Trekking in Pati Valley

4 days

The 4-day trek through Pati Valley is a deep immersion into the wild nature of Chapada Diamantina. Over four days, you'll explore challenging trails, stunning waterfalls such as Cachoeirão from above, Morro do Castelo, and the Funis, Palmito, and Calixto waterfalls, as well as breathtaking viewpoints. An authentic experience, with overnights in traditional local homes and delicious homemade meals that are part of this unique adventure.

Pati Valley 4 days: The Heart of Chapada Diamantina

Practical Information

Main Highlights of the Trek

Duration: 4 days
Departure Time: 7h30
Return Time: 21h
Total Distance: 45 km
Daily Hiking Hour: 4 to 7 hours
Total Transportation Time (Round Trip): 4 hours
In this 4-day trek, the first and second days are identical to the 3-day trek. The extra day (Day 3) is dedicated to exploring the Calixto Valley with its two remarkable waterfalls: Calixto and Palmito. The fourth day mirrors the third day of the 3-day option, focusing on the Cachoeirão from Above.

Incredible panoramic views from several viewpoints
Castle Mountain
Descending the Funis River with its 3 waterfalls
Discovering the dizzying Cachoeirão from above: Brazil's ninth-highest free-falling waterfall at 270 meters
Discovering the Calixto valley with its 2 amazing waterfalls: Calixto and Palmito
Access to the immense geological, historical, wildlife, and botanical richness of Chapada Diamantina through our guides who know the region like the back of their hand
An unforgettable human adventure with our groups of hikers from around the world, guided by our professional guides
A dive into typical Bahianese and Brazilian cuisine

What is not Included?

Professional local guide
Dormitory accommodation in refuges
Round-trip transportation
Meals:
3 breakfasts
4 picnics
3 dinners
Agency’s insurance
Luggage storage service

What is Included?

Breakfast before the trek
Dinner after returning from the trek
Drinks in the refuges (sodas, beer, cachaça, etc.)

How does water supply work during the trek?

What shall I Bring?

Each participant must bring between 1.5L and 3L of bottled water on the first day, depending on the season. The guides will point out locations along the trail where potable water is available, such as springs, rivers, or waterfalls. The water from the rivers in Chapada Diamantina National Park is generally safe to drink, despite its golden color, which comes from the tannin-rich leaves of the local vegetation that fall into the rivers and infuse in the water.

Backpack (minimum 40 liters): Each group member carries a portion of the group’s food in their backpack on the first day (3 to 4 kilos per person).
Hiking boots
1 to 2 water bottles of 1.5L each
Hiking clothes (shorts, t-shirt, socks)
Rain jacket
Light jacket for summer / Warm jacket for winter
Lamp (preferably a headlamp)
Phone charger
Swimsuit
Small towel (for bathing in rivers and waterfalls; a towel will be provided at your accommodation for showering at night)
Sandals or flip-flops for the evening
Sun protection (sunscreen, hat or cap, UV-protective shirt, sunglasses)
Personal hygiene kit
Insect repellent

Pati Valley 4 days Trek Overview

Pati Viewpoint and Funil River Descent

Day 1

Distance: 10 km
Starting Altitude: 1080 m
Highest Point: 1340 m
Lowest Point: 920 m

The journey begins with a two-hour drive from Lençóis to the village of Guiné, the starting point of the trail. The climb to Mirante do Aleixo is a foretaste of what’s to come: from there, the vastness of Gerais do Rio Preto unfolds. A wild plateau that separates the traveler from the legendary Pati Valley.

After crossing this plateau for about an hour, we arrive at the iconic Mirante do Pati. It is a postcard-perfect spot offering a jaw-dropping panoramic view of the lush green gorge below. It’s the ideal place to pause, recharge, and soak in the grandeur of the landscape.

From here, we begin our descent down the famous Rampa: a steep trail that leads to the bottom of the valley. Walking along the Rio Funis riverbed, flanked by three waterfalls, calls for careful steps and sometimes hands-on climbing – the famous escalaminhada, a real physical and mental adventure.

After the challenge, we reach the main waterfall of the river, Cachoeira dos Funis, where an icy dip renews body and spirit. The last leg of the day takes us to a local family’s house. A cozy refuge by the river where we’ll spend the first night immersed in nature.

Castle Mountain

Day 2

Distance: 8 km
Starting Altitude: 920 m
Highest Point: 1390 m
Lowest Point: 920 m

After a hearty breakfast, we set off to climb Morro do Castelo, a demanding hike of about an hour and a half, but the shade of the forest along the way offers relief and revitalization.

At the top, we circle the mountain to reveal a series of scenic lookouts offering breathtaking panoramas of the surrounding valleys and mountain ranges.

One of the unforgettable moments of the day is a picnic break atop a giant balancing rock, from which we glimpse the distant Calixto Valley and its hidden waterfall nestled deep within the forest.

With energy restored, we return to the trail and head to the second house where we’ll spend the night.

Calixto Valley

Day 3

Distance: 12 km
Starting Altitude: 850 m
Highest Point: 1024 m
Lowest Point: 820 m
5 hours of hiking

This day is reserved for a deeper immersion into the untouched Calixto Valley, a wild and little-explored neighbor of Pati.

We follow lesser-known trails, walking through dense and vibrant vegetation that shelters natural treasures: the Calixto and Palmito waterfalls. These crystal-clear falls, surrounded by preserved forest, offer moments of peace and contemplation in a setting nearly untouched by human hands.

It’s a true hidden paradise, where every step reveals new beauty and invites deep connection with pure nature.

Cachoeirão from Above

Day 4

Distance: 16 km
Starting Altitude: 920 m
Highest Point: 1280 m
Lowest Point: 820 m

The final day of the trek holds some of the most striking images of Pati Valley. After a generous breakfast, we tackle the climb up the emblematic Fenda da Prefeitura. A trail of about two hours, lined with natural viewpoints that slowly unfold along the way.

The highlight is Pedra do Jacaré, a dramatic viewpoint suspended above the void, offering a final spectacular look at Morro do Castelo and the surrounding rock formations.

We continue to the climax of the journey: Cachoeirão do Pati. Its multiple waterfalls plummet nearly 270 meters, leaving visitors in awe. The raw power and beauty of this site invite silent reverence.

We then make our way to the natural pool below the falls, the perfect spot for lunch and a refreshing swim in the heat of the Chapada.

The descent begins across the sun-drenched plateaus, leading us back to Mirante do Aleixo, where the car awaits for the return trip to Lençóis, bringing this epic trek to a close, with soul nourished and memory filled with unforgettable images.

Important Information: During the dry season, the Cachoeirão and its natural pool are almost dry, but even so, the view of the valley below and the surrounding cliffs remains unforgettable.