trail · Andaraí, BA
Vale do Pati
Considered one of the most beautiful treks in Brazil, it crosses the valley in three to five days, with nights in local residents' homes. The scenery alternates between cliffs, rivers and viewpoints.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
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About Vale do Pati
Vale do Pati is in the heart of Parque Nacional da Chapada Diamantina, in the municipality of Andaraí, and many travelers consider it the most beautiful trek in Brazil. The trek usually lasts three to five days, with nights in the homes of valley residents.
The valley was once much more populated. Families lived from farming and raising animals, and coffee was the main crop; many of today's trails began as paths to carry the harvest out. When farming declined, most people left. The families who stayed began hosting hikers, with simple rooms, home cooking and solar power.
Along the way there are cliffs, plateaus, rivers and waterfalls, with swims in pools on the route. Among the best-known spots are Mirante do Pati (viewpoint), Cachoeirão, seen from above from a viewpoint, Morro do Castelo, with its cave, and Igrejinha, an old chapel that became lodging.
The trail is moderate to difficult. It means consecutive days of hiking, with long climbs, uneven ground and slippery stretches when it rains. There is no cell phone signal in most of the valley. It is not suitable for people with limited mobility or who are not used to hiking.
Before you go
Practical information
How much time to set aside
Three to five days on most itineraries; there are longer options with independent guides.
Best time
In the dry season, in fall and winter, the trails have less mud and the weather is more stable; between November and March the waterfalls are fuller, but the path gets slippery and the rain can change the weather within the same day.
How to get there
The trek can start from Guiné, in the municipality of Mucugê, from Vale do Capão, in Palmeiras, or from Andaraí. Itineraries are usually booked with local guides and agencies, such as those in Lençóis, which arrange transportation to the trailhead; the rest is on foot.
Tip
Hire a registered local guide, pack a light backpack, a flashlight, a rain jacket, sunscreen and cash, and arrange in advance the homes where you will sleep.
A look at the place
Vale do Pati in pictures
These pictures are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs. They may differ from the place.
Click the picture to enlarge it.
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Vale do Pati
Do I need a guide for Vale do Pati?
Yes, it is strongly recommended. Signage is poor, the area is large and there is no cell phone signal; ICMBio (the federal parks agency) advises going with a registered local guide.
How many days does the Vale do Pati trek take?
Most itineraries take three to five days. There are longer versions, arranged with independent guides.
Where do you sleep in Vale do Pati?
In the homes of valley residents, which work as simple lodging, with shared rooms and meals.
When is the best time to go to Vale do Pati?
You can go year-round. In the dry season the trail has less mud; from November to March the waterfalls fill up, but the path gets slippery.
Can you swim in the rivers in Vale do Pati?
Yes. The route has rivers, pools and waterfalls with stops for a swim.