Pati Valley (2-Day hike) - Chapada Diamantina

Day 1

15 km (9.3 miles) | 5–7 hours

The day starts early with a drive from Lençóis to Guiné, where the hike begins. After a steady climb (the most difficult part), the trail reaches a large plateau at around 1,300 meters (4,300 ft). There is very little shade here, so don't forget a hat and sunscreen.

After the climb, the following part of the hike is fairly gentle, although after rain some sections become muddy and you may need to remove your shoes to cross shallow streams. As you get closer to the valley, the anticipation keeps building until you finally reach the Mirante do Pati.

This viewpoint is the image that convinced many people to visit Chapada Diamantina, and it absolutely lives up to the expectations. Looking across the enormous green valley surrounded by cliffs is one of those moments that makes the long hike worthwhile.

After lunch with one of the best views in the park, the trail descends into the valley. Before reaching the house where you'll spend the night, there is usually time for a refreshing swim in one of the waterfalls or natural pools along the way. In our case, we had some issues arriving at the trailhead in the morning since it was raining, and we could not make it on time to visit the waterfalls around the house. 

Dinner is served in the evening in the local house, together with other hikers. We had no trouble falling asleep. 

Day 2

18 km (11.2 miles) | 6–7 hours

The second day is longer, and breakfast is served early in the local house. The morning begins with a climb out of the valley before following rolling trails toward the Cachoeirão viewpoint. This climb is very hard on the legs, with big stone steps. 

Standing on top of the canyon, you'll have a spectacular view over one of the largest canyons in Chapada Diamantina. During the rainy season, dozens of waterfalls can be seen dropping hundreds of meters into the valley below, making this one of the most impressive viewpoints in the park. It was dry season for us, but still this was the best part of the two-day hike. 

After spending some time enjoying the scenery and taking photos, it's time to begin the long hike back toward the trailhead. Expect to arrive in Lençóis around 7:00 or 8:00 PM, tired but with one of the best hiking experiences Brazil has to offer.

Is this hike for you?

The Pati Valley is often considered one of the most beautiful treks in Brazil, and after visiting it, it is easy to understand why. For two days, you leave behind roads, cell phone service, and most of the comforts of everyday life. Instead, you spend your days walking through mountains, crossing rivers, and sleeping in the homes of the families who still live inside the valley.

This itinerary is a good option if you don't have time for the classic 3-day trek but still want to experience the two highlights of the valley: the breathtaking Mirante do Pati and the impressive Cachoeirão viewpoint. If you do not have multiple days available, 2 days are enough for good memories. 

Don't underestimate this 'shorter' overnight trek in the valley. You should be in good physical condition and comfortable hiking 15 to 18 km (9 to 11 miles) each day. Expect long climbs and descents, uneven rocky trails, river crossings that may require taking off your shoes, and several hours under the sun. Weather can also change the conditions of the trail, so your guide may adjust the route if necessary.

Staying with local families

One of the things that makes the Pati Valley special is spending the night in the homes of the local families. These are simple accommodations, but they are clean, comfortable, and full of character. Most rooms are shared, and the bathrooms have cold showers.

Breakfast and dinner are homemade, with fresh bread, cakes, fruits, vegetables, coffee, and traditional Brazilian dishes prepared by the families themselves. Many of the ingredients come directly from their gardens. After dinner, hikers often gather to exchange stories from the trail before calling it a night. During the high season, you'll likely meet travelers from different parts of the world, while in the quieter months, your group may have the house all to yourselves.

One extreme positive factor in sleeping in these houses is that you do not need to carry sleeping gear and food in your backpack. 

What to bring

Bring comfortable hiking boots or trail shoes with good grip. The trails are rocky, and river crossings are common. I also recommend bringing:

• A small or medium backpack for your personal gear.

• Sandals for the evening.

• A lightweight sweater if you're visiting during the cooler months.

• Rain jacket.

• Hat, sunglasses, and plenty of sunscreen.

• Swimsuit for the waterfalls.

• Camera.

• Reusable water bottle. The guide will point out safe places to refill it from the streams along the trail.

What's included

• Transportation between Lençóis and the trailhead near Guiné.

• English-speaking guide.

• One night in a local family's house.

• Breakfast, dinner, trail snacks, and picnic lunches.

A few tips:

• This hike is challenging. If you don't hike regularly, be prepared for two long days on the trail.

• Most of the route is exposed to the sun, so bring more sunscreen than you think you'll need.

• Weather can change quickly, especially during the rainy season, and some river crossings become more difficult after heavy rain.

• There is little or no cell phone service once you enter the valley. Enjoy the opportunity to disconnect for a couple of days.

Our final thoughts:

This was one of the highlights of our trip to Brazil and one of our favorite hikes anywhere. The scenery is spectacular from start to finish, and the variety keeps the hike interesting. One moment you're walking across an open plateau with endless views, the next you're descending into the valley, crossing rivers, or cooling off in a natural pool.

What surprised us the most was spending the night with the local families. The accommodations are simple, but they are clean and welcoming, and the homemade meals were some of the best food we had during our time in Chapada Diamantina. It gave the trek a completely different feeling than just camping or staying in a hotel.

That said, this hike is not for everyone. It is physically demanding, with long days on the trail, steep sections, and very little shade for much of the hike. If you're not used to hiking, you may find it more challenging than expected.

If you enjoy hiking and don't mind putting in the effort, we think the Pati Valley is absolutely worth it. Even the 2-day version gives you the chance to experience the valley's two most iconic viewpoints while getting a taste of what makes this place so special. If you have an extra day available, though, we would recommend the 3-day trek, which allows you to explore more of the valley at a more relaxed pace.

Places to stay

Lençóis

Pouso Da Trilha - Hospedagem. The rooms are clean and comfortable, breakfast is excellent, and the staff is very helpful. The guest house is two blocks away from the center. It is an easy walk but not noisy.   

Pousada Solar Azul. The location is very close to the main square and relevant streets in the center. The staff is very friendly. The breakfast offers many options and is freshly prepared with different specialities every morning. Nice courtyard area.