Trekking in Pati Valley

5 days

Imagine spending five full days immersed in the heart of Chapada Diamantina, crossing secret valleys, crystal-clear rivers, and monumental mountain ranges.

Our Pati Valley 5 Days Trek reveals a new landscape at every turn: from the iconic Cachoeirão from above to Cachoeirão from below, through the mystical Morro do Castelo, the Funil Waterfall, the Poço das Árvores, and the legendary Pati Viewpoint.
This itinerary is designed for those who truly want to feel the essence of Pati Valley, hiking challenging trails that range from moderate to difficult, conquering spectacular lookouts on the edge of cliffs, and enjoying moments of deep contemplation in untouched canyons.
At the end of each day, the warm hospitality of local families welcomes your tired body and nourishes your soul with delicious home-cooked meals made over a wood stove.
More than just a trek, our Pati Valley 5 Days experience is a real journey. A powerful connection with nature, local history, and the raw peace of one of Brazil’s most special places.

Pati Valley 5 days: The Heart of Chapada Diamantina

Practical Information

Main Highlights of the Trek

Duration: 5 days
Departure Time: 7h30
Return Time: 21h
Total Distance: 51 km
Daily Hiking Hour: 4 to 7 hours
Total Transportation Time (Round Trip): 4 hours

The 5-day option is the best way to fully experience the entire Pati Valley, including both the upper and lower parts of the valley. The first two days are identical to the 3-day trek.

Incredible panoramic views from several viewpoints
Walk around the top of Castle Mountain
Descending the Funil (funnel) River with its 3 waterfalls
Discovering the dizzying Cachoeirão from above and below: Brazil's ninth-highest free-falling waterfall at 270 meters
Bathing in the mysterious dark waters of the Trees’ Pond and Rivers’ Meeting
Access to the immense geological, historical, wildlife, and botanical wealth 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:
4 breakfasts
5 picnics
4 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 5 days Trek Overview

Pati Viewpoint and Funil River Descent

Day 1

Distance: 11 km
Starting Altitude: 1080 m
Highest Point: 1340 m
Lowest Point: 920 m

Our adventure begins with a two-hour drive from Lençóis to the village of Guiné, the trailhead for the trek. The first ascent rewards us with the panoramic views of Mirante do Aleixo, and as we cross the plateau of Gerais do Rio Preto, the landscape gradually opens to reveal the famous Pati Viewpoint. A postcard-worthy panorama of the lush valley below.

After a break for photos and snacks, we begin the steep descent known as the Rampa, taking us down into the valley. The trail follows the Rio Funis riverbed, passing by three waterfalls, each perfect for a refreshing dip. We end the day at a local family's home, surrounded by the soothing sounds of the river.

Castle Mountain

Day 2

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

After a hearty breakfast, we hike up the majestic Morro do Castelo, one of the most magical trails in Pati Valley. Between forest shade and rocky walls, the climb is rewarded with sweeping views of the neighboring valleys.

At the summit, we explore giant balancing stones sculpted by nature, and admire the distant Calixto Valley with its hidden waterfall. Our picnic is enjoyed with this epic backdrop before descending again to the valley floor. We continue to another native family’s home for the night, resting up for the days ahead.

Option 1: Poço das Árvores (Trees’ Pool) and Encontro dos Rios (Rivers’ Meeting)

Day 3

Distance: 7 km
Starting Altitude: 850 m
Highest Point: 870 m
Lowest Point: 680 m
3 hours and half of hiking

The first option, highly recommended, involves descending from the high to the low Pati Valley, passing through Poço das Árvores (Trees’ Pool) and Encontro dos Rios (Rivers’ Meeting). These are two magnificent spots for a refreshing swim and to admire lush riverbank forests. The advantage of this option is that it requires less hiking on the third day, offering a mid-trek respite before tackling the more technical days that follow.

Option 2: Calixto Valley

Day 3

Distance: 16 km
Starting Altitude: 850 m
Highest Point: 1025 m
Lowest Point: 680 m
7 hours of hiking

The second option is significantly more challenging! We begin with a visit to the Calixto Valley and its two charming waterfalls: Calixto and Palmito. This option is ideal for more experienced hikers, as it features a longer and more technical route (For details, see Day 3 of the 4-day Pati trek). After exploring the Calixto Valley, the trek continues downstream to the Rivers’ Meeting and the Trees’ Pool, eventually reaching the lower valley of Pati where we will spend the night.

Cachoeirão from Below

Day 4

Distance: 9 km
Starting Altitude: 850 m
Highest Point: 950 m
Lowest Point: 700 m
5 hours of hiking

This day is dedicated to one of the wildest parts of the Pati Valley: the hike to Cachoeirão from below. Upon arrival, we’re greeted by a massive natural amphitheater, where waterfalls plunge from heights of up to 270 meters, a sight that impresses even seasoned Chapada explorers.

The pools at the base are perfect for swimming and relaxing, surrounded by lush vegetation. We spend the day in this almost untouched paradise before returning to our local host’s home to rest and recharge.

Cachoeirão from Above

Day 5

Distance: 16 km
Starting Altitude: 920 m
Highest Point: 1280 m
Lowest Point: 820 m
8 hours of hiking

The final day is the most breathtaking! After a hearty breakfast, we begin the last big ascent of the trek: the famous Fenda da Prefeitura ("Town Hall Crack"), a fissure between two cliffs at the top of the mountains. After two hours of climbing and reaching the first viewpoint, we arrive at the second viewpoint: a rock suspended in the air, known as Caïman Rock, offering a different perspective on Castle Mountain.

One more hour of hiking brings us to the most awe-inspiring spot of the trek: the Cachoeirão ("Big Waterfall"). Wow! The multiple streams of water gushing from the cliffs and falling 270 meters below are a breathtaking sight. We take some time to admire this natural wonder from two different viewpoints:

To the left of the waterfall: Turtle Rock, a pointed stone suspended over the void
To the right of the waterfall: A rocky slab that also seems to float in the air

After this moment of contemplation, we continue to Cachoeirão’s natural pool, where we stop for lunch. Given the usually high temperatures, this is the perfect opportunity to cool off and rehydrate!

But beware, the day is not over yet! We take the return trail across the plateaus, and it will take about three hours to reach the Aleixo viewpoint, from where we can spot the car. A final half-hour descent brings us back to our starting point from the first day. Then, we head back to Lençóis for a two-hour drive.

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.