Before you go
Your trip to Lençóis.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
Lençóis – BA Destination Chapada Diamantina about 417 km from Salvador
How to get there
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Aeroporto de Lençóis (LEC) 20 km
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Aeroporto Internacional de Salvador (SSA) Salvador · 411 km
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Terminal Rodoviário de Lençóis
Approximate road distances. Check flights and bus schedules before you travel.
Lençóis is about 420 km from Salvador, around six hours by car via the BR-324 and BR-242. There are direct buses from the Salvador bus station every day. Lençóis Airport is about 20 km from downtown, with few regional flights; the most used is Salvador.
How many days
Two days cover the town and the trails that leave from it on foot. Since Lençóis is the base for the northern Chapada, most people stay four to five days and head out from here to Pai Inácio, Fumaça and the Iraquara caves.
When to go
From April to October, in the dry season, the trails are firm. From November to March it rains more: the waterfalls fill up, but rivers can rise suddenly and close tours. The miners' Festa do Senhor dos Passos runs from late January to early February, with the main day on February 2.
Do you need a car?
For the historic center and the Ribeirão do Meio and Serrano trails, no: everything starts on foot from town. For Poço do Diabo, Pai Inácio and the Iraquara caves, yes, or an agency tour, which includes transportation and a guide.
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 Lençóis
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Morning
Ribeirão do Meio
An easy trail of about 45 minutes from downtown. Arrive early to enjoy the natural rock slide with fewer people.
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Afternoon
Serrano and Salão de Areias Coloridas
After lunch, fifteen minutes on foot from downtown. Pools of dark water in the rock and, just ahead, the colored sands.
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Late afternoon
Historic Center
The houses from the diamond era, protected by Iphan (the national heritage institute). Stroll the stone streets at an easy pace until nightfall.
2 days in Lençóis
Day 1
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Morning
Ribeirão do Meio
Same start: an easy trail of about 45 minutes, with the rock slide at the end.
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Afternoon
Serrano and Salão de Areias Coloridas
Fifteen minutes on foot from downtown. Stay for a swim in the rock pools.
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Late afternoon
Historic Center
The protected houses, the squares and the restaurants. This is where you book guides and tours for the next day.
Day 2
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Morning
Gruta do Lapão
Go with a local guide: there is no marked trail. Crossing the cave takes about an hour and a half, and the outing fills the morning.
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Afternoon
Poço do Diabo
Near the BR-242, on the way to Pai Inácio. Swim in the deep pool of the Mucugezinho River.
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Late afternoon
Morro do Pai Inácio
In Palmeiras, 26 km from Lençóis. The climb is short, and the late-afternoon view is the best known in the Chapada.
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
Is there a direct bus from Salvador?
Yes, every day, from the Salvador bus station. The trip takes more than six hours. From Lençóis there are buses to Palmeiras; for the rest of the Chapada, public transportation is scarce.
Do I need a guide?
On the trails that leave from town, such as Ribeirão do Meio and Serrano, no. At Gruta do Lapão, which has no marked trail, go with a local guide. Guides and agencies are downtown.
Can I see the Chapada staying only in Lençóis?
The north, yes: Pai Inácio, Poço do Diabo and the Iraquara caves are day trips from here. Mucugê and Ibicoara are more than 140 km away; for those, it is worth changing bases.
Does it rain a lot in summer?
It rains more from November to March. On days of heavy rain the rivers rise fast: don't cross a swollen river, and accept it when the guide cancels the hike.