Cachoeira da Fumaça

Waterfall Spectacular waterfall in Bahia, often seasonal flow

Cachoeira da Fumaça in Chapada Diamantina drops from high cliffs and requires a long hike. Trekkers start from Lençóis for day hikes to the waterfall and surrounding canyon viewpoints.

Main image

Cachoeira da Fumaça is a waterfall in Chapada Diamantina, in the state of Bahia, Brazil, renowned for its long free-fall of roughly 340 metres. It is one of the highest waterfalls in the country and a major natural attraction within the park.

A well-known viewpoint offers sweeping vistas of the waterfall dropping from the plateau; the fall often turns to mist in windy conditions, which inspired the name. Reaching the waterfall typically requires a day hike from nearby base points such as Vale do Capão and is popular with hikers and nature visitors.

The waterfall is a natural feature within the Chapada Diamantina region and lies inside areas protected for their geological and ecological value. Over recent decades it has become an established destination for ecotourism and trekking.

Located in the interior highlands of Bahia within Chapada Diamantina, the waterfall is commonly accessed from the mountain village of Vale do Capão and other small settlements in the park.

  • Height: Has a free-falling drop of roughly 340 metres, making it one of Brazil's tallest waterfalls and a prominent feature of Chapada Diamantina.
  • Wind effect: Frequently produces a plume of mist blown by the wind, which gives the fall its name 'Smoke Falls' and can reduce visible flow at times.
Cachoeira da Fumaça
-12.6016, -41.4533

How to Get to Cachoeira da Fumaça #

Cachoeira da Fumaça is reached from the Chapada Diamantina region, with common starting points in the towns of Lençóis or Palmeiras in Bahia. Travel involves a drive on regional roads to trailheads and a day hike to viewpoints; local guides are commonly hired in Lençóis.

Tips for Visiting Cachoeira da Fumaça #

  • The dramatic viewpoint is reached by a walk-bring sturdy shoes; paths can be steep and slippery.
  • Sunrise is spectacular, but the route is best in daylight for safety.
  • Combine with a visit to the Chapada Diamantina or other nearby trails for a longer excursion.

Best Time to Visit Cachoeira da Fumaça #

Best during the dry season when trails are safer and the fall is visible without excessive runoff.

Dry season
May-September · 20-30°C
Clearer trails and the full waterfall plume visible without heavy rains washing out paths.
Rainy season
November-March · 22-32°C
Waterfall volumes are highest but access may be dangerous due to heavy rains.

Weather & Climate near Cachoeira da Fumaça #

Climate

Cachoeira da Fumaça's climate is classified as Oceanic - Oceanic climate with consistently warm temperatures year-round. Temperatures range from 11°C to 26°C. Moderate rainfall (942 mm/year).

Temperature & Rainfall
Temperature Range
26°
Warmest Month
11°
Coldest Month
Monthly Conditions

January

January is mild with highs of 25°C and lows of 15°C. Significant rainfall (108 mm).

Comfort

20°
Feels Like Mild
20°C
Temperature
15° 25°

Weather

108 mm
Rainfall
1.9 m/s
Wind
Calm

February

February is mild with highs of 25°C and lows of 15°C. Significant rainfall (101 mm).

Comfort

20°
Feels Like Mild
20°C
Temperature
15° 25°

Weather

101 mm
Rainfall
2.1 m/s
Wind
Calm

March

March is mild with highs of 25°C and lows of 15°C. Significant rainfall (104 mm).

Comfort

20°
Feels Like Mild
20°C
Temperature
15° 25°

Weather

104 mm
Rainfall
2.1 m/s
Wind
Calm

April

April is mild with highs of 24°C and lows of 14°C. Regular rainfall (91 mm).

Comfort

19°
Feels Like Mild
19°C
Temperature
14° 25°

Weather

91 mm
Rainfall
2.1 m/s
Wind
Calm

May

May is mild with highs of 24°C and lows of 13°C. Moderate rainfall (54 mm).

Comfort

18°
Feels Like Mild
18°C
Temperature
13° 24°

Weather

54 mm
Rainfall
2.2 m/s
Wind
Calm

June

June is cool with highs of 23°C and lows of 12°C. Moderate rainfall (52 mm).

Comfort

17°
Feels Like Cool
17°C
Temperature
12° 23°

Weather

52 mm
Rainfall
2.0 m/s
Wind
Calm

July

July is the coolest month with highs of 22°C and lows of 11°C. Moderate rainfall (49 mm).

Comfort

17°
Feels Like Cool
17°C
Temperature
11° 22°

Weather

49 mm
Rainfall
2.4 m/s
Wind
Calm

August

August is cool with highs of 23°C and lows of 12°C. Moderate rainfall (30 mm).

Comfort

17°
Feels Like Cool
17°C
Temperature
12° 23°

Weather

30 mm
Rainfall
2.2 m/s
Wind
Calm

September

September is mild with highs of 25°C and lows of 13°C. The driest month with just 28 mm.

Comfort

19°
Feels Like Mild
19°C
Temperature
13° 25°

Weather

28 mm
Rainfall
2.3 m/s
Wind
Calm

October

October is the warmest month with highs of 26°C and lows of 14°C. Moderate rainfall (63 mm).

Comfort

20°
Feels Like Mild
20°C
Temperature
14° 26°

Weather

63 mm
Rainfall
2.5 m/s
Wind
Calm

November

November is mild with highs of 25°C and lows of 15°C. Significant rainfall (130 mm).

Comfort

20°
Feels Like Mild
20°C
Temperature
15° 25°

Weather

130 mm
Rainfall
2.2 m/s
Wind
Calm

December

December is mild with highs of 25°C and lows of 14°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (132 mm).

Comfort

20°
Feels Like Mild
20°C
Temperature
15° 25°

Weather

132 mm
Rainfall
2.1 m/s
Wind
Calm

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