Discover Bahia’s blue caves
Explore the unique limestone cave system in the Chapada Diamantina of northeast Brazil and its vivid blue pools.
There are over 130 mapped caves in the area close to Lençois in Bahia’s Chapada Diamantina, northeast Brazil, many as yet unexplored. This may be the most extensive underground water system in the world. In conjunction with the caves, you’ll find streams of gemstone clarity leading to holes where the pervading limestone has dissolved and the resulting space filled with bright turquoise blue water, the white-ish rock reflecting the sky and sunlight between the months of May and September – so tempting for a dip on a hot day. The caves and pools are defined by weird rock formations, giving the landscape an almost extra-terrestrial aspect. You’ll need a guide safely to visit the most impressive caves, as some
are complex mazes inside and are hidden by forests from the outside.
The most-photographed pools are those at Poço Encantado (Enchanted Grotto) and Poço Azul (Blue Grotto) in the remote east of the Chapada Diamantina. Swimming is allowed at Poço Azul, and there are limits to the number of daily visitors. Nearby is a medley of tiny settlements which resemble a miniature Lençois of a generation ago before its discovery by adventurous travellers.
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Tell us where you want to go, and we’ll take it from there. No obligation, no sales pitch – just a conversation with someone who knows the region inside out.
Why choose Journey Latin America for your holiday
We’ve been planning trips to Central and South America for over 45 years, longer than any other UK specialist. Every holiday is built around you by a Travel Expert who has been to the places they recommend, with support from your first enquiry to the day you fly home.
Rosie embarked on a year-long backpacking trip across Latin America. She is excited to share her knowledge and experiences with others.
Finn discovered his passion for travel on an extensive 18-month trip to Latin America, experiencing the vibrant Carnaval in Rio, the end-of-the-world city of Ushuaia, trekking the Andes and volunteering on the Galápagos Islands.
Maggie visited Latin America on her first backpacking trip when she was 19. Since then, she has taken every opportunity to travel, and has managed to explore a lot of the region in subsequent trips.
Gary discovered what he had been missing with his first foray into the wilds of Latin America. In his role as Product Manager, he combines this personal obsession with years of industry experience to help ensure that travellers will fall for the region every bit as much as he has.
