Chapada Diamantina

The Diamond Highlands is one of the most impressive places in Brasil, a sort of Gran Canyon covered of green and abundant in crystalline waters, with historic small town perfectly preserved has always a greater number of people visiting this place away from the normal touristic route.



After 6-7 hours drive from the capital Salvador, the visitor is rewarded with a rare combination of unforgettable landscapes, elegant colonial architecture and fascinating history.



Chapada Diamantina main activities nowadays are hiking, riding, mountain biking and visits to waterfalls, rivers and caves.



It s hard to imagine that almost 150 years ago, this region was the world s principal diamond producing region – economically important enough for the French to built a consulate in Lencois.



The best place to stay in Lencois is the house on the picture below. Estalagem do Alcino (http://www.alcinoestalagem.com) has the charme of an old colonial house and the comfort of the best hotels. Alcino is a great artist who has specialized in tiles and ceramics, his atelier is open for a visit and the all staff is very kind and smiley.A special mention to the breakfast, one of the best ever had, taken in a shared big table together with the other guests with Alcino himself handing the hot specialities, secret recipes and fresh coffee from the big kitchen next door.



Starting from Alcino C38 made new friendship also with Deborah Doitschinoff, great chef and owner of Etnia(eastern cusine) and Cozinha Aberta (www.cozinhaaberta.com.br)- organic and slow food and last but not least Max and Laura, from El Jamiro, a great Music bar and restaurant on the main little street of Lencois.



C38 has been able to find some old friends that like many others that came for a few days ended up settling down here. Solange and Rubens have just became parents of little Thomas while we were there. Congratulation!!