Northern Brazil Extension

Travel from Lencois Airport to your hotel located within the Chapada Diamantina National Park. Your accommodation is your base for exploring the national park after your arrival and over the coming day. Chapada Diamantina means ‘diamond plateau’ and has a number of highlights for visitors including natural caves with clear swimming holes, Brazil’s second highest waterfall (Cachoeira da Fumaca) and a broad variety of wildlife and flora. Your hotel is located near the mining town of Lencois on the Lencois River and it’s also worth exploring the town’s historical centre.

Take a guided walk in Chapada Diamantina National Park. You will visit a number of the park’s main attractions including the Serrano, Cachoeirinha, Primavera and Cataratas Paraíso Waterfalls. In the evening you will also take a walk to the Ribeirao do Meio River where there are a number of swimming holes and waterfalls people often choose to slide down.

Today you will hike to the top of Brazil’s second highest waterfall, Cachoeira da Fumaca (also known as Smoke or Glass Falls). While there’s not always a huge amount of water due to drought, the 340 metre tall waterfall is worth visiting to see it disappear deep into the canyon. Cachoeira da Fumaca falls were discovered by George Glass and only recently lost its position as Brazil’s highest waterfall thanks to the more recent discovery of Cachoeira do Araca in the Amazon.

You will travel from your hotel in Lencois to the city of Salvador. Located in the state of Bahia, Salvador was once Brazil’s capital and is known for its vibrant Afro-Brazilian culture. As a result, you’ll find a city rich in culture, cuisine and colonial architecture. One of the must see districts at the heart of Salvador is the neighbourhood of Pelourinho. This historical centre has cobblestone streets, large squares, ornate churches, colourful buildings and a number of Caipirinha bars.

Bonfim, Ribeira and Boa Viagim Beach. You will visit Bonfim, where you will see the Church of Our Lord of Bonfim. One of the most visited churches and landmarks in Salvador, the church is unique in its worship of African Yoruba beliefs and inside you will find colourful ribbon offerings for wishes and blessings. Next stop is Monte Serrat which is home to a thriving market where you can shop for souvenirs and panoramic views of Salvador.

Take a day to explore Salvador’s many attractions. Perhaps use today to venture to the historic centre of Pelourinho. Meaning ‘whipping post’ in Portuguese, Pelourinho was once the location of a slave auction. Despite its sad past, the area is now a celebration of Afro-Brazilian culture thanks to the Olodum drummers, musicians and dancers who perform in the streets and squares of this neighbourhood.

From Salvador port you will travel by Catamaran to Morro de Sao Paulo. Located on the island of Tinhare, Morro de Sao Paulo is a tropical beachside village where tractors and wheelbarrows form the main form of transport. The village has a number of shops and restaurants and plenty of palm lined sandy beaches on which to kick back and relax.

Enjoy a free full day to relax and enjoy Morro de Sao Paulo. If lying on First, Second, Third or Fourth beach isn’t your thing. Perhaps spend the day on a dolphin or whale watching tour or enjoy ziplining. At the end of the day ensure to watch the sunset from the town’s lighthouse, Farol do Morro.

You can never get enough sunshine so spend the day enjoying more of what Morro de Sao Paulo has to offer. Alternatively take a boat tour to Boipeba Island, just south of Morro de Sao Paulo, where you can spend time kayaking or swimming at its beaches and natural pools.

You will board a Catamaran from Morro de Sao Paulo back to Salvador, where you will be transported to the airport to fly to your next destination.