Chapada Diamantina National Park

Chapada Diamantina Overview

Chapada Diamantina National Park, known as Parque Nacional da Chapada Diamantina in Portuguese, is located in the state of Bahia, Brazil. Covering approximately 586 square miles (1,520 square kilometers), the park is a striking expanse of rugged mountains, deep valleys, extensive cave systems, and cascading waterfalls.

The region is defined by its high plateaus, dramatic cliffs, and flat-topped mountains, remnants of ancient geological formations. Among the most famous features are the towering Morro do Pai Inácio, which provides breathtaking panoramic views, and the stunning Cachoeira da Fumaça, one of Brazil’s highest waterfalls, plunging 1,100 feet (340 meters) into a misty abyss.

Rivers carve through deep canyons, forming natural pools such as the inviting blue waters of Poço Azul and Poço Encantado, where sunlight illuminates submerged rock formations in an ethereal glow.

The park’s diverse ecosystems include dense Atlantic Forest patches, caatinga shrublands, and extensive cerrado grasslands, creating a unique blend of flora. Orchids, bromeliads, and carnivorous plants thrive in the rocky highlands, while the valleys and forests are home to towering trees and endemic plant species.

Chapada Diamantina hosts a rich variety of wildlife, including elusive mammals like jaguars, ocelots, and giant anteaters. Capuchin and howler monkeys move through the treetops, while armadillos and tapirs navigate the undergrowth. The avian diversity is remarkable, with the park serving as a sanctuary for the brilliant blue-and-yellow macaws, harpy eagles, and the endangered Lear’s macaw. Hummingbirds flit among vibrant flowers, and toucans add splashes of color to the treetops, making the park a paradise for birdwatchers.

One of the most popular attractions is the Vale do Pati, a remote valley offering some of the best multi-day trekking experiences in Brazil. Hikers can explore the valley’s dramatic rock formations, hidden waterfalls, and small local villages where traditional lifestyles persist.

The Gruta da Lapa Doce and Gruta Azul are vast limestone caves filled with striking stalactites and underground rivers, offering adventurers opportunities for spelunking. The dramatic Cachoeira do Buracão and the crystal-clear waters of the Pratinha River are also among the park’s most visited natural wonders. Many visitors embark on guided excursions to explore these remote locations, taking in the spectacular landscapes while learning about the park’s rich history, including its past as a diamond mining region.

Chapada Diamantina offers diverse ways to experience its natural beauty, from long-distance trekking routes and off-road expeditions to swimming in pristine waterfalls and exploring subterranean caves. Rock climbing and rappelling are popular among adventure seekers drawn to the park’s towering cliffs.

For those looking for a more relaxed experience, scenic viewpoints such as Morro do Pai Inácio offer unforgettable sunset vistas. Local guides, many of whom are former miners, provide invaluable insights into the park’s geology, flora, and fauna, enhancing visitors’ appreciation of its natural wonders.

Conservation efforts in Chapada Diamantina focus on protecting its delicate ecosystems from illegal deforestation, poaching, and encroaching development. While conservation programs have helped restore native vegetation and promote sustainable tourism, challenges remain, particularly in balancing human activities with ecosystem preservation.

The park’s management has emphasized ecotourism as a means of fostering environmental awareness and economic opportunities for local communities. The commitment to conservation, combined with the park’s breathtaking landscapes and rich biodiversity, makes Chapada Diamantina one of Brazil’s most extraordinary natural destinations.

Park Map

Chapada Diamantina National Park Highlights

Wildlife

Chapada Diamantina National Park, located in the state of Bahia, Brazil, is a breathtaking landscape of rugged plateaus, deep valleys, waterfalls, and extensive cave systems. This diverse environment supports a wide range of wildlife, from elusive big cats to fascinating reptiles, making it one of Brazil’s most unique natural reserves.

Jaguar (Panthera onca)
As the apex predator of the park, the jaguar plays a crucial role in maintaining ecological balance. It is an elusive and powerful hunter, preying on capybaras, deer, and other mammals. Chapada Diamantina’s dense forests and rocky cliffs provide ideal habitat for this majestic cat.

Maned Wolf (Chrysocyon brachyurus)
This long-legged, fox-like canid is one of the most distinctive mammals in the park. Unlike typical wolves, the maned wolf is a solitary and mostly frugivorous animal, feeding on fruits such as lobeira, as well as small mammals and birds.

Puma (Puma concolor)
Also known as the mountain lion, the puma is a stealthy and adaptable predator found in the park’s highlands and forests. It preys on a variety of animals, from deer to smaller mammals, and is rarely seen due to its secretive nature.

Giant Anteater (Myrmecophaga tridactyla)
With its elongated snout and bushy tail, the giant anteater is a fascinating resident of Chapada Diamantina. It uses its powerful claws to break open anthills and termite mounds, consuming thousands of insects with its long, sticky tongue.

Neotropical Otter (Lontra longicaudis)
Thriving in the park’s rivers and waterfalls, the Neotropical otter is a playful and agile swimmer. It primarily feeds on fish and crustaceans, using its streamlined body and webbed feet to navigate fast-moving waters.

Collared Peccary (Pecari tajacu)
This small, tough, pig-like mammal moves in small groups through the forests and rocky savannas of the park. It is an opportunistic feeder, consuming roots, fruits, and small animals while playing a key role in seed dispersal.

Ocelot (Leopardus pardalis)
A beautifully spotted wild cat, the ocelot is a skilled nocturnal hunter. It preys on small mammals, birds, and reptiles, using its agility and excellent night vision to navigate through the park’s dense vegetation.

Boa Constrictor (Boa constrictor)
This large, non-venomous snake is commonly found in the park’s forests and rocky outcrops. It ambushes prey, such as rodents and birds, using its powerful body to constrict and subdue its victims before swallowing them whole.

Jararaca Pit Viper (Bothrops jararaca)
A well-camouflaged venomous snake, the jararaca pit viper is an ambush predator that preys on small mammals, frogs, and birds. While its bite is dangerous, it plays an essential role in controlling rodent populations.

Red-footed Tortoise (Chelonoidis carbonarius)
This slow-moving reptile is commonly found in the park’s dry forests. It has a varied diet, feeding on fruits, flowers, and fungi, and plays a crucial role in seed dispersal within the ecosystem.

Birds

Chapada Diamantina National Park is also a paradise for bird enthusiasts, offering an incredible diversity of species. Its mix of highland plateaus, dense forests, and river valleys provides a habitat for an astonishing array of birdlife.

Blue-and-Yellow Macaw (Ara ararauna)
One of the most striking birds in the park, the blue-and-yellow macaw is known for its bright plumage and loud calls. It is often seen flying in pairs or small flocks, feeding on nuts and fruits.

Toco Toucan (Ramphastos toco)
This large and unmistakable bird, with its oversized orange beak, is a common sight in the park’s forested areas. The toco toucan primarily feeds on fruits but will also eat insects and small vertebrates.

King Vulture (Sarcoramphus papa)
A massive scavenger with a striking, colorful head, the king vulture helps keep the ecosystem clean by feeding on carrion. It soars high above the landscape, using its keen eyesight to spot food from great distances.

Red-legged Seriema (Cariama cristata)
This tall, ground-dwelling bird is known for its loud, high-pitched calls that can be heard echoing across the savanna. It hunts small reptiles, insects, and rodents, using its powerful legs to chase down prey.

Swallow-tailed Kite (Elanoides forficatus)
A graceful raptor, the swallow-tailed kite is known for its elegant, gliding flight and deeply forked tail. It hunts insects, small mammals, and reptiles while soaring over the park’s open areas.

White-eared Puffbird (Nystalus chacuru)
A patient and stealthy hunter, the white-eared puffbird sits motionless on branches before swooping down to capture insects and small reptiles. Its distinctive white cheeks contrast with its brown plumage.

Plumbeous Kite (Ictinia plumbea)
A small, agile bird of prey, the plumbeous kite is frequently seen soaring above the park’s rivers and wetlands. It specializes in catching insects and small vertebrates in midair.

Red-breasted Toucan (Ramphastos dicolorus)
Smaller than the toco toucan, this striking bird features a brilliant red chest and a colorful beak. It is primarily a frugivore but also eats insects and small animals.

Rusty-margined Guan (Penelope superciliaris)
A large, turkey-like bird, the rusty-margined guan is commonly found foraging in trees and forest edges. It plays an important role in seed dispersal within the park’s ecosystem.

Peach-fronted Parakeet (Eupsittula aurea)
This small, lively parrot is often seen flying in flocks over the park’s open woodlands. Its bright green plumage and distinctive orange forehead make it an eye-catching resident of the region.

Chapada Diamantina National Park is a truly unique and breathtaking destination, offering visitors the chance to explore its rugged plateaus, hidden caves, and cascading waterfalls while encountering some of Brazil’s most fascinating wildlife. The park’s rich biodiversity and stunning landscapes make it a must-visit location for nature lovers and adventurers alike.