Welcome to Chapada Diamantina, heart of Bahia, Brazil!

In the hinterland of Salvador, just outside of the town of Lencois, lies the Chapada Diamantina, or the Diamond Highlands. Valleys of lush green dotted with bright tropical flowers surround a mountain range of twisted red-rock formations reminiscent of the American Southwest. Numerous small rivers carve their way through the highlands, splashing over waterfalls and natural slides. There are also numerous caves, some many kilometers long. To explore the region there are a number of locally run Chapada Diamantina hotels in Lencois which is the nearest town to the national park.

Chapada Diamantina is an area of stunning beauty, of ancient, majestic, august and awe-inspiring mountains, mesas and precipices... a landscape provoking existential wonder.

The main attractions and things to see and do in Chapada Diamantina are entirely natural. People walk the highlands, explore caves, mountain bike old miners' tracks, and swim in natural pools and waterfalls. If you want to do these it is good to have sturdy walking boots, a good quality backpack, flashlight, raincoat, cap or hat and a first aid kit. Walking with long pants and a long-sleeve shirt prevents attacks from mosquitoes and scratches.

Lencois is a small community of some 13,200 inhabitants nestled in the foothills of the Chapada Diamantina and located 410 kilometres to the west of Salvador. It is a small and cosy town which was once Brazil's diamond centre. Together with the surrounding area it has come to draw visitors (Brazilian and international) with its beautiful architecture, numerous and varied restaurants and Chapada Diamantina hotels and pousadas. Just as all mining centres, it grew and developed in a confused and disorganised manner. In its heyday, Lencois was of great importance to the European jewel trade, a busy town where French was spoken.

Of all the cities around Chapada Diamantina, Lencois has the best infrastructure to receive tourists. There are several pousadas and hotels in Chapada Diamantina with different price and quality levels. You can even use our Chapada Diamantina map to choose your hotel in Chapada Diamantina based on its location. The Lencois restaurants are simple but offer varied cuisine, and all dishes are prepared with great care. The colonial architecture of the town has come under the protection of Brazil's federal government and the town retains its real-life character.

Lencois was granted Historic Heritage status and is considered the capital of diamonds - one of the biggest references among Bahia's cities connected with mining. The town has been designated a National Monument for it's important examples of residential architecture from the 19th century. Whilst there are many pousadas and Chapada Diamantina hotels throughout the city, it is a good idea in the high season (between March and October) to book a hotel in Lencois in advance.

Faced with large numbers of tourists the city created a tourism information centre where you can get information about the local Chapada Diamantina hotels and tours in Chapada Diamantina. There are also a lot of guides in the city hoping to give you a Chapada Diamantina tour. If you wish to explore the area on your own, you can find maps of the region in a stationery shop next to the Post Office.

A main attraction in Lencois is the Sá family residence, today the City Hall, a landmark of the traditional families' riches. Besides that, Afrânio Peixoto, a local Lencois doctor and writer, was born in the same house that today holds the Afrânio Peixoto Museum, which displays many of the writer's objects, including originals of his novel's and the ornamented uniform used by the Brazilian Academy of Letters members, to which he belonged.

The Festa de Sao Joao attracts many tourists. The festival of St. John is celebrated on June 23 and 24. It takes place outdoors where people dress up in traditional dress (caipiras). Mock weddings, music and dancing happen at these great parties. Check out our local Chapada Diamantina events guide for details of upcoming events, festivals and celebrations.