natural pool · Lençóis, BA
Serrano e Salão de Areias Coloridas
The Serrano caldeirões are natural pools carved into the rock, about 15 minutes on foot from downtown, at the spot where the first local diamond was found. 500 meters away is Salão de Areias Coloridas, with sands in shades of pink, red, yellow and purple.
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 Serrano e Salão de Areias Coloridas
Serrano is a stretch of river right next to the town of Lençóis, where the water flows over a large rock slab and forms caldeirões, small natural pools carved into the rock. It is part of Parque Natural Municipal da Muritiba and is the easiest outing for anyone arriving in Chapada Diamantina.
According to local history, this is where the town's first diamond was found. The rock is a conglomerate polished by the water, and in the pools the current creates a kind of natural hot tub massage. The water is reddish, the color of tea, because of organic matter from the forest.
Following the trail upriver you reach Salão de Areias Coloridas (Hall of Colored Sands), a rock formation worn away by water and time that has turned into sand in many shades. These sands are used in local handicrafts. The circuit continues to Poço Halley and a small waterfall, Cachoeirinha.
The path to the rock pools is short and easy, good for families. The full circuit is longer, with stretches over rock, and calls for sturdy shoes.
Before you go
Practical information
How much time to set aside
An hour is enough for the Serrano rock pools; the full circuit, with Salão de Areias Coloridas and the pools, takes two to four hours.
Best time
Any time of year. Late afternoon is good for a swim after a day of sightseeing, and mornings are quieter.
How to get there
It is at the edge of the town of Lençóis: the Serrano rock pools are a few minutes' walk from the historic center. The Parque da Muritiba circuit continues on a trail from there.
Tip
It is a great outing for your arrival day, before the long hikes. Wet rock is slippery: wear sandals or shoes with good grip.
A look at the place
Serrano e Salão de Areias Coloridas 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 Serrano e Salão de Areias Coloridas
Is Serrano far from downtown Lençóis?
No. The rock pools are a few minutes' walk from the historic center.
Can you swim at Serrano?
Yes. The caldeirões are natural pools in the rock, and the current creates a natural hot tub massage. Watch out for the wet rock, which is slippery.
Why is the water at Serrano reddish?
The color comes from organic matter from the forest, which tints the water a shade of tea. It isn't dirt.
What is Salão de Areias Coloridas?
It is a rock formation worn away by time that has turned into sand of many colors, used in local handicrafts. It is on the Serrano trail, upriver.
How long does the outing take?
An hour for the rock pools. The full Parque da Muritiba circuit takes two to four hours.