Cachoeira do Sossego
A challenging yet rewarding hike through a riverbed leads to a stunning waterfall and a mystical swimming spot in Chapada Diamantina.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Beat the heat and crowds
Cachoeira do Sossego
Best Time
Beat the heat and crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A challenging yet rewarding hike through a riverbed leads to a stunning waterfall and a mystical swimming spot in Chapada Diamantina.
"The walk is long, quite easy until you almost reach the end where it becomes harder and you have to jump over rocks and use your whole body."
👟 Wear Sturdy Hiking Shoes
Essential for navigating the rocky, uneven terrain.
💧 Bring Plenty of Water
Stay hydrated on this demanding hike.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Cachoeira do Sossego Waterfall
End of the trail
A stunning waterfall with a mystical atmosphere, perfect for a refreshing swim after a challenging hike.
The Challenging Riverbed Trail
Along the Ribeirão riverbed
An adventurous trek involving rock hopping and climbing, offering unique natural beauty.
Mystical Atmosphere
Throughout the trail and waterfall area
Experience a unique sense of peace and wonder in this natural sanctuary.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Navigating the Trail to Sossego
Timing Your Visit for the Best Experience
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
👟 Wear Sturdy Hiking Shoes
Essential for navigating the rocky, uneven terrain. +1
💧 Bring Plenty of Water
Stay hydrated on this demanding hike. +1
🍎 Pack Snacks & Food
Fuel up for the long trek, especially the final rocky section.
📱 Use a GPS App
AllTrails is recommended for navigation; download maps offline. +1
Tips
from all over the internet
👟 Wear Sturdy Hiking Shoes
Essential for navigating the rocky, uneven terrain. +1
💧 Bring Plenty of Water
Stay hydrated on this demanding hike. +1
🍎 Pack Snacks & Food
Fuel up for the long trek, especially the final rocky section.
📱 Use a GPS App
AllTrails is recommended for navigation; download maps offline. +1
🚫 Skip the Guides
Many visitors find them aggressive and unnecessary. +2
🗺️ Look for Trail Arrows
Follow the directional arrows, but be aware some may be tampered with.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the stunning beauty and refreshing swim at Cachoeira do Sossego, calling the challenging hike a rewarding adventure. However, many report negative experiences with aggressive, unofficial guides who try to extort money and even tamper with trail signs, leading to frustration for independent hikers. +2
"The walk is absolutely amazing. I did it with my girlfriend WITHOUT a guide, as we found most of them to be bullies or/and scammers.
The walk is long, quite easy until you almost reach the end where it becomes harder and you have to jump over rocks and use your whole body. We found it quite a hard trilha, but the landscapes you discover are absolutely amazing.
Would do it again without a guide, go with good shoes, water, food, and be prepared for some challenges.
We had a bad experience with one of the "guides" who mislead us at the end when we were very close to reaching the cachoeira. Don't pay them anything, it's a national park and they can't stop you from walking freely there."
Pablo Ciarlante
"Free place from center Lencois! Hiking to there is very difficult! Bring lots of snacks as there hills, trees and rocks to jump or climb. Go early as you will lose time to figure out the way. No cost to enter. not easy to find (use a trail map - download before attempting as there are no signs). Use the app "all trails" and it will lead you there. All 4 locations are free. Ask the hotel or hostel person to mark the 4 spots on the app "all trails". I suggest to go to hostel "Albergue Backpackers hostel" and ask the French speaking host to tell you the way on the app. This hostel is also near the bus station and they allow you to leave your bags and stay in the premises in case you have a night bus. Strongly recommend them."
Antoine Assaad
"Don’t hire a guide to do this walk! The guides try to force you to hire them and charge an extortionate price when you can do it yourself. One of the guides got aggressive towards us as we walked it ourselves and started destroying the signs on the rocks to try and deter people from walking it themselves, remember this is a national park which is free to enter and you do not need guides. Do not hire these unofficial guides as they continue the corruption within this park by bullying walkers. They also smoke weed at the waterfall and have no respect for the beautiful nature around you.
Download alltrails to map the route, there is a path most of the way and then at the end you have to walk over rocks in the riverbed. There are helpful arrows across the whole trail (see picture - these are the arrows one guide was pouring water over to try and destroy the signposted path which is illegal). The only tricky point is the path goes behind a small cave (see picture below) which you have to climb under - there is normally a street seller at the place anyway, if you get lost keep to the river bed and you will find the waterfall. Wear good hiking shoes and you will be fine! Enjoy exploring the national park freely :)"
Neha
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Cachoeira do Sossego is located near Lençóis in the Chapada Diamantina National Park. The most common way to reach it is by hiking. The trail starts from the center of Lençóis and follows the Ribeirão riverbed. It's a challenging hike, so allow a full day. +1
There is no direct public transportation to the trailhead. The hike itself is the primary way to access the waterfall from Lençóis.
The trail is not accessible by car. It's a hiking-only route.
The hike is approximately 15-18 kilometers round trip, depending on the exact starting point and route taken.
The hike can take anywhere from 4 to 7 hours round trip, depending on your pace and how much time you spend at the waterfall. It's recommended to start early. +1
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Cachoeira do Sossego is located within the Chapada Diamantina National Park, which is free to enter. You do not need to pay an entrance fee. +1
While guides are often aggressively offered, many visitors successfully complete the hike without one by using GPS apps and following trail markers. Be prepared for potential pressure from unofficial guides. +2
As it's a natural attraction within a national park, there are no official opening or closing hours. However, it's best to visit during daylight hours for safety and visibility.
Yes, you can book tours through local agencies in Lençóis. However, many travelers recommend doing it independently to save money and avoid aggressive guides. +1
Stay firm in your decision not to hire a guide. Remember it's a national park and you have the right to explore freely. Some guides have been known to be aggressive or even tamper with trail signs. +2
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
The trail is varied, starting relatively easy but becoming quite challenging towards the end. It involves walking along the riverbed, jumping over rocks, and some climbing. Good hiking shoes are a must. +1
Yes, the waterfall has a pool at its base where you can swim and cool off. It's a great reward after the hike.
There are no facilities like restrooms or shops at the waterfall. You need to bring everything you need with you.
Due to the challenging terrain, especially the rocky sections, it's generally not recommended for very young children. Older, adventurous kids might manage with supervision.
Bring plenty of water, snacks, sunscreen, insect repellent, a hat, and a first-aid kit. A fully charged phone with a GPS app is also highly recommended. +1
📸 📸 Photography
Early morning light can be beautiful, offering softer shadows. The waterfall itself is impressive throughout the day, but be mindful of harsh midday sun.
You can capture stunning shots of the cascading waterfall, the lush surrounding vegetation, and the adventurous riverbed trail. The mystical atmosphere also lends itself to unique photography.
The area around the waterfall offers the most dramatic photo opportunities. The trail itself provides scenic shots of the river and forest.
The challenging terrain can make photography tricky. It's best to pause at safe spots to take photos, especially during the rock-hopping sections.
A wide-angle lens can be useful for capturing the waterfall and its surroundings. A waterproof bag is advisable to protect your camera from splashes.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Adventurous Kids
If you do decide to tackle it with older kids, start very early to manage the heat and time. Pack extra snacks and water, and consider using a GPS app like AllTrails to keep everyone on track. The reward of swimming in the waterfall at the end can be a great motivator for them.
💰 Budget Travelers
To save money, avoid hiring guides. Many travelers successfully navigate the trail using free GPS apps like AllTrails. Pack your own food and water to avoid purchasing overpriced items. Staying in hostels in Lençóis can also be a cost-effective accommodation choice.
🚶 Solo Adventurers
Be prepared for the challenging terrain and potential encounters with aggressive guides. While many solo hikers report no issues, staying aware of your surroundings and being firm in your decisions is key. The sense of accomplishment after completing this challenging solo trek can be immense.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Trail Experience: A True Adventure
Despite the physical challenge, the journey is incredibly rewarding. The path winds through beautiful natural landscapes, offering glimpses of the unique flora and fauna of the Chapada Diamantina. The sense of accomplishment upon reaching the waterfall is immense. Remember to pack plenty of water and snacks, as there are no facilities along the way. Going early in the morning is highly advised to avoid the midday heat and to have more time to enjoy the destination without feeling rushed.
Community Insights on Guides: A recurring theme in reviews is the aggressive behavior of some unofficial guides. Many travelers strongly advise against hiring them, citing high prices and unpleasant encounters. They emphasize that the trail is free to access and navigable with a GPS app. Some guides have even been reported to try and destroy trail markers to deter independent hikers. It's important to be firm and polite if approached, and to rely on your own navigation tools.
The Mystical Charm of Cachoeira do Sossego
The surrounding environment, with its lush vegetation and the sound of flowing water, contributes to this sense of natural sanctuary. It's a place where you can truly connect with nature and unwind.Many visitors find the waterfall and its surroundings to be incredibly photogenic. The play of light and shadow, the textures of the rocks, and the vibrant green of the foliage create a stunning visual tapestry. Whether you're an amateur photographer or a seasoned pro, you'll find plenty of opportunities to capture the beauty of this hidden gem.
A Note on Respecting Nature: While enjoying the beauty, it's important to remember that this is a natural park. Some reviews mention guides smoking weed at the waterfall and showing a lack of respect for the environment. Visitors are encouraged to practice Leave No Trace principles, ensuring the preservation of this pristine location for future generations.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit