Brazil: Biking in Chapada Diamantina National Park

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Spirited Bahia offers everything that makes up Brazil’s diversity: tropical dream beaches, untouched nature and lovable, friendly people. The eventful bike tour takes us to the Chapada Diamantina National Park, an Eldorado for nature and adventure lovers: table mountains, deep canyons, barren plateaus, mystical caves alternate with the green of the valleys, crystal-clear rivers and refreshing waterfalls. Small, sleepy colonial towns from the time of the gold and diamond boom bear witness to their rich past. In Salvador de Bahia, Brazil’s culturally and historically richest city, we discover 500 years of colonial architecture. Uniquely beautiful sunsets on Bahia’s tropical palm beaches round off our varied adventure trip.

Highlights

  • Colorful Salvador da Bahia
  • Single trails and off-road slopes
  • Table mountains, canyons, grottos
  • Trekking to waterfalls
  • Holiday extension on dream beaches

Travel Program

In the evening we arrive in Salvador de Bahia. We spend our first night in Brazil in the historic old town of Salvador.

Overnight: family pousada in the historic center of Salvador

Salvador, the former capital of Brazil, was founded around 1503. It was first shaped by the cultivation of sugar cane, then by the gold and diamond trade. Salvador has countless palaces, churches and monasteries and is one of the most important cultural and historical cities in Brazil. The residents, the Baianos, have developed a unique Afro-Brazilian culture in Bahia. Today we plunge into the city life of Salvador. On a city tour we get to know the historic old town, the Pelourinho, with all its facets. We have enough time to get used to the tropical climate in Brazil. In the evening we enjoy the nightlife of Salvador.

Overnight: family pousada in the historic center of Salvador

We have time to shop, stroll and explore the old town a little more. We visit the Swiss gemstone specialist Daniel Kläy, known from the TV show “Simple, Luxurious”. He shows us the variety of Brazilian gemstones. We won’t be able to stop being amazed. The bus or our escort vehicle will take us to the Chapada Diamantina in the afternoon. Arrival in the evening.

Transfer: Bus 6 hours
Overnight stay: beautiful hotel with pool in the town of Lençóis

The small colonial town with its narrow streets is a historical gem with buildings worth seeing from the heyday of the diamond finds, which still reflect the wealth of the aristocracy of the time. We take our first excursion by bike and on foot through the town and the surrounding area and refresh ourselves with a swim in one of the countless waterfalls.

Bike route: 20 km, 450 vertical meters
Overnight stay: beautiful hotel with pool in the town of Lençóis

It’s really starting today! In the next few days we will circle the Chapada by bike on old paths, gravel roads, jungle and single trails and discover its natural beauty. The Chapada Diamantina National Park was established in 1985. The sea was still here more than 600 million years ago. Sand and deposits formed sandstones, from which large, jagged rock formations later developed as a result of climatic erosion. The first stage takes us along an old gold panning path to the town of Andaraí. We cross various rivers on foot, where we can treat ourselves to a refreshing dip at any time. In the afternoon we face a 7 km long, rigorous ascent that takes us to the former diamond mining town of Igatu. If you want to spare your legs the additional meters of altitude,

Bike route: 45/52 km, 700/1000 m ascent. Overnight
stay: good pousada with pool in Igatu

Igatú is the small Brazilian version of Machu Picchu. Many former ruins bear witness to the rich past. Up to 8,000 people lived here during the Diamond Age. Today it’s only 400. The day begins with a one-hour downhill ride on a breathtaking single trail that leaves nothing to be desired. We then ride by bike (approx. 30 km) to the well-known cavern Poço Azul with its 35 meter deep underground lake. In the afternoon, the incident light lets the water shine in a magical blue. Of course we treat ourselves to a refreshing bath in the unique underworld of the Chapada. The onward journey to Mucugê takes place with the escort vehicle.

Bike route: 38 km, 600 m ascent
Overnight stay: good pousada with pool in Mucugê

In the early morning the support vehicle takes us to the south of the national park. In Sincorá Velho we saddle up the bikes. From here it’s uphill past coffee plantations to a plateau in the Serra do Sincorá. Magnificent views compensate us for the exertion. A single trail takes us to the beautiful Licuri waterfall in the middle of untouched nature. Continue on jeep trails to Baixão in a beautiful valley where people live from sugar cane cultivation and agriculture.

  • Transfer: Bus 2 hours
  • Bike route: 50 km, 900 m
  • ascent Overnight stay: with a local family in Baixão

We ride our bikes via Breijão on a dirt road over a small pass. Then it’s all downhill until the path ends. Here we have to leave the bikes and hike into a canyon to the Buracáo waterfall, one of the most impressive in the entire national park. Lunch and swimming are the order of the day in this unique gorge. In the late afternoon, the escort vehicles take us back to civilization in Mucugé. On the way we visit a small distillery. This is where the so-called Cachaça, sugar cane liquor or the water of life of the Brazilians is distilled.

  • Bike route: 20 km, 400 m elevation gain
  • Trekking: 2 h
  • Transfer: Bus 2 h
  • Overnight stay: good pousada with pool in Mucugê

Today we sleep in, refresh ourselves in the pool of the pousada or stroll through the town with well-preserved colonial architecture. In the afternoon we visit the Bizantine cemetery of Santa Isabel, which was built at the end of the 19th century. On an old, bumpy jeep trail with a constant view of the Serra de Sincorá, we reach Guiné in the evening and celebrate halfway through our Brazil tour together.

  • Bike route: 42 km, 600 m ascent
  • Overnight stay: simple pousada in Guiné

We bike along the red dirt track of the Serra do Esparrancado until, after a climb, we reach the highest point of the tour at 1,300 meters above sea level. As on the previous day, today we get an insight into the simple life of the Baianos in the countryside and the endless expanses of the Brazilian hinterland. Another highlight of our tour follows: the 15 km long downhill to Rio Grande – pure biking! A crisp ascent forces us to regain the lost meters in altitude and brings us to the Riachinho waterfall, where we treat ourselves to a refreshing dip. The fantastic view of the unique table mountain Morrão shows us that it is not far from here to the Vale do Capão.

  • Bike route: 53 km, 1000 m altitude difference
  • Overnight stay: good pousada in Capão

Today we swap the bike for the trekking shoes. We climb the Serra da Larguinha on foot, enjoy the unforgettable views of the Vale do Capão and continue on a high plateau to the highest waterfall in Brazil, the Cachoeira da Fumaça. The water falls 380 meters here and usually only reaches the canyon as water spray, hence the name Fumaça. After a period of little rain, the waterfall may have dried up. The view down into the canyon is still breathtaking and grandiose!

  • Trekking: 4 h, 550 m ascent
  • Overnight stay: good pousada in Capão

Today the technically most demanding stage is on the program: 20 kilometers of single trails in the unique steppe-like landscape of the Chapada. From Capão we bike through the valley of the three brothers (tres Irmãos) past the table mountain Morrão to Pai Inácio. This mountain with its 1,120 meters is the actual landmark of the Chapada. At the summit we enjoy a fantastic panoramic view of the region. From here, another single trail with subsequent downhill leads us to Lençóis.

  • Bike route: 40 km, 600 m ascent
  • Overnight stay: beautiful hotel with pool in the town of Lençóis

Our last day in the chapada begins. We ride by bike or in the support vehicle on a sandy dirt road to a small village (Quilombo), which is still populated by descendants from the slave era. The area, called Minipantanal, consists of many swamps and rivers and is known for its biodiversity of birds and fish. We continue on a jeep – afterwards on a wild jungle trail to the Rio Roncador. We cool off in its natural whirlpools before heading back to Lençóis on our bikes. For the last time we enjoy a fine dinner in the streets of Lençóis and review the past adventures.

  • Bike route: 18/48 km, 100/400 m ascent
  • Transfer: canoe 1.5 h
  • Overnight stay: beautiful hotel with pool in the town of Lençóis

We spend the last few days in the cozy fishing village and tourist resort of Praia do Forte. The village and the adjacent forests are in an ecological protection zone. Untouched beaches, coconut palm groves, multicolored reefs, natural pools with crystal clear water, many small ‘fishing pubs’ and street cafés with live music invite you to relax. We dive into this wonderful piece of earth and enjoy the last days of our trip to Brazil to the fullest. We celebrate our final evening with all kinds of delicacies and Caipirinha.

  • Transfer: bus 7 hours, boat 1 hour
  • Overnight stay: beautiful pousada with pool in Praia do Forte

We visit the “Projeto Tamar”, a project for the conservation of sea turtles. The rest of the day is free for us to relax on the beach or go shopping.

Today we still have a few comfortable hours by the sea. In the late afternoon or evening we fly back home.

Today we arrival our home!

Included meals: B=breakfast; L=lunch; D=dinner

What's Included

Services included in the prices:

  • Flight Zurich – Salvador – Zurich
  • Flight taxes and fuel surcharges
  • Support vehicle and transfers
  • 13 nights in a hotel or pousada in a double room
  • 2 nights in simple accommodation
  • Breakfast
  • Entrance fees and visits according to the programme
  • MTB Bike Adventure Guide

Not included:

  • Meals and beverages not listed
  • Transport costs own bike
  • Tips
  • Cancellation cost and assistance insurance
  • Possibly small group surcharge (see AVRB point 3.2)
  • Possibly ½ single room surcharge (see AVRB point 3.1)

What to Bring

What to Bring or take fo Day Hiking and Technical Equipment for Climbing Expedition

This equipment list is compiled to provide you with adequate help when choosing your equipment for a climb. Most items are required. Please consider each of them and make sure you understand the function and exclusive use for mountaineering, before substituting or removing items from this list. Please note that this list has been carefully annotated by the organizer. Remember that mountaineering, mountaineering or mountaineering is an extreme, risky sport, therefore everything related to it is of great attention.

These items should be on your hiking checklist:

Hiking backpack for hiking 30 to 40 liters

Light gloves for hiking or (Optional Mittens waterproof)

Medium weight socks

Sleeping bag (-10º to 15ºC)

Small daypack for one day hiking 20 liters

Weather-appropriate clothing (think moisture-wicking and layers)

Hiking boots or shoes

Medium weight parka with fibber fill or down

Rain poncho (or rain gear)

Long-sleeved shirts

Fleece or Wool sweater and/or trousers

Lightweight pants

Cotton short-sleeved shirts or t-shirts

Water bottle for hiking or trekking

Strong waterproof duffel bag

Flashlight with spare batteries and bulb

Towel for personal hygiene each participantFirst-aid kit

Regular and long underwear

Knife or multi-tool

Light cap and wool hat

Sunglasses with UV certification, Sun block, lips

The rest of the list Essentials as appropriate for your hike

Grooming and personal hygiene kit

One Hiking Buff per person

Technical Equipment for High Altitude Expedition Mountains

3 Locking carabiners, we recommended per person

We recommend 2 ice screws for each client

1 Daisy Chain (Life Line) per each person

2 Ice axes (per person) technical, we recommended GRIVEL company

1 ATC descender (Rappel), this is very necessary for technical mountains

2 Cords for prusik, very important (Size Cord 6 mm x 10 m. long)

Gloves(Good gloves) for expeditions over 6000meters

Harness, we recommended GRIVEL company

Sleeping pad / Mattress, we recommend with air or inflatable mattress

Crampons, we recommended GRIVEL company

Walking sticks (optional), a pair per person, we recommended GRIVEL company

Down Jacket for expedition

Very important to have personal clothing such as pants and jacket with GOROTEX certification

First aid kit, for high mountains, because we as guides cannot medicate clients

Backpack Capacity 60 liters, it is better to have a bigger backpack to go comfortably to the high camps, because here you have to carry all your personal things

Gaiters or Leggings, now modern boots already have built-in (Incorporated), but better to have an extra pair

Dressing appropriately for the mountains can make the difference between a pleasant trip and a really uncomfortable one. Clothing must provide the right degree of temperature, perspiration and be well ventilated. Preferably cotton clothing should be avoided, as in humid conditions they absorb body heat.

In general, the weather conditions in in the Andes of South America can vary from day to day and even throughout the day. Therefore, clothing must be versatile.

Please do not hesitate to contact us with any questions you may have regarding the necessary equipment.

Prices & Dates

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— JUL 2023 / — AUG 2023

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FROM/TO

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TRAVEL STATUS

— JUL 2023 / — AUG 2023

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» Additional dates available upon request
» Rates may vary from July 26th to 31th for the national holidays

Prices (per person):

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Deposit for reservations: * — USD (– EUR) ✓ Full payment 40 days before. No refund if you cancel less than 30 days!
Places: 🟢 *Available
Trip-code: Number ►BRA-
Duration: 17 days
Participants: Minimal: 10 Maximal: 12
Members: We don’t have an open group to join – We can open a new group – Contact us!
Country / Location: Brazil
Mountain Guide: Eric Raul Albino Lliuya
Other dates / additional info: Contact us!

3% early bird discount when booking 6 months prior to departure 2023

Legend Booking-information:
EZZ Single room supplement
🟢 On this trip, places are still available.
🟡 On this trip, only a few places left.
🔴 This trip is sold out / closed.

Eric Raul Albino Lliuya

Expert guide certified by AGOMP
General Sales Manager of Peru Expeditions

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