A few hours west of Salvador the lush, green Chapada Diamantina National Park (or Diamond Highlands) contrasts sharply with the parched sertaão landscape in the interior. Within this 590 square mile protected area waterfalls cascade over plateaus into grassy valleys with numerous rivers and natural swimming holes.
This region is best explored on foot, hiking along the network of trails throughout the park. Day trips can be arranged from the 19th Century diamond mining town of Lencois, or camping trips from 2 to 8 days.