Chapada Diamantina and Trancoso

Bahia isn’t just beaches, though. You will find some of the most beautiful scenery in the country at the heart of the State, speckled with waterfalls, canyons, valleys and caves. Lençóis is one of the main cities of the Chapada Diamantina National Park, and it is the best equipped for tourists. It lies 430 kilometres from Salvador, and you can get there by coach or by plane.

Lençóis’ little cobbled streets and colonial houses are home to the best inns, restaurants and agencies, which will help you find appropriate activities to enjoy the national park and its surroundings.

Revered by those who love trekking, the National Park of Chapada Diamantina has more sites and attractions than you can imagine and spreads across several small towns which were built in the 19 century when the area became famous for its diamond deposits.

Here are just a few of the possible treks and walks:

Morro do Pai Inácio, Cachoeira da Fumaça, Ribeirão do Meio, Gruta da Lapa Doce, Gruta Azul, Pratinha, Poço Azul, Poço Encantado, Torrinha, Marimbus, Travessia do Vale do Pati.

Some of the attractions may be further away, but it is definitely worth rising early one day to visit sites like the waterfall "Cachoeira do Buracão".

Trancoso

This small town is 47 kilometres from Porto Seguro, and there are flights to and from many Brazilian cities.

This little paradise was discovered by hippies in the 70s, and the idyllic spirit has lived on. The beach and scenery’s beauty, the colourful houses in the central town square, the football field, and the church are all still exactly the same, almost frozen in time.

Trancoso, meanwhile, has been upgraded and boasts five-star restaurants and hotels. That said, it has not lost any of its charm or uniqueness. Although the town offers elegant inns, designer shops and fancy restaurants, the main square has never had electric lamps installed, so, at night, the seating areas outside the restaurants and bars glow with candlelight under the almond trees.

The little centre is for pedestrians only. Some beaches can only be reached by a long walk, for instance, the deserted Ponta de Itaquena and the lively Rio Verde, which have beach clubs with chill-out zones and great music.

Whatever is your travelling style, the only thing you need to know about Trancoso before arriving is its social calendar. This can make or break your experience here. If you want to experience Trancoso at its most lively, come for New Year when the village will be packed. If you would prefer a more peaceful trip, be sure to visit out of season!