waterfall · Ibicoara, BA
Cachoeira do Buracão
The water falls into a circular canyon with red walls, and the best view comes from swimming to the base of the falls. The trail is short, but includes a stretch in the water.
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 do Buracão
Cachoeira do Buracão is a waterfall of about 85 meters that plunges into a narrow canyon on the Espalhado River. It is in Ibicoara, in the southern Chapada Diamantina, inside Parque Natural Municipal do Espalhado. It is one of the best-known waterfalls in the Chapada.
The outing starts with an easy trail along the riverbed and banks. Along the way you pass other waterfalls, such as Cachoeira das Orquídeas, good for a dip, and Cachoeira do Recanto Verde, seen from a viewpoint. Near the end, a staircase leads to the entrance of the canyon.
The highlight comes next: the last stretch is done in the water, floating with a life jacket between the canyon walls until you reach the falls. The view of the waterfall dropping into the bottom of the canyon only appears on this stretch.
Visits must be made with a licensed guide, and there is an entrance fee for the park. The trail has little elevation change and suits people with basic fitness. Since the life jacket is mandatory, you don't need to be a strong swimmer, but you need to feel comfortable in the water. It is not an accessible outing for people with reduced mobility.
Before you go
Practical information
How much time to set aside
The guided outing usually takes up much of the day, counting the trail, the swim through the canyon and the stops at the waterfalls along the way.
Best time
In the rainy season, from November to April, the waterfalls of the Chapada are fuller; from May to October the trail is usually easier, with less water. On days of heavy rain the river can rise, so always follow the guide's instructions.
How to get there
The waterfall is in the countryside of Ibicoara, in the southern Chapada Diamantina (BA). You drive from town on a road that mixes pavement and dirt to the entrance of Parque Natural Municipal do Espalhado, where the trail begins. Hire your guide in Ibicoara or at the entrance, before the trail.
Tip
A life jacket is mandatory on the stretch inside the canyon and is provided on site; bring a swimsuit and protect your phone and camera from the water (sources: Um Viajante and Melhores Destinos).
A look at the place
Cachoeira do Buracão 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 do Buracão
Do I need a guide to go to Cachoeira do Buracão?
Yes. Visits are only allowed with a licensed guide, hired in Ibicoara or at the park entrance, before the trail.
Is there an entrance fee for Cachoeira do Buracão?
Yes, there is a fee to enter Parque Natural Municipal do Espalhado, in addition to the guide's fee. Check current conditions before you go.
Do I need to know how to swim to reach Cachoeira do Buracão?
You don't need to be a strong swimmer. The last stretch is done in the water, but with a mandatory life jacket, provided on site.
How tall is Cachoeira do Buracão?
The waterfall is about 85 meters high and drops into a narrow canyon on the Espalhado River.
Is the Cachoeira do Buracão trail difficult?
It is considered easy to moderate, with little elevation change. The outing includes stops at other waterfalls and a swim through the canyon.