Diamantina National Park (Lencois)

Places of Interest - Brazil


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introduction


Not far from the current town of Lencois, diamonds were found in 1822. Fortune seekers set up tents that looked like fluttering sheets from the nearby hills and that’s why the city of "Lencois" is called that way (literally it means “sheets”) - and this was the beginning of the beautiful village. The settlement changed in the years of tents into houses and the French even built a consulate-building in Lencois.

 

After the diamond "tree" had died out, the sleepy town was looking for a new source of income and that was coming. In 1985 the nearby nature reserve was changed into a protected national park and Lencois became a tourist attraction, a historical base for hikers and other tourists who want to visit this unique piece of wilderness with high cliffs, a lot of greenery, waterfalls and some amazing hiking-trails. 


highlights


National Park Da Chapada Diamantina

The 1520 km2 area is home to a multitude of diverse forms of pure nature. There are waterfalls, green grass plains, pointed rocks, a table mountain, caves, streams and rivers. In addition, there are countless wild animals such as parrots, different species of monkeys, deer and there seem to be some jaguars, although the chance of seeing them is very small.

 

There are plenty of small (walking) hiking paths, but taking food is a must. One of the highlights during your hike is a visit to Poco do Diabo, a piece of rock where rooms are sunbathing and swimming. There is a restaurant here with a large terrace where you can eat grilled chicken.

 

Many Brasilians go here for a picknick so you can mingle among the locals. Possibilities for multi-day hikes with a guide can all be arranged in Lencois. 

 

Other attractions:

  • The town of Lencois is certainly worth a walk.

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tips & advice (2011)


Lencois - Salvador: Several daily buses go to Salvador. Ask at the bus station in Lencois.  

 

Lencois - Seabra: there is a local bus to the northern town Seabra. This one drives around the park so that you can step out on the north side of the park and given you the possibility to "walk back" (hiking) to Lencois.


In the evening a local gentleman walks around with a cart with hot sandwiches in the town of Lencois. Try I would say! Tasty and cheap. In addition, you can enjoy a cold beer on the Praca Aureliano Se, near the bridge - a hotspot.


In a narrow short side street near the small bus station in Lencois we found a "pousada" where we booked a double room including breakfast. The room was fine and the shower is hot (it is so nice after a two-day hike). Breakfast was served on the roof of the property with views over the city and the national park.


In the evening it gets chilly (fresh) in Lencois while it can be pretty hot during the day. Take this into account if you go hiking or in the evening to eat (or drink) on the terrace.


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