Before you go
Your trip to Iraquara.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
Iraquara – 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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Terminal Rodoviário de Iraquara
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Rodoviária de Seabra Seabra
Approximate road distances. Check flights and bus schedules before you travel.
Iraquara is about 70 km from Lençóis, a little over an hour by car, and about 450 km from Salvador. The caves are outside town: Lapa Doce about 11 km away, Torrinha 15 km and Pratinha 19 km. Nearest airport: Lençóis; the main one is Salvador.
How many days
One day is enough for two or three caves. Most people visit Iraquara on a day trip from Lençóis or Palmeiras.
When to go
Year-round: the caves don't depend on the weather. At Gruta Azul, the light reflecting on the water only appears at certain times and in sunny weather. From November to March it rains more on the region's roads.
Do you need a car?
Yes, or an agency tour from Lençóis. The caves are spread out, more than ten kilometers from town, and there is no public transportation to them.
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 Iraquara
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Morning
Gruta da Lapa Doce
Tour with the cave's own guides, through large chambers with stalactites and stalagmites. It takes about an hour and a half.
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Afternoon
Gruta da Pratinha
Float with a mask and snorkel in the clear spring water. You can have lunch there.
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Afternoon
Gruta Azul
On the same farm. Viewing only, no swimming. On sunny days, the light casts a reflection on the water.
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 the caves?
At Lapa Doce and Torrinha, visits are always with the site's own guide. At Pratinha, you don't need to hire a guide in advance.
Which cave should I choose if I'm short on time?
Lapa Doce, for the size of its chambers, and Pratinha, if you want a swim. Torrinha, with rarer formations, has three tour routes and can replace one of them.
Can you swim in Gruta Azul?
No. Gruta Azul is for viewing only. Swimming and floating are at Gruta da Pratinha, on the same farm.