FAQ – Chapada Diamantina Trekking Expedition

Why take this trek?
The Chapada Diamantina Trekking Expedition is one of the most beautiful trekking routes in Brazil, offering breathtaking landscapes, deep contact with nature, and accommodation in local residents’ homes. The trek is challenging but rewarding, providing an authentic and immersive experience in Chapada Diamantina. It is ideal for those seeking adventure, personal challenge, and connection with local culture.

What is included?
Guide, transfer Lençóis x expedition start / expedition end x Lençóis, accommodation in local residents’ homes, meals, remote expedition monitoring, personal accident insurance.

What meals are included?
Breakfast, trail snacks, and dinner on all trekking days.

What are the required equipment/items?
See the website.

Are safety items included/necessary?
Yes, safety equipment is provided as needed.

How many kilometers are covered per day? What is the total distance?
Total of 73 km, divided as follows:

• Day 1: 12 km – 6 to 8 hours
• Day 2: 15 km – 6 to 8 hours
• Day 3: 16 km – 4 to 6 hours
• Day 4: 10 km – 6 to 8 hours
• Day 5: 20 km – 6 to 8 hours

What are the main tourist attractions and viewpoints along the trail?
Mirante do Pati, Mirante da Rampa, Morro do Castelo, Cachoeira do Funil, Planalto do Pati.

What are the departure dates?
Mondays for Open Groups, any day for Private Groups.

What type of accommodation is available?
Accommodation in local residents’ homes.

Can I get a single room? If so, what is the additional cost?
Yes. Please check the price for your requested period.

How much time is allocated for each activity?
Each activity has its own duration.

Are entrance fees included?
All entrance fees are included, except for optional activities.

Where is the meeting point?
Pickup at your accommodation.

What is the minimum number of participants for the activity?
From 1 person.

Is this a private experience?
It can be done in a private format, with different pricing and itinerary.

Is it accessible?
It depends on specific needs.

What biomes are visited during the expedition?
Atlantic Forest.

What is the best time to visit?
The best time is May to September (dry season), offering more stable weather, mild temperatures, clearer views at the viewpoints, and fewer chances of fog.

Is there an age limit?
Participants must be 12 years or older with a responsible adult.

Is any vaccination required?
No.

What sustainable practices are followed during the expedition?

• Low-Impact Tourism: Trails follow minimal environmental impact principles to protect local vegetation and wildlife.
• Accommodation in Local Homes: Generates income for the community and strengthens sustainable tourism while respecting local culture.
• Sustainable Food: Meals are prepared with local ingredients, reducing environmental impact and supporting small producers.
• Waste Management: “Pack out your trash” principle ensures that all waste generated by travelers is collected and properly disposed of.
• Natural Resource Conservation: Conscious water use and respect for springs and rivers, which are essential to the Chapada Diamantina ecosystem.
• Environmental Awareness: Guides promote environmental education and encourage sustainable practices along the trail.

Is internet available?
Only at the accommodations.

What are the main challenges of the trek?

• Long distances and steep climbs.
• Variable weather (heat and humidity can make hiking more exhausting).
• Sun exposure, river crossings, and slippery terrain (during the rainy season, rivers may rise, making crossings harder, and trails can become slippery, increasing the risk of falls).

What are the risks of the trek?

• Challenging terrain: The trek involves long hikes, steep ascents and descents, and uneven trails.
• Fatigue: Walking for several hours a day can be physically demanding, especially for those unaccustomed to trekking.
• Dehydration: The hot and humid climate increases the risk of dehydration if you don’t drink enough water.

Do I need to bring food?
Meals are included in the package, but you can bring extra snacks if desired.

Are there any legends or curious stories about the trail?

• Morro do Castelo: One of the most iconic spots in Vale do Pati, named for its rock formation resembling the ruins of a castle. According to legend, old prospectors believed a hidden treasure was inside the mountain, left by ancient civilizations or explorers.
• Indigenous and runaway slave refuge: There are accounts that Morro do Castelo was used as a refuge by indigenous people and runaway slaves during colonial times. Some say the caves hold a unique energy, feeling like a portal to another dimension or a sacred place of connection with nature.
• Mysterious lights: Some locals tell stories of strange lights appearing in the night sky, linked to natural phenomena or mystical beliefs about forest spirits.
• The Enchanted Echo: In a particular part of the valley, voices echo back in a peculiar way, as if the mountain itself were responding to visitors.