cave · Itaetê, BA
Gruta da Lapa do Bode
A cave of dry galleries and chambers with stalactites and stalagmites, about 18 km from town, near the BA-245. It is home to an endemic blind beetle, and access is blocked when the Una River floods, between December and January.
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 Gruta da Lapa do Bode
Gruta da Lapa do Bode is a little-known cave in the countryside of Itaetê, near Poço Encantado, on the eastern edge of Chapada Diamantina. It sits on the bank of the Una River, a tributary of the Paraguaçu.
The name (Goat Cave) comes from the goat skeletons found inside the cave by the guide who discovered it. The entrance looks like the door of a house carved into the rock.
The cave formed in limestone and has a maze-like layout. Inside there are galleries and chambers with stalactites, stalagmites and columns. Roots of a gameleira (fig tree) pierce the ceiling and hang down inside. Researchers from USP (University of São Paulo) recorded a blind beetle there that exists only in Chapada Diamantina.
The trail to the entrance is short and easy, but the cave floor is mud and can be slippery. The cave is on private property, there is an entrance fee and the visit is done with a local guide and a flashlight. When the Una River rises, water fills the cave and visits are impossible.
Before you go
Practical information
How much time to set aside
About one to two hours, counting the trail and exploring the galleries.
Best time
From February to November, in the drier season. When the Una River floods, usually from December to late January, water fills the cave and visits are impossible. Go in the morning so you can combine it with Poço Encantado on the same day.
How to get there
It is about 18 km from the town of Itaetê, beside the BA-245. From the access point, a trail of about 600 meters along the bank of the Una River leads to the cave entrance. Arrange the visit with a local guide.
Tip
Bring a headlamp and wear closed shoes that can get muddy.
A look at the place
Gruta da Lapa do Bode 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 Gruta da Lapa do Bode
Where is Gruta da Lapa do Bode?
In Itaetê (BA), about 18 km from town, beside the BA-245, near Poço Encantado.
Why is the cave called Lapa do Bode?
Because of the goat (bode) skeletons found inside it by the guide who discovered it.
Is the trail to Lapa do Bode difficult?
No. The trail is short, about 600 meters, along the bank of the Una River. Inside the cave the floor is mud.
Do I need a guide to visit Lapa do Bode?
Yes. The visit is done with a local guide and a flashlight.
Can I visit Lapa do Bode year-round?
No. When the Una River floods, water fills the cave and visits are impossible. Go in the dry season.