Before you go
Your trip to Ibicoara.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
Ibicoara – BA Destination Chapada Diamantina about 455 km from Salvador
How to get there
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Aeroporto de Lençóis (LEC) Lençóis
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Aeroporto Internacional de Salvador (SSA) Salvador
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Rodoviária de Ibicoara
Approximate road distances. Check flights and bus schedules before you travel.
Ibicoara is 225 km from Lençóis, about three hours on a paved road, and 77 km from Mucugê. Salvador is about 450 km away. Cachoeira do Buracão is about 30 km from town, on a dirt road. The most used airports are Lençóis and Salvador.
How many days
Two days: one for Buracão and Licuri, another for Fumacinha, which takes a full day and good fitness. Without Fumacinha, one day is enough.
When to go
From April to October, in the dry season, the trails and the swim through the Buracão canyon are safer. From November to March it rains more, and Fumacinha is not recommended in the rainy season. In winter the nights are cold.
Do you need a car?
Yes, or a tour with transportation. Buracão and the Fumacinha trail are about 30 km from town, on a dirt road, and Licuri is about 12 km away. In town, you can get around on foot.
Suggested itinerary
An order that works
Built with the places on this page. No rush: it's paced so you have time to see them.
One day in Ibicoara
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Morning
Cachoeira do Buracão
Leave early with a guide, which is mandatory. The last part of the trail is a swim inside the canyon, wearing a life vest, and the outing lasts until early afternoon.
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Afternoon
Cachoeira do Licuri
If you have time and energy left: the trail is easy, about 12 km from town, and the waterfall has a natural pool at its base.
2 days in Ibicoara
Day 1
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Morning
Cachoeira do Buracão
With a guide and an advance booking. The final stretch is a swim inside the canyon.
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Afternoon
Cachoeira do Licuri
An easy trail and a swim in the natural pool.
Day 2
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Morning
Cachoeira da Fumacinha
Only for fit hikers: a long trail, with a river crossing and climbing sections, starting from the village of Baixão. It takes the whole day and can't be done in the rain.
Check before you go. Opening hours and days change, and places may close for renovations, holidays or events. This itinerary is a suggestion from Cidade Turismo, not a commitment: plan yours by checking directly with each place you intend to visit.
Before you go
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a guide for Buracão?
Yes. Visits are only allowed with a guide, hired in Ibicoara. There is a daily visitor limit, so book ahead, especially on holidays.
Do I need to know how to swim to see Buracão?
The last stretch, to the base of the falls, is done in the water, wearing a life jacket. If you don't feel confident, talk to the guide before setting out.
Is Fumacinha suitable for everyone?
No. The trail is long, crosses a river and has climbing sections at the bottom of the canyon. Go with a guide, in good shape and never on a rainy day.
Where should I stay to visit Buracão?
In the town of Ibicoara, which is closest. Mucugê, 77 km away, is the other base for the southern Chapada.