Chapada Diamantina National Park
Located in the heart of the state of Bahia, Chapada Diamantina National Park It extends majestically over 152,575 hectares in the imposing Serra do Sincorá, part of the magnificent Espinhaço Range. Covering five charming municipalities – Lençóis, Palmeiras, Andaraí, Mucugê and Ibicoara – its headquarters are in the welcoming city of Palmeiras.
However, Chapada Diamantina transcends the limits of the National Park. This stunning region holds a multitude of attractions to be explored in its various municipalities. It is possible to embark on day tours, which generally take place on private properties, where a visitation fee may be charged. For hiking lovers, trekkings are held within the park itself national, providing long journeys through wonderful scenery.
Regardless of the choice, Chapada Diamantina holds unforgettable experiences. Delight in breathtaking views, bathe in refreshing natural pools and connect deeply with lush nature. Although there is no specific time to visit, it is recommended to reserve a period in which you have enough time to make the most of all the charms of this extraordinary destination.
Prepare to be enchanted by the grandeur of Chapada Diamantina National Park and its surroundings. This region of indescribable beauty will provide moments of peace, admiration and gratitude for its surprising landscapes.
Traveler's Responsibility
It is extremely important that the traveler assumes the moral responsibility of evaluating the behavior of his guide, taking into account all the necessary precautions for a conscientious visit. This involves respect for the environment, the well-being of other travelers and hygiene in a natural environment.
If the traveler notices any inappropriate behavior on the part of the guide, it is their duty to draw attention to this attitude and, if necessary, make a complaint to the competent authorities. It is essential to ensure the balance and preservation of the destination, ensuring that future generations can also enjoy this natural wonder.
By acting responsibly and taking measures to avoid negative practices, the traveler actively contributes to the conservation of the location and the promotion of sustainable tourism. We all have a role to play in preserving these precious natural environments, and it is through our conscious actions that we ensure the preservation of these treasures for future generations.
The Cities and Towns of Chapada Diamantina
Lençóis
The city of Lençóis, in the northern region of the Chapada Diamantina National Park, it is the one that receives the most tourists since it has the best infrastructure to serve them and is 420 km from Salvador. Its historic mansions were transformed into inns, restaurants, agencies and other services. Some tours and treks have Lençóis as a base, such as Marimbus, Fumaça por baixo, Mixila, Cachoeira dos Mosquitos, Serra das Paridas, Rio Mucugezinho + Poço do Diabo, Morro do Pai Inácio, Grutas da Fumaça, Pratinha, Torrinha e Lapa Doce.
Palmeiras e Vale do Capão
Also to the north of the Chapada Diamantina National Park, in the municipality of Palmeiras, we have the village of Capão Valley. Both Palmeiras and Vale do Capão have a structure of inns, restaurants, tourist agencies, markets, bakeries, etc. The road to Palmeiras is paved. From the city to the village of Vale do Capão the road is dirt, often very bumpy due to the rains, so the short distance can take a longer journey due to the slowness of travel. The Vale do Capão is one of the entrances to the famous trail Vale do Paty. It is also the closest village to the famous Cachoeira da Fumaça and the beautiful trail of Clear Waters. In this municipality there are attractions such as Morro do Pai Inácio, Morro do Camelo, Campos of Saint John and others.
In the central region of the Chapada Diamantina National Park there are the cities of Andaraí, at an altitude of 450 meters and Mucugê, at 1,000 meters of altitude. They are very close (40 km by road), but with the large difference in level, the climate between them is very different.
Andaraí
Andaraí is one of the gateways to paradise in Paty Valley, the most famous trek on the chapada, in addition to having the beautiful Waterfall of Ramalho. The city does not have much tourist structure, lacking sophisticated restaurants, for example.
Mucugê
Mucugê is the municipality with the largest area within the Chapada Diamantina National Park, with some attractions such as Bizantino Cemetery, the Always Live Project (which has Museu Vivo do Garimpo, Piabinha Waterfall and Cachoeira do Tiburtino), the waterfalls of Cardoso, Funis, Swallows, Three Bars and Crystals. The city has good inns and restaurants to welcome travelers.
Igatú
Between these two cities (Andaraí and Mucugê) there is the village of Igatú, famous for its ruins and for being bucolic, nestled in the mountains, with only approximately 500 inhabitants. Charming inns and good restaurants make it the ideal place for those who want little movement and a peaceful life. In this village it is possible to visit an old gold mine of diamonds, as well as ruins of dwellings from the times of settlement and diamond extraction. There is also Rampa do Caim, a beautiful viewpoint where it is possible to observe the meeting of the Pati and Paraguassú Rivers and all their unique beauty.
Guiné
On the east face of Serra do Sincorá there is the village of Guiné, belonging to the Municipality of Mucugê, which is another gateway to Paty Valley. The Serra do Esbarrancado shapes a perfect view with its beautiful cliffs for those who are going to start walk to Pati Valley. There are few inns and all very simple, as well as restaurants.
Ibicoara
At the southern end of the Chapada Diamantina National Park is the city of Ibicoara. Of all the above, it is the only one that does not have historic buildings, with an urban center that does not call attention. But from the city, the view is already a spectacle, with the Serra do Sincorá growing from the ground to the clouds, forming a beautiful wall. Besides the waterfalls of Buracão, Fumacinha, Licuri, Véu de Noiva and Rio Preto, one of the best attractions in the city is the countryside and the way people live there. The contact with the countryside is intense and the accommodation options are simple and cozy, all nestled in deep valleys in the south of Serra do Sincorá.
The Chapada Diamantina region is much broader than just the Serra do Sincorá, which exclusively houses the Chapada Diamantina National Park. To the west of the national park, there is an additional extension of the Cadeia do Espinhaço, which includes the highest peaks in northeastern Brazil. This mountain range extends to the São Francisco River valley. The cities of Rio de Contas, Abaíra, Piatã and Livramento de Nossa Senhora are located in this region.
On the map below, you can see the division of the state of Bahia into regions. It is important to note that the Chapada Diamantina region is located in the center of the map, with emphasis on the Chapada Diamantina National Park.
Fonte: http://www.bahia.ws/mapa-bahia/chapada-diamantina
Climate and Relief
The climate in Chapada Diamantina is predominantly semi-humid tropical, although in some areas a semi-arid climate prevails. The region is mountainous, with varying altitude. To access the Chapada Diamantina National Park, it is necessary to climb the mountains, as the cities are located in the lower areas. The average altitude within the park is 1,000 meters, with lower areas reaching 440 meters and higher areas reaching around 1,600 meters. Outside the Chapada Diamantina National Park (to the west), there is Pico do Barbado, the highest point in northeastern Brazil, with an altitude of 2,030 meters.
The following satellite image illustrates the northern half of the Chapada Diamantina National Park, covering the cities of Lençóis and Palmeiras (extreme north) and Mucugê (center). This region concentrates most of the popular trails, such as Fumaça, Mixila and Vale do Paty.
Fonte: http://www.oocities.org/br/isrcl/satelite.jpg
Vegetation and Geology
The Chapada Diamantina National Park is located in a transition region between different biomes, covering areas of cerrado, caatinga, rocky fields and high-altitude forests. This unique combination of ecosystems results in a stunning landscape, one of the most impressive in Brazil. When exploring the region, it is possible to witness the harmony of these biomes up close, forming a magnificent setting that can only be appreciated by those who visit the place.
The diversity of plant species is remarkable, with several endemic plants intermingling with others to create a stunning landscape. Bromeliads, orchids, evergreens and cinnamon are just a few examples of the abundant plants that are easily found during walks around Chapada Diamantina. It is a true celebration of flora, providing a unique and enriching experience for visitors.
Within the Chapada Diamantina National Park, sedimentary rocks predominate, such as conglomerates, mudstones, siltstones, sandstones and quartzites, which are characteristic of the mountain region. On the outskirts of the park, we find limestone, glacial rocks and primitive gneiss sediments. In addition, recent sediments and volcanic rocks are also found to a lesser extent.
The impressive mountainous landscapes of Chapada Diamantina National Park and its surroundings were shaped by the phenomenon known as uplift, in which pressures from the interior of the Earth's crust elevate part of the surface. Furthermore, time plays a fundamental role in the formation of these beautiful landscapes, as the action of erosion caused by rain and wind constantly shapes and transforms the environment. It is a spectacle of nature in constant evolution.
Apas and Municipal Parks
The Iraquara-Marimbus APA covers an area of 125.4 thousand hectares and encompasses 5 municipalities: Lençóis, Andaraí, Palmeiras, Iraquara and Seabra. Created in 1993, its objective is to preserve natural areas threatened by inadequate human occupation, providing visitors with the opportunity to appreciate the beauty of the region.
The northern region, in Iraquara and Seabra, is known for its limestone caves, while Palmeiras is famous for its iconic hills, such as Morro do Pai Inácio and Morro do Camelo, which receive a large flow of tourists daily. The area of Lençóis and Andaraí is called Marimbus, also known as mini-pantanal.
In Marimbus, the Santo Antônio, São José and Utinga rivers receive water from the northern mountains of the Chapada Diamantina National Park, including the Mucugezinho, Preto, Capivara, Roncador, Caldeirão and Garapa rivers. This enchanting landscape attracts many tourists for daily walks. However, the siltation caused by sand brought from the mountains due to mining had a major environmental impact, resulting in the formation of beaches and extensive sandbanks.
Muritiba Natural Municipal Park
In Lençóis, we find the Muritiba Municipal Natural Park, an excellent option for a trip to discover the history of the city and learn about the local geology. It is important to highlight that it is necessary to pay a visitation fee and, in certain areas, hiring a driver or environmental monitor is mandatory. These measures aim to ensure the preservation of the environment and offer a safe and enriching experience for visitors.
Parque Municipal de Mucugê
Located in Mucugê, the Municipal Park covers an area of 570 hectares and offers a series of unmissable attractions. Among them is the renowned Museu Vivo do Garimpo, which plays a fundamental role in preserving the cultural identity of this municipality. Mucugê was the first city in Chapada Diamantina to have its land explored in search of diamonds, in 1844, marking the beginning of an important diamond cycle in Bahia.
Inside Mucugê Municipal Park, you will also have the opportunity to discover the charming Semper Viva Project. In this project, it is possible to explore the stunning Tiburtino and Piabinhas waterfalls, providing moments of pure connection with nature. Enjoy the natural beauty of these places and allow yourself to experience the serenity that the waterfalls offer
Forest Fires
One of the biggest challenges faced by Chapada Diamantina National Park and nature as a whole is fire. Although forest fires can occur naturally in some circumstances, the majority of fires that have affected the park in recent years have been caused by human action. Many of these fires are intentional, constituting a crime that must be punished according to the law. The Chico Mendes Institute of Biodiversity (ICMBio) is the body responsible for monitoring, preventing and combating forest fires within the Chapada Diamantina National Park (PNCD). In areas adjacent to the park, it is the responsibility of the Institute for the Environment and Water Resources (INEMA), through complaints from the Public Ministry of Bahia, to monitor, investigate and punish offenders.
However, it is worth mentioning that the PNCD still faces pending land issues, which prevents the closure of the park to ensure stricter control over the entry and exit of visitors. This situation also makes it difficult to implement a law that requires the hiring of accredited guides to carry out trails inside the park.
If this measure could be applied, the guide would become legally responsible for the group he leads, assuming responsibility for any environmental damage or providing first aid, if necessary. Furthermore, it is important that preventive practices are adopted to avoid accidental fires. Cigarettes must be extinguished with caution and glass or aluminum residue must not be left along the way.
During cooking activities, it is essential that guides use stoves, as lighting fires inside the PNCD is considered a crime. By following these precautions, we contribute to the preservation of this valuable natural heritage.
Chapada Diamantina- History Summary
As mentioned by FUNCH (2002), the history of the occupation of the Chapada Diamantina region by colonizers and enslaved people is closely linked to the exploration of gold and diamonds. At the beginning of the 18th century, gold was discovered in the city of Jacobina, north of Chapada Diamantina. Initially, gold extraction in the Jacobina region was clandestine, but from 1720 onwards it was officially permitted by the Empire. Four years later, exploration was permitted in the southwestern region of Chapada Diamantina, where the city of Rio de Contas is currently located. Gold extraction in Bahia continued for another two centuries, until, in the 20th century, the reserves began to run out.
As for diamond exploration, it began around 1730, but was carried out illegally and clandestinely until 1832, when it was officially authorized. During this period, deposits were discovered and the region's diamond wealth was recognized. In 1844, a merchant traveling through local villages identified the characteristic gravel that he used to find on the old plateau while traveling through the Mucugê region.
After a few attempts, they found diamonds in the stream that cuts through the city, and then began to explore the region. It didn't take long for the news to spread and many prospectors began to arrive, populating and leveraging the cities in the region.
Consequences
From Mucugê to Morro do Chapéu, in the north direction, there was an intense process of settlement and the emergence of new villages, such as Igatú, Andaraí and Lençóis.
This region, which encompasses the gold and diamond cycles, became known as Chapada Diamantina. This race of people after the “easy wealth” that the exploitation of these materials provided, also resulted in political struggles. People from the Central Plateau, the São Francisco Valley, Minas Gerais and the Sertão Baiano came across people from the Recôncavo Baiano and even the Portuguese who represented the crown.
This generated many conflicts and, along with the decline of the mining, there was a power dispute in which Coronel Horacio de Mattos stands out, an influential and combative colonel from Chapada Velha, today Brotas de Macaúbas. Through some conflicts and some alliances he gained a lot of influence and when the Prestes Column passed through the region he was assigned by the Federal Government to pursue his troops. And so he made it to Bolivia.
All this power dispute had consequences, which added to the drop in mining activity, left the Chapada Diamantina region economically annihilated. With the victory of the Republic in the Revolution of 1930, Col. Horácio de Mattos responded to the pacification appeals and surrendered his weapons. Once disarmed, Horácio de Mattos and other colonels are arrested and sent to Salvador.
Under protests against his arrest, Horácio de Mattos was released on May 13, 1931, however, two days later, he was murdered at the behest of family members of one of his past victims. With the economy devastated and without political leadership, the Chapada Diamantina region went into decline, and its population began to migrate to coffee plantations and mines in other states in Brazil.
Prohibition of Diamond Mining
With the ban on mining, the inhabitants of Chapada Diamantina had to look for other alternatives to sustain themselves. Therefore, the tourist activity appeared, and with it came the conflicts of a philosophy of environmental preservation with the traditional mining activity, which was responsible for enormous environmental degradation.
Until then, the idea of preserving the environment did not exist, and the change that occurred next brought new people, and with them new ideas on how to carry out activities in natural environments while minimizing the environmental impact. From the 1990s onwards, tourists interested in the beauties of the mountains, waterfalls and other natural beauties began to arrive at Chapada Diamantina. Thus, the region of Chapada Diamantina was able to emerge from the economic decline it was in.
It is still possible to find prospectors in the park's mountains, but they carry out the prospecting manually, without the help of dredgers (engines) that previously helped in the excavations and this makes their work more tiring and less efficient. Therefore, those who still risk finding diamonds today have not adapted to tourism as a means of livelihood. But they are few and often elderly.
It is important to remember that they are responsible for the trails that Extreme EcoAdventure walks, since they are old trails used for the disposal of mining. The agency's team, including the owner of Pousada Luar do Sertão (Marcelo Cardoso), was responsible for exclusive expeditions on old paths used by prospectors that had been “abandoned” since the official closure of the mine (1996). Such expeditions had the objective of reopening these ancient trails that cross the mountains and pass by wonderful waterfalls. The result of this expedition was the Garimpo Trail,https://www.extremeecoadventure.com.br/trekking/chapada-diamantina-trilha-do-garimpo-3-4-ou-5-dias-exclusivo 4 or 5 day trekking.
Chapada Diamantina - Fauna
Hunting is, like fire, one of the worst enemies of animals in the region. Even today there is hunting taking place in the areas of the park and the lack of inspection threatens the fauna. Today reports of groups seeing large animals are not frequent. The most frequent animals are: snakes, lizards, grasshoppers, crickets, mocós (rodent), hedgehogs, marmosets, bats, armadillos and a wide variety of birds.
Bibliographic Reference:
FUNCH, ROY. Book A Guide to Chapada Diamantina. Graphic and Editora Nova Civilização Ltda, 2002
