemic plants, turquoise waterfalls, and beautiful villages like Igatu. We'll have interesting encounters with locals, especially the diamond prospectors. Our final stop will take us to the island of Boipeda, a haven of peace and tranquility where cars are absent, replaced by horse-drawn carts, dugout canoes, and a few donkeys. We'll enjoy some fishing on the Moreré Lagoon, as well as free time to explore this idyllic island. A tasting of grilled fish, lobsters and prawns, quite a program! We end in style with a complete and enriching visit to Salvador de Bahia, the historical capital of Brazil, including the Pelourinho district, the largest baroque ensemble in Latin America, classified as a world heritage site by UNESCO.
The highlights
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A magnificent trek in the very wild Chapada Diamantina
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Wonderful encounters with diamond prospectors and fishermen from Boipeba
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The discovery of the primary forest, mangroves and deserted beaches
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Photos
Sport
Level
Hiking / Trekking
For those wishing to hike for up to 6 hours a day and/or cover an elevation gain of 600 to 800 meters, both on and off-trail. High-altitude sections are possible. You engage in a sporting activity once a week, hike regularly, and are in very good physical condition.
In figures
Autre
- Average duration/day: 5h30
- Average daily elevation gain: 306 m
- Average daily descent: 140 m
Management
During this stay, a supervisor will be present to guide and assist you.
Languages spoken:
French
French
Supervisor
Supervisor
Upon arrival, you will be greeted by a local French-speaking guide, who will accompany you throughout your stay. Our guides are chosen for their specific knowledge of a geographical area, their field experience and their passion for helping you discover their country.
Program
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Paris - Salvador de Bahia.
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
Flight to Salvador de Bahia. Welcome and transfer to our accommodation in the heart of the historic Pelourinho district. Meals at your leisure or on the flight.Day 1 -
Salvador de Bahia - Lençois
- Transportation 06h
- Activity Autre
- Duration of the activity 3h
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner included
Early morning departure for Lençóis, Chapada Diamantina. We travel by comfortable public bus (air conditioning, restroom) through the Reconcavo Bahia (fertile lands with numerous plantations), then the landscape becomes semi-arid (Sertão Bahia) and we cross the caatinga (white forest of the Caeté Amerindians) with its Mandacarus and Licuris cacti. Lunch on your own (the bus stops for 30 minutes around 11:00 AM). Arrival in Lençóis in the early afternoon. Check-in at our pousada, then departure for a 3-hour hike with a local guide to warm up and enjoy a swim in a beautiful river. Dinner. Free evening to explore the small village of Lençóis.Day 2 -
Crossing Lençois - Capao valley
- Activity Autre
- Duration of the activity 8h
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
Our hike begins through the stunning landscapes of the Natural Park. The Ribeirão Valley was the center of intense diamond mining activity for half a century. We'll take a dip in the river and then pass by the foot of one of the region's most beautiful tepui, Morrão. We arrive in the Capão Valley in the late afternoon. Transfer by vehicle to our pousada. Luggage will be transported by car.Day 3 -
Fumaça Waterfall, the highest waterfall in Brazil.
- Activity Autre
- Duration of the activity 6h
- Positive elevation gain 400 m
- Negative elevation 400 m
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
The spectacular Fumaça waterfall, Brazil's highest freefall (380 meters), can be reached via a five-hour hike of moderate difficulty across the high plateaus. We'll discover the beauty of the vast wilderness, carnivorous plants, and then the magnificent Fumaça canyon. Enjoy a picnic lunch and observe the local wildlife. Take a refreshing dip in the Riachinho River.Day 4 -
Trek Chapada Diamantina
- Activity Autre
- Duration of the activity 8h
- Positive elevation gain 800 m
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
We're off to cross the Chapada Diamantina National Park. We're only carrying our gear for the trek (3 days, 2 nights). During the trek, we'll cross plateaus covered in semi-arid vegetation into lush valleys dotted with countless waterfalls that feed the main river flowing into the Bay of All Saints. We'll depart early by vehicle for the village of Bomba, the starting point of the Pati Valley trail. We'll ascend to the Vieira highlands, which offer breathtaking panoramic views of the entire Serra del Sincora mountain range. We'll enjoy a picnic lunch and a swim in the small Crystal Waterfall. Afterward, we'll enter one of the most isolated areas of the Natural Park. Here, we'll find endemic rock-dwelling vegetation, carnivorous plants, high-altitude orchids, and immortelle flowers. We'll stay in simple homestays (shared rooms with beds and linens). We'll also visit a Novo Mondo coffee plantation, 100% organic. Dinner prepared by the local cook – food lovers won't be disappointed! Note: Bags will be carried by mules for the 3-day trek, so bring a soft bag. We'll collect our main bag at the Pousada Igatu after the trek on day 7.Day 5 -
Trek Chapada Diamantina
- Activity Autre
- Duration of the activity 6h
- Positive elevation gain 400 m
- Negative elevation 400 m
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
We descend the Pati Valley, following the meanders of a river that occasionally roars 200 meters below the trail. Samambaiaçu trees (tree ferns) adorn the descent towards the old bridge used by diamond prospectors. Tonight, we'll sleep near the river, at the home of the last inhabitant of the Pati Valley before the Paraguaçu Canyons.Day 6 -
Trek Chapada Diamantina and transfer to Igatu
- Activity Autre
- Duration of the activity 7h
- Positive elevation gain 800 m
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
The long, zigzagging climb up the Empire Road takes us to the Bahiano Pass, from where we discover the entire mountain range of the National Park. The descent towards the village of Andarai crosses through former "garimpos," the 19th-century diamond mines. Gravel hills bear witness to the activity of thousands of prospectors. The descent to Andarai is one of the most striking landscapes in the park. We arrive in Andarai in the early afternoon to collect our belongings left on Day 6. Following a superb stone road (the Romans have nothing on this!), in local vehicles, we reach the village of Igatu, the heart of the 19th-century diamond rush. For the adventurous, there's the option to climb to the heights to admire the sunset over the Park. After dinner, we meet a former garimpeiro from the village. He has something for us...Day 7 -
Diamond mine, ghost village and river diamond prospecting techniques
- Activity Autre
- Duration of the activity 4h
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
If the Sertão Bahia region, which includes the Chapada Diamantina, is often compared to the Wild West, then Iguatu, the "old" town, is a ghost town. Built in the 18th century, it once had as many as nine thousand inhabitants. Today, there are only four hundred. The day begins with a visit to an old diamond mine, followed by the old ghost town of Igatu, populated by cacti, mango trees, and woodpeckers. Then comes the "new" part of Igatu with its elegant streets and stone houses. After lunch, our local guide, a garimpeiro (gold miner) since the age of 12, takes us to a river (swimming is possible) where we experience the technique of river diamond panning. The rest of the day is free to meet the locals or take a walk along another river.Day 8 -
Rampa do Caim Hike
- Activity Autre
- Duration of the activity 6h
- Positive elevation gain 600 m
- Negative elevation 600 m
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
Last hike in the Chapada Diamantina. With our local guide, we hike to the "Rampa do Caim," a magnificent viewpoint overlooking the entire Pati Valley, the heart of the Chapada Diamantina. Picnic lunch, then we descend back to Igatu. Dinner.Day 9 -
Igatu - Boipeba Island
- Transportation 07h
- Activity Autre
- Duration of the activity 3h
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
A very early departure (5:30 am) for approximately 6 hours in a comfortable private minibus. Then, an hour-long speedboat ride through the mangroves where we'll encounter fishermen in dugout canoes, wading birds, cormorants, and if we're very lucky, dolphins. We arrive around 1:30 pm. A dream setting, the village of Velha-Boipeba is nestled at the mouth of two rivers that flow into the South Atlantic. No cars here; donkeys, carts, bicycles, dugout canoes... We settle into the pousada's chalets, just a minute from the beach. On the lunch menu: "feijoida," the iconic Brazilian dish! The afternoon is dedicated to exploring the area surrounding the village. A sixty-meter dune towers over the entire region, an old fruit plantation with century-old mango trees, and the Rio do Inferno river winding through the mangroves. In the village, we discover the communal house where the inhabitants make cassava flour by hand. In the evening, we enjoy lobsters on the beach!Day 10 -
Hiking in a primeval forest - fishing village and deserted beach
- Activity Autre
- Duration of the activity 4h
- Positive elevation gain 60 m
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
We hike along unforgettable trails through the 60-million-year-old Mata Atlantica rainforest and cross refreshing rivers. Depending on the season, we might see orchids, heliconias, and queen parakeets. We then climb to a small, flower-filled village to enjoy an authentic traditional meal. A short walk takes us to the fishing village of Moreré, where we'll see one of Bahia's most beautiful beaches. The rest of the day is free for swimming, strolling, exploring the village, or relaxing in hammocks, gently rocked by the trade winds. In the evening, lobster!Day 11 -
Seine fishing in the Moreré lagoon
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
Depending on the tide, the half-day seine fishing trip takes place in the morning or afternoon. Led by three energetic local fishermen, and protected by the coral reef, we set a 50-meter net in the Moreré lagoon and slowly haul it in several times towards the beach. Grilled fish and perhaps prawns are on the menu for dinner. Note: To protect the species, small lobsters and prawns are released back into the water.Day 12 -
Boipeba Island - Salvador de Bahia
- Transportation 05h
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
Departure late morning. A short hour's ride by specially equipped tractor to cross the island and reach Velha-Boipeba, followed by an hour by lancha-rapida (speedboat) through the winding mangroves, then transfer by private minibus and ferry crossing to Salvador de Bahia. Arrival late afternoon. Simple lunch during the transfer, dinner at your leisure.Day 13 -
Visit to Salvador de Bahia and return night flight
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
Visit to Salvador de Bahia. We begin in the lower city with the Church of Nosso Señor de Bonfim, renowned for its miraculous healings, and the Museum of Miracles, which displays a multitude of ex-votos. We will visit the last remaining azulejo tile factory in Salvador, followed by the São Joaquim Market (cashews, handicrafts, voodoo dolls, medicinal herbs, fruits, and vegetables). After lunch, we move to the upper city to visit the historic Pelourinho district and the dazzling Church of São Francisco with its azulejo tile frescoes, a Portuguese Baroque masterpiece from the 18th century. We'll stroll through the pedestrian area with its colorful houses. At the end of the day, after a shower at the hotel, we'll transfer to the airport for our flight back to France. (NOTE: If your flight is in the afternoon, the visit will only take place in the morning (the historic Pelourinho district). If your flight is in the evening, we'll have a full tour of Salvador.)Day 14 -
Arrival in France
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
Saudade!Day 15
Note
Depending on weather and operational conditions, the guide reserves the right to modify this itinerary. For the 3-day trek in Chapada Diamantina National Park, if a participant withdraws, please note that there is no helicopter service. An early return will therefore require arranging for a new guide, accommodation, meals, etc. The participant will then need to rejoin the group by road on the other side of the park, as there is no regular bus service (all of which incurs an additional cost, payable by the client). Weather conditions and tides may necessitate a change in the activity schedule, but our experience in the field will guide us in choosing the best solution.
Accommodation
- Days 1 to 14
- In Salvador: we sleep 2 nights in a colonial house in the historic center of Pelourinho.
- In Chapada Diamantina: We stay 1 night in a pousada in Lençois then 2 nights in a charming pousada in the Capao valley, then 2 nights in the National Park with a local family (shared rooms), 3 nights in an atypical and charming pousada in Igatu.
- In Boipeba: we sleep in 2 pousadas: in Velha-Boipeba: pousada near the beach and in Moreré: charming pousada facing the sea.
Access
Departure
Salvador De Bahia
Day 1
End of stay
Idem
Day 15
Go to the starting point
The nearest airport isSalvador de Bahia
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Price details
The price includes
- Regular flights departing from Paris (Departures from other French cities on request and subject to availability).
- Air taxes.
- Transportation.
- Accommodation.
- All meals except dinner on day 1 (free or in flight), lunch on day 2, breakfast on day 10 and dinner on day 14 (free or in flight).
- Supervised by a French-speaking guide and a local team.
Options
- Additional night in Salvador de Bahia in a double or twin room : CHF82.33 / person
- Additional night in Salvador de Bahia in a single room : CHF155.52 / person
- Single room supplement for the entire duration of your stay (except for the trekking portion) : CHF686.10 / person
- Guided tour of Salvador de Bahia, price per person : CHF265.29 / person
- Flex fare and insurance
Practical information
Specific formalities
Specifics
Before your departure, check with the embassy or consulate regarding the entry and stay requirements for your destination country. You can also find this information on the France Diplomatie website ( https://www.diplomatie.gouv.fr/fr/dossiers-pays/ ).
In the case of flights with stopovers operated by different airlines, also check the entry requirements of the countries you are transiting through.
It is your responsibility to ensure you are in compliance, particularly regarding the validity of your identity documents (for example, some countries require your passport to be valid for at least six months after your return) , visa requirements, necessary vaccinations, and health recommendations. And don't forget to consider any customs restrictions and other potential requirements of your destination or transit country.
ℹ️ Information may change up to the departure date, remember to regularly check official websites.
Equipment
Equipment to bring
- dress shoes
- Telescopic walking stick.
- Plastic bags for waterproofing your belongings.
- Sunglasses.
- Toiletries kit and bath towel.
- Sunscreen cream.
- Headlamp.
Clothing to bring
Clothing, from head to toe:
- Hiking shoes: sturdy, high, lightweight, waterproof and with a non-slip sole.
- Sandals.
- Old tennis shoes for a half-day fishing trip in Boipeba
- Hiking socks,
- Trekking trousers.
- Shorts or bermudas.
- Swimsuit.
- T-shirt.
- For underwear, choose fabrics that dry quickly.
- Pullover or fleece jacket.
- Rain cape or poncho.
- Hat, cap or scarf: the sun is sometimes scorching, risk of sunstroke.
Decathlon Travel Partner
The Paulin team
4.4/5
(1440 reviews)
• 453 stays
For over 30 years, our local partner has been designing adventure walking trips around the world. Specializing in small-group treks, they cater to both casual hikers and seasoned trekkers seeking unspoiled natural environments and a return to the essentials. Their key strength? They own their own agencies in over 30 countries, guaranteeing complete trip creation from start to finish, without intermediaries. This direct, on-the-ground expertise ensures memorable active experiences and total freedom amidst breathtaking landscapes.
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