trail · Palmeiras, BA
Trilha de Águas Claras e Morrão
A walk of about two hours, almost all of it flat, leads to three clear-water pools at the foot of Morrão, in Vale do Capão. The climb to the top of the hill takes more fitness, and hiring a local guide is recommended because of the forks in the trail.
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 Trilha de Águas Claras e Morrão
The Águas Claras trail is one of the most popular hikes in Vale do Capão, in Palmeiras, in Chapada Diamantina. It leads to a series of three clear-water pools at the foot of Morrão, a mesa that is one of the Chapada's postcard images and appears in almost every view of the valley.
The path is almost entirely flat and skirts Morrão, with views of the region's cliffs and hills. At the end, the reward is a small waterfall and the pools, good for swimming, surrounded by rocks and vegetation.
If you are fitter, you can add the climb to the top of Morrão. This stretch is steep, with low vegetation and little shade, and makes the outing much harder. From the top you can see much of Vale do Capão.
As far as the pools, the trail is easy to moderate and suits people used to walking. There are many forks along the way, so hiring a local guide is recommended.
Before you go
Practical information
How much time to set aside
Set aside half a day for the round trip to the pools, and the whole day if you include the climb up Morrão.
Best time
In the months with less rain, such as April, September and October, when the trail is firm; leave early, because the path has little shade and the sun heats up during the day.
How to get there
The trailhead is by the road that links the town of Palmeiras to Vale do Capão (the village of Caeté-Açu). Get there by car or with transportation arranged with your guide; from there on, the route is on foot.
Tip
Hire a local guide in Vale do Capão because of the forks in the trail, bring water, snacks, sunscreen and a hat, and wear closed shoes.
A look at the place
Trilha de Águas Claras e Morrão 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 Trilha de Águas Claras e Morrão
Is there an entrance fee for the Águas Claras trail?
There is no entrance fee. The cost is the local guide's fee, if you hire one, which is recommended.
Do I need a guide to go to Águas Claras and Morrão?
It is recommended. The trail has many forks, and a local guide keeps you from getting lost, especially on the climb up Morrão.
How long does the Águas Claras hike take?
About two hours of walking to the pools, on almost entirely flat ground. Adding the climb up Morrão makes the outing much longer.
Can you swim at Águas Claras?
Yes. There are three clear-water pools, one after another, good for swimming.
Is the climb up Morrão difficult?
Yes, it is the hardest stretch: a steep climb, with low vegetation and little shade. It requires good fitness.