Before you go
Your trip to Palmeiras.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
Palmeiras – BA Destination Chapada Diamantina about 441 km from Salvador
How to get there
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Aeroporto de Lençóis (LEC) Lençóis
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Aeroporto Internacional de Salvador (SSA) Salvador
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Terminal Rodoviário de Palmeiras
Approximate road distances. Check flights and bus schedules before you travel.
Palmeiras is 52 km from Lençóis, on a paved road, and about 440 km from Salvador. There are buses from Salvador and Lençóis to town. Vale do Capão is about 20 km away, on a road paved in 2025; you can cover this stretch by van, shared car or taxi. Nearest airport: Lençóis; the main one is Salvador.
How many days
Three days, based in Vale do Capão: one for Cachoeira da Fumaça, one for Águas Claras and Morrão, and one for Riachinho and Pai Inácio. If you are coming from Lençóis just for Pai Inácio, an afternoon is enough.
When to go
From April to October the trails are dry and firm, but at the end of the dry season Cachoeira da Fumaça may have little water. From November to March it rains more and the waterfalls fill up. In June and July the nights in Capão are cold.
Do you need a car?
Within Vale do Capão, no: the trails start in or near the village. To get from town to Capão and to Pai Inácio, yes, or take a van or taxi. Pai Inácio is right off the BR-242.
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 Palmeiras
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Morning
Cachoeira do Riachinho
On the road from town to Capão, with easy access on foot. Swim in the pool before the heat sets in.
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Morning
Vale do Capão
Continue to the village and have lunch there.
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Afternoon
Águas Claras and Morrão Trail
An almost flat walk of about two hours to the pools at the foot of Morrão. Go with a local guide, because of the forks in the trail.
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Late afternoon
Morro do Pai Inácio
On the way back, along the BR-242. The climb is short, and the view takes in the flat-topped hills.
2 days in Palmeiras
Day 1
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Morning
Cachoeira da Fumaça
Leave the Capão village early. It is about 6 km of trail to the top of the falls, and the round trip takes up much of the day.
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Late afternoon
Vale do Capão
Back in the village, rest. At night, the restaurants are close to one another.
Day 2
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Morning
Águas Claras and Morrão Trail
The three pools at the foot of Morrão, on an almost flat walk. Climbing the hill takes more fitness.
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Afternoon
Cachoeira do Riachinho
On the way back to town. A pool for swimming, with easy access.
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Late afternoon
Morro do Pai Inácio
End the trip at the top of the hill, with the best-known view 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
Do I need a guide for Cachoeira da Fumaça?
For the top route, from Capão, it is not mandatory: the trail is well known and heavily used. Even so, many people go with a local guide, especially the first time.
Does Fumaça have water year-round?
Not always. At the end of the dry season the falls can get weak. After the rains, which run from November to March, it is stronger.
Can I stay in Capão without a car?
Yes. Take a bus to the town of Palmeiras and a van or shared car to the village, where the trails start on foot. Bring cash: banking services in the village are limited.
Do I need a guide for Pai Inácio?
No. The climb is short and takes less than twenty minutes. Visits are daytime only: climbing at night is prohibited.