Chapada Diamantina Trek

Hi there, The Pati Valley doesn’t mean much in itself. You’ll find paved sections and many drivable tracks (4x4). Some trails are very easy and doable in sandals... with a few spots where you’ll get your feet wet crossing a river. Some sections are trickier, but since I don’t know your level, I can’t put myself in your shoes. Check out the route—it could be a family-friendly walk with maybe a few less "easy" bits, but overall, it’s not a seriously challenging hike...

Hi Djalma,

Thanks so much for your reply! 😊

Here’s the description of our trek: Explore the Pati Valley, a gem of the Chapada Diamantina, renowned for its spectacular landscapes, unique biodiversity, and fascinating geological history. This 2-day trek combines sport and wonder, with trails ranging from moderate to difficult. On the first day, you’ll start with a 2-hour drive from Lençóis to Guiné. After a climb to the Aleixo viewpoint (1340 m), you’ll cross the Gerais do Rio Prêto plateau before descending into the Pati Valley. Following the Funil River, you’ll discover its 7 waterfalls, with a swimming break at Funil Waterfall. You’ll spend the night in a refuge by the river. The second day begins with the ascent of the Fenda da Prefeitura, offering breathtaking views. You’ll reach the Cachoeirão, a 270 m-high waterfall with stunning panoramas. After lunch and a swim in a natural pool, the trek continues across the plateaus to return to Guiné and then Lençóis.

Since I’m equipped with trail shoes, I’m wondering whether I need to buy mountain shoes—mine are worn out. I’m not very experienced, just a few moderate-level hikes.

Thanks again for your help! Best regards,

If you're into trail running, it means you're athletic. Trail running is demanding on the joints, especially the ankles. If your ankles aren't particularly fragile, I don't see the point of high-top shoes. Personally, I've never done trail running, but even now, I still tackle fast descents. Outside of high mountains, I use lightweight low-top shoes... Unless you're covering long stretches of scree and/or rock, which isn't the case here, your trail shoes should be enough.

Thanks so much, Djalma, for your reply! I’ll go ahead and use my trail shoes 😄 Wishing you amazing travels 😍 Best regards,

I’m not very experienced, just a few moderate-level hikes.

I hadn’t read everything... So you’re not doing trail running. You just have the shoes... That doesn’t change anything. If you don’t have weak ankles and don’t twist your feet on descents, trail shoes will be fine for your tropical-country route, which isn’t very demanding... Just be careful if you need to buy new shoes—make sure to test them on a hike before you leave! Have a great trip to Brazil!

Good trail shoes seem sufficient to me—the terrain isn’t too rough, but no "sandals". Ouch, those toes! It’s a beautiful spot with spectacular landscapes and lovely swimming opportunities. But it’s hot there. Have a great trip!

... The Pati Valley doesn’t mean much. There are paved sections and many drivable tracks (4x4). Some trails are very easy and doable in sandals...

A question: when were you in the Pati Valley? Because there’s not a single centimeter of pavement, let alone cars (not even 4x4s). All goods, food, tools, etc., for the locals arrive only by mule.

For a multi-day trek with a backpack, you’ll need good hiking boots! Don’t forget it rains regularly there, and the trails can get tricky (especially in the rain), so sneakers won’t cut it ;)

Tropical greetings,

@ivanbahiaguide

Hi, I went there in 2018 with a rental vehicle shared among several of us, including a friend who lives in Bahia. We left Bahia for Lençóis. The road from Lençóis to Guiné is about 80 km, with a good forty kilometers of paved road and the rest a drivable dirt track. Other drivable tracks branch off into the Pati Valley before reaching Guiné.

No 'driveable' road enters the Pati Valley. You can get close via Guinea, that’s true, but the road ends at the parking lot, then you have to hike up to the plateau to reach the valley [;)]

We started the trek in Guiné. We climbed up to a belvedere, crossed a river (Rio Preto). Then we passed some waterfalls and followed a trail for several kilometers! I don’t have the map in front of me, and since I wasn’t the one leading, I’ve forgotten a few names... On the drive back north of Guiné, we took a drivable track toward another valley whose name I’ve forgotten, but according to my friend, it could connect to the Pati Valley.

Alright, to wrap up this topic, here’s the photo of the Pati Valley... where do you see any "drivable paths"? There aren’t any, end of story. 😄

My trek started in Guinea We followed a drivable track for several kilometers, then super easy trails since there was no rain... here the question was whether heavy hiking boots are necessary. I categorically say no—unless, of course, it’s pouring rain. In that case, you’ll need rubber boots or just take off your shoes to cross the rivers![:(] In any case, definitely not hiking shoes! Do you hike with hiking shoes?!