Chapada Diamantina Chapada Diamantina is a region of Bahia state, in the Northeast of Brazil, 400 km from Salvador. The vast Atlantic Forest, flower fields and plateaus of an endless green divide the landscape with stretches of caatinga. Huge rock walls, canyons, grottos, caves, rivers and waterfalls complete the exquisitely beautiful scenery of Chapada Diamantina. Initially inhabited by the Maracás Indians, the actual occupation occurred during the golden times of mineral prospection, from 1710, when gold was found near Contas River, marking the arrival of the explorers. In 1844, the colonization was boosted by the discovery of valuable diamonds in the surroundings of Mugugê River, and the traders, settlers, Jesuit priests and foreigners that lived in the villages controlled and regulated by the power of wealth. Lençóis, Mucugê, Rio de Contas, Morro do Chapéu and Andaraí are some of the cities where it’s still possible to travel in time and relive the golden period of the region. The architectonical compound dates from Colonial Brazil and preserves an important part of the national history. Chapada Diamantina is home to a large diversity of fauna and flora. There are more than 50 kinds of chids, bromeliads and other native flowers and also rare specimens of animals, such as the great anteater, the giant armadillos, wild cats and innumerous kinds of birds and snakes. The Chapada Diamantina National park, created in the 80’s, is the organ responsible for the protection of all this exuberance. Chapada Diamantina gathers a variety of natural and cultural attractions in the heart of Bahia; the right choice for those looking for peace and quiet or history and adventure. Chapada Diamantina Lençois e Mucugê Lençóis One of the most sought after points for ecotourism, Lençóis reveals itself amid an exuberant nature and the opulence of hills and mountains, such as the astonishing Pai Inácio Hill, with a panoramic view of the entire region. Valleys with exuberant bromeliads and orchids add color to the landscape in a beautiful contrast with the typical species of the caatinga. Caves, canyons and several waterfalls, surrounded by the native vegetation of the Atlantic Forest complete the local scenery. Listed by the Historical Heritage, Lençóis preserves the memory of the golden times of mining. Known as the "Capital of the Diamond", the city keeps in its stone streets and colonial mansions part of the Brazilian History. The Mother Church of Our Lady of the Rosary and the former house of the Sá family - where the city hall is located today - reveal part of the wealth of the traditional families of the region. At that time, there was so much opulence that Lençóis was home to a French Consulate, where there was a commercial warehouse, where the traditional families negotiated directly with Europe. Main destination of Chapada Diamantina, Lençóis has a complete infrastructure to receive visitors Mucugê In this city the first diamonds were discovered in the Chapada Diamantina in 1844. One of its most interesting attractions is the only cemetery in the Byzantine style of Brazil, which draws the attention of anyone who comes to town. It consists of deposits in the form of churches, all painted white, reminiscent of the Gothic Revival architectural style of the mid-eighteenth century. Mucugê and also declared a National Heritage Institute for National Artistic and Historical (Iphan) and was built on the edge of the Sierra Sincorá. Surrounded by mountains, the average temperature in the city and 19 ˚ C. Its main highlight is the Parque Municipal Mucugê, where is located the successful Park-Viva Forever, education and environmental preservation, and the Living Museum of Garimpo. It is also a municipality privileged, since 52% of its territory is covered by the National Park Chapada Diamantina SALVADOR, LENÇOIS, MUCUGÊ 07 DAYS / 06 NIGHTS Suggested program Day 1 – Salvador Arrival, reception and private transfer to hotel Vila Gale Salvador Hotel Vila Galé x 01 night in std room Free Day 2 - Salvador/Lençóis Breakfast Departure at 07:30 in air conditioned vehicle . Stop for lunch at Itaberaba ( not included). Arrival in Lençõis around 15:00. Check in anda t the end of the day City Tour in Lençois Pousada Canto das Águas x 03 nights with daily breakfast included Day 3 – Tour Serrano & Ribeirão do Meio Breakfast In the morning we will make a tour of the Lençóis River, with its natural pools. Stop to swim in Cachoeirinha. Afternoon visit Ribeirão do Meio. Day 4 – Poço do Diabo, Morro do Pai Inácio, Grutas da Pratinha, Azul e Lapa Doce Breakfast Poço do Diabo there’s a beautiful waterfall formed by the Rio Mucugezinho, with option for Tirolesa and Rappel. The Morro do Pai Inácio with a wonderful view, perhaps the biggest symbol of Chapada Diamantina. Then we’ll visit the Gruta Azul and Gruta da Pratinha. option of Tirolesa and Flotation. With 850 meters of extension, Gruta da Lapa Doce has a impressive rocky formations in its interior. Day 5 – Poço Encantado e Mucugê Breakfast In the morning, we say good bye to Lençóis and leave to Mucugê, in the way is possible to see Poço Encantado. Poço Encantado is for the most the bigger attraction of Chapada. The best part is a great light that shows the rocks 40 meters under water. In the afternoon we will go to Mucugê, passing by the Projeto Sempre Viva, and at night we will have a pleasant stroll by he streets of Mucugê. Pousada Mucugê x 02 nights with daily breakfast included Day 6 – Cachoeira do Buracão Breakfast To finish the trip a tour to Cachoeira do Buracão, considered the most beautiful of Chapada. Located at Ibicoara, 115 km of Mucugê, the Waterfall is impressive not only because of the height but also for the magnificent Canyon on front Day 7 – Mucugê / Salvador Breakfast Leaving at 7:30 am, arrival at Salvador around 3:00 pm End of our services Hotel Canto da Águas Located on the banks of the Rio Sheets, a few meters from the historic city center, Pousada Canto das Aguas unites charm, tasteful harmony with nature and the Chapada Diamantina. Accompanying the bedrock of the river, the lodge was designed so as to interfere as little as possible in the landscape of the place: the internal gardens and squares resemble the wild flowers of the Chapada, its staircases resemble the stones of the river and even the pool was thought as a rapid Lençóis River. The lodge has 44 comfortable rooms (8 suites), all with air conditioning, TV, telephone and minibar. Common areas include a restaurant with a beautiful view of the river, game room, bar and parking lot Pousada Mucugê Located in a picturesque mansion built by the Jesuits in the nineteenth century, with a modern annex forming comfortable hotel structure, Pousada Mucugê has thirty rooms, swimming pool, parking, meeting room, TV room and restaurant. Program includes: 01 night in Salvador, 3 nights inLençóis e 02 nights in Mucugê with daily breakfast included ; All transfers and activities mentioned on above program Transfers and tours in private basis with bilingual guide assistance Program does NOT include: • Air Tickets; • Airport taxes; • Diving equipment and others; • Food and drink when not specified; • Extras at hotels; General observations: Services with English speaking guide , other languages subject to availability For rates 2013, please consult our travel consultants. Our reference x 47561