waterfall · Mucugê, BA
Cachoeira das Andorinhas
A waterfall on the Cumbuca River, reached by a trail of about 3 km through rocky grasslands and old mining areas. It has a wide pool for swimming and is part of the circuit that continues past Sete Quedas to Cachoeira do Funil.
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 Cachoeira das Andorinhas
Cachoeira das Andorinhas is a waterfall on the Cumbuca River, near the town of Mucugê, on the southern side of Chapada Diamantina. It is inside Parque Nacional da Chapada Diamantina and is one of the most popular trails for people staying in town. Don't confuse it with the waterfalls of the same name in other states.
The path crosses a landscape shaped by diamond mining, which gave rise to Mucugê in the 19th century. Along the trail you see old diversions of the riverbed, stone ruins and shelters where miners took cover under large boulders.
The hike climbs through rocky grasslands, with sandy and stony ground, orchids, bromeliads and canela-de-ema plants. At the top there are viewpoints over the Mucugê River valley and the Cumbuca valley. Then comes a steep descent to the waterfall, which drops into a wide pool, good for swimming. The water is dark, the color of tea, because of the leaves from the vegetation. You can stand under the falls and even walk behind them.
From Andorinhas, many hikers continue up the river past Sete Quedas, a series of small cascades, to Cachoeira do Funil. It is a moderate circuit, with stretches over rocks and in the riverbed. It is not suitable for people with limited mobility.
Before you go
Practical information
How much time to set aside
Andorinhas alone takes half a day; the circuit with Sete Quedas and Funil takes practically the whole day.
Best time
Leave early in the morning, to walk before the strong sun and have time at the pool. The falls are fuller after the rainy season, in late summer and fall; on days of heavy rain, stay away from the river because of the risk of flash floods.
How to get there
The trail starts near Mucugê (BA). Leave town on the bypass toward Ibicoara and follow a short dirt road to the parking area, then continue on foot. The path is not marked, so most people go with a local guide.
Tip
Hire a guide at the Mucugê Visitor Guides Association, on the town's main square; ICMBio (the federal parks agency) recommends a guide because the park's trails are not marked. Bring water, snacks, sunscreen and shoes that can handle wet rock.
A look at the place
Cachoeira das Andorinhas 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 Cachoeira das Andorinhas
Where is Cachoeira das Andorinhas in Chapada Diamantina?
It is on the Cumbuca River, near the town of Mucugê (BA), inside Parque Nacional da Chapada Diamantina. The trail starts on a dirt road off the town bypass toward Ibicoara.
Do I need a guide to go to Cachoeira das Andorinhas?
It is highly recommended. The trail has no signage, and ICMBio (the federal parks agency) recommends hiring a local guide. In Mucugê, the guides are organized in an association on the main square.
Is the Cachoeira das Andorinhas trail difficult?
It is moderate: it climbs the mountain through rocky and sandy fields and ends with a steep descent to the pool. If you continue to Sete Quedas and Funil, you also walk over rocks in the riverbed.
Can you swim at Cachoeira das Andorinhas?
Yes. The falls form a wide pool for swimming, and you can stand under the water and walk behind it. Stay away from the river on days of heavy rain, because of the risk of flash floods.
Can I do Andorinhas, Sete Quedas and Funil on the same day?
Yes, it is a classic Mucugê circuit: from Andorinhas you go up the Cumbuca River past Sete Quedas to Cachoeira do Funil. Set aside the whole day and go with a local guide.