5 Best Sights in Lençois, Salvador and the Bahia Coast

A steep 6-km (4-mile) cobblestone road connects the BA 142 highway with the village of Igatú, a former boomtown of the 19th century where the faded ruins of abandoned mansions surround contemporary pastel cottages. The open-air museum Galeria Arte e Memoria celebrates the life and customs of the garimperos, combining former stone houses with a sculpture garden and café, while at the Mina Brejo-Veruga, you can venture into what was once the area's largest diamond mine. For those looking for an alternative to hiking, this provides an interesting half-day experience into the history of the region and can be done alone or as part of a tour.

A 15-minute hike takes you down to the mouth of the Lapa Doce cave, where you will see a stunning collection of large stalagmites, stalactites, and columns. Access is only possible with a local guide, included in the price of admission along with a flashlight for navigating in the dark and exploring the unique frescoe-like coloring and natural sculptures. Local guides only speak Portuguese, so if you are looking for greater insight, plan to go with your own guide as part of a longer day experience. Because it's so accessible, Lapa Doce is especially recommended for children.

One of the region's most popular hiking trails runs along a section of Rio Lençóis called Rio Serrano. It's surrounded by exuberant forest, now protected as municipal park. The reddish-color water is due to organic matter from the forest floor. You can bathe and relax in several natural pools—they look a bit like hot tubs—formed on the rock-strewn riverbed. There are also three waterfalls scattered around the surrounding hills, best accessed with a local guide. To reach the easily accessible trailhead to the river, head up the hill after Hotel de Lençóis.

Brazil's seventh-largest cave and one of its most complete is called "Little Tower" after the rock formation outside its entrance. Here you can find a diverse collection of cave formations; besides the usual stalactites and stalagmites, aragonite flowers, clusters of helectites, and chandeliers abound. Three different guided tours ranging from 1 to 2½ hours explore different sections of the cave. Torrinha is recommendeded for those with a particular interest in caves. For an introductory experience, Lapa Doce is the more accessible option.