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Cachoeira da Fumaça: A Breathtaking Bahia Waterfall

Experience the majestic Cachoeira da Fumaça in Chapada Diamantina: Hike to breathtaking views of Brazil's 'Smoke Falls'.

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Cachoeira da Fumaça, or Smoke Falls, is a majestic 340-meter waterfall in Chapada Diamantina National Park, Bahia, Brazil. The immense height causes the water to dissipate into a misty 'smoke' before reaching the ground, creating a stunning visual spectacle. The falls can be reached via a challenging but rewarding hike, offering panoramic views and a refreshing escape into nature.

A brief summary to Cachoeira da Fumaça

  • Vale de, Palmeiras, Caeté-Açu, State of Bahia, 46940-000, BR
  • Monday 7 am-1 pm
  • Tuesday 7 am-1 pm
  • Wednesday 7 am-1 pm
  • Thursday 7 am-1 pm
  • Friday 7 am-1 pm
  • Saturday 7 am-1 pm
  • Sunday 7 am-1 pm

Local tips

  • Start your hike early to avoid crowds and catch the best views of the 'smoke' effect.
  • Wear sturdy hiking shoes, as the trail can be steep and uneven.
  • Bring plenty of water and snacks to stay energized during the hike.
  • Consider visiting during the dry season (June to December) for optimal hiking conditions, but be aware the waterfall may have less water.
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Getting There

  • Public Transport

    From Lençóis, take a bus to Palmeiras. Buses are operated by Guanabara and typically run three times a day for approximately R$15+. From Palmeiras, hire a taxi or van to Vale do Capão. From Vale do Capão, the Cachoeira da Fumaça trailhead is a short distance away. There is no entrance fee, but a voluntary contribution is welcome to support the local firefighting brigade.

  • Car

    From Palmeiras, take the BR-242 highway towards Lençóis. After about 20 km, turn left onto the road to Vale do Capão. Continue for approximately 8 km to the Cachoeira da Fumaça trailhead. Parking is available, with a small fee of around R$10. From the trailhead, the hike to the top of the falls takes 2-3 hours.

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Discover more about Cachoeira da Fumaça

Cachoeira da Fumaça is one of the most iconic and breathtaking sights within the Chapada Diamantina National Park. Located in the heart of Vale do Capão, this natural wonder plunges approximately 340 meters (1,120 feet), making it one of the highest waterfalls in Brazil. The sheer height of the falls causes the cascading water to transform into a misty cloud, resembling smoke, hence the name 'Fumaça'. The falls are accessible via a 12km round trip hike. The first 2km are a steep climb, making it moderately difficult overall. The trail leads to viewpoints at the top of the falls, offering stunning panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. On sunny days, rainbows often appear in the mist. While the falls themselves cannot be accessed from the top trail, a refreshing dip in the Riachinho waterfall near the trailhead is a popular way to cool off. For a more immersive experience, consider the challenging three-day trek to see Cachoeira da Fumaça from below. This route passes through the Palmital and Capivara waterfalls, offering unique perspectives and swimming opportunities. Keep in mind that a guide is mandatory for this more difficult trek.

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