Buracão waterfall

1 day

The Buracão Waterfall is renowned as the most impressive cascade in Chapada Diamantina. Located around 250 km from Lençóis, this excursion is perfect for visitors who have the time, energy, and enthusiasm to venture to the southern part of the national park. There, they can experience the breathtaking magic of this waterfall, which leaves no one untouched by its awe-inspiring beauty.

Buracão Waterfall tour

Practical Information

Excursion
Highlights

Duration: 1 day
Departure Time: 6:00 AM
Return Time: 9:00 PM
Total Walking Time: 2 hours
Total Driving Time (round trip): 7 hours

Orchid Waterfall
Recanto Verde (Green Nook) Waterfall
View of Buracão Waterfall from Above
Buracão Canyon
View of Buracão Waterfall from Below
Beautiful mountain views of Chapada Diamantina during the drive

What is not included?

Professional guide
Local professional guide in Ibicoara
Entrance fees
Round-trip transportation
Agency’s insurance

What is included?

Breakfast: Stop at a local snack
Lunch: Bring your own picnic
Snacks: You can bring your own if you wish
Optional Activity: Rappelling down Buracão Waterfall

What shall I Bring?

Hiking shoes or sneakers
Swimsuit
Towel
Sun protection (sunscreen, sunglasses, hat, UV shirt)
Water (1.5 L recommended)
Picnic

Hike overview

We depart from Lençóis by car around 8:00 AM. After a 20-minute drive on dirt roads, we begin our hike towards the Mandassaia River. In just 20 minutes, we reach the stunning Cachoeira da Ferradura (horseshoe waterfall), where we discover a magical environment. The multiple cascades emerging from the surrounding vegetation in a U-shape encircle visitors in a 180° panorama. Be cautious of the slippery rocks while exploring this enchanting area.

Next, we continue our descent through the valley to the Mandassaia Waterfall, renowned for its unique water jet that provides a refreshing natural hydromassage.

We then ascend back the Mandassaia Valley and take a trail leading to the Lapão Cave. We enter a fascinating underground world, formed by numerous galleries, culminating in the enormous main cave where we can admire beautiful quartzites formations reflecting the light from our lamps.

We exit the cave through a different entrance and follow a gently sloping path that takes us back to Lençóis in approximately 30 minutes.

Total Distance: 11 km
Starting Point: 400 m
Highest Point: 750 m
Lowest Point: 400 m

Notes:

This tour is more impressive after heavy rains when the waterfalls are fuller and more spectacular.
Groups wishing to hike more can choose to walk the entire round trip from the agency, adding approximately 8 km to the journey.