waterfall · Ibicoara, BA
Cachoeira da Fumacinha
A waterfall of about 100 meters at the bottom of Cânion do Julião, with walls of roughly 280 meters, inside Parque Nacional da Chapada Diamantina. The trail leaves from the village of Baixão, has climbing sections and is not recommended in the rainy season.
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 Cachoeira da Fumacinha
Cachoeira da Fumacinha (waterfall) is in Ibicoara, in the southern Chapada Diamantina (BA), inside Parque Nacional da Chapada Diamantina. The water plunges to the bottom of a narrow crack in Cânion do Julião, surrounded by towering walls. It is considered one of the hardest and most beautiful trails in the region.
The most popular route is the so-called Fumacinha por baixo (from below): about 9 km one way, almost all of it along the riverbed, between the canyon walls. There are slippery rocks to jump and climb, river crossings and stretches of loose rock. Along the way you pass pools and other waterfalls, such as Cachoeira do Encontro.
At the end, the trail enters the crack and the waterfall appears at the back, falling into a deep pool. Because it is wedged between cliffs, the falls almost never get sun, and the water is cold.
The outing is for people in good physical shape who aren't afraid of rocks and water. It is not accessible for people with reduced mobility. The park does not carry out rescues and the trail has no signage, so the visit is done with a local guide.
Before you go
Practical information
How much time to set aside
Set aside the whole day: the bottom trail takes 3 to 4 hours each way on average.
Best time
From April to June, right after the rainy season, when the waterfall still has plenty of water and the weather is drier. In the rainy season the river rises and the trail becomes dangerous or impassable. Leave early so you hike in daylight.
How to get there
The trailhead is in the village of Baixão, about 30 km from the town of Ibicoara, on a dirt road. Local guides from Ibicoara usually arrange transportation there.
Tip
Wear shoes with good grip and bring water and snacks for the day: the river rocks are slippery and you have to cross the river several times. For a swim, Cachoeira do Encontro, along the way, is the best spot.
A look at the place
Cachoeira da Fumacinha 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 Cachoeira da Fumacinha
Is there an entrance fee for Cachoeira da Fumacinha?
There is no park entrance fee. The cost of the outing is the guide's or agency's fee, arranged directly with them.
Do I need a guide to go to Fumacinha?
Yes, in practice. Guides and agencies in Ibicoara treat a local guide as mandatory, and the national park warns that it does not carry out rescues and that its trails are not marked.
How long does the Fumacinha hike take?
The bottom trail is about 9 km one way and takes 3 to 4 hours each way. Set aside the whole day.
Is the Fumacinha trail difficult?
It is one of the hardest in Chapada Diamantina: it follows the riverbed, with slippery rocks, crossings and climbing sections. It requires good fitness.
Can you swim at Cachoeira da Fumacinha?
Yes, the pool is deep and the water is cold, because the falls get almost no sun. Cachoeira do Encontro, along the way, is the nicest spot for a swim.