Fumaça Waterfall from Above Hike

1 day

The Cachoeira da Fumaça (Smoky Waterfall) is the second-highest free-fall waterfall in Brazil, boasting an impressive height of 340 meters. The view is simply breathtaking, leaving even the most daring adventurers in awe!

Fumaça Waterfall from Above

Practical Information

Tour
Highlights

Duration: 1 day
Departure Time: 8 AM
Return Time: 7 PM
Total Hiking Time: 4 hours
Total Distance by Car (round trip): 4 hours

Breathtaking view from the top of the second-highest free-fall waterfall in Brazil (340 meters)
Capão Valley Viewpoint
Fumaça Creek
Riachinho Waterfall

What is not included?

Professional guide
Entrance fees
Round-trip transportation
Agency’s insurance

What is Included?

Lunch: Bring your own picnic
Snacks: You may bring your own if you wish

What shall I Bring?

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

Fumaça from above hike overview

We depart from Lençóis at 8 AM and drive for two hours to Capão Valley, where we begin the 6 km hike to the top of the waterfall. The trail starts with a 30-minute ascent to a viewpoint overlooking Capão Valley. Afterward, we continue across the plateau for another 1.5 hours, passing through shrub vegetation and marshy areas.

Upon reaching the edge of the largest canyon in all Chapada Diamantina, we are rewarded with the unforgettable sight of the Fumaça Waterfall. The awe-inspiring view compels most visitors to crawl to the cliff’s edge or even lay on their stomachs to peer over. If you're lucky, you'll witness the phenomenon that gives the waterfall its name: when the wind blows, it carries some of the water upward, creating the famous "smoke effect." On hot days, much of the water evaporates, ascending straight back into the sky.

After spending ample time marveling at this natural wonder, we enjoy a picnic by the Fumaça stream and take a refreshing swim to cool off after the sunny hike. Once everyone is filled by the contemplation of the breathtaking views of the canyons and seemingly endless mountain ranges, we begin our descent, which is quicker than the ascent.

A 10-minute drive brings us to the Riachinho Waterfall ("Little Stream"), where we end the day with a relaxing swim in its golden waters. This refreshing dip helps cleanse the body and renew the spirit before we head back to Lençóis for the two-hour return drive.

Total Hiking Distance: 12 km
Starting Elevation: 990 m
Highest Point: 1340 m
Lowest Point: 990 m

Important Information: The Fumaça Waterfall dries up during several months of the year, during which the flow and the "smoke effect" cannot be seen. However, even in these dry periods, the landscapes are stunning, and the viewpoints remain exceptional.