Marimbus Pantanal: The aquatic secret of Chapada Diamantina
A journey through the red waters of the only pantanal in the Northeast, where Chapada reveals its most serene face
In the heart of Bahia, where Chapada Diamantina displays its spectacular canyons and waterfalls, there is another world, quieter and equally magical. The Pantanal Marimbus, fed by the Santo Antônio river and its tributaries, forms a labyrinth of lagoons and channels that contrast with the arid landscape around. This aquatic sanctuary, which stretches for 30 kilometers between the municipalities of Mucugê, Ibicoara, and Andaraí, is guarded by the imposing Serra do Sincorá, creating a unique ecosystem in Brazil’s Northeast.
At the center of this extraordinary landscape is Fazenda Marimbus, a private property that is an outpost of the Atlantic Forest Biosphere Reserve – a title granted by UNESCO that recognizes its crucial role in preserving this unique biodiversity fragment. The farm operates as a kind of sentinel, protecting not only nature but also the cultural traditions that have developed in harmony with this environment over generations.
And this is the perfect destination for you to venture into the Pantanal Marimbus and marvel at one of the most incredible reserves in the world!
ARRIVING IN PARADISE
The experience at Pantanal Marimbus begins with a car trip. Leaving from Lençóis – the gateway municipality to Chapada Diamantina – it takes about 1 hour and 20 minutes to reach Fazenda Marimbus. Along the way, the magnificent landscape enchants, making your day even more amazing!
At the entrance of the farm, a kiosk welcomes you with some tasty regional specialties such as coconut water and sugarcane juice, artisanal sweets, cookies, honey, and the traditional wood-fired esfiha. Try the exclusive palma esfiha, stuffed with the mild cactus from the authentic regional cuisine of Chapada. And to take home as a souvenir, rich stone handicrafts.
GLIDING THROUGH THE WATERS OF MARIMBUS
From the first moment at the kiosk, you realize this will be an extraordinary experience. The pantanal reveals itself in layers: first through the vibrant colors of aquatic plants, then by the symphony of songs of the numerous birds that have made Marimbus their sanctuary, and finally by the serene waters reflecting the imposing Serra do Sincorá, creating a breathtaking scene.
Aboard Canadian canoes, led by local rowers who know every bend of the channels like the back of their hands, you will glide smoothly for about two hours through this aquatic labyrinth. The mirrored waters of the pantanal, surrounded by an explosion of colors from aquatic vegetation, offer a constant visual spectacle: elegant herons in low flight, water lilies (the delicate cousins of the giant Victoria water lily) opening their petals in the sun, and the synchronized ballet of wild duck flocks. Each paddle stroke reveals new perspectives of this cinematic landscape, where the elements blend into compositions that defy imagination.
Along the way, a strategic stop in shallow, crystal-clear waters invites a relaxing swim. It is the perfect moment to feel the warm water on your skin and connect even more with this magical environment.
But the true magic lies in the unexpected encounters that make this experience unique. You may cross paths with a solitary fisherman, whose precise movements reveal wisdom passed down through generations. Or you might surprise animals sunbathing on the shore, attentively watching the movement of the canoes. Time seems to stand still, allowing you to absorb every detail of this paradise.
TIP: The canoe trip can be done at different times, each with its own particular charm. In the morning, between 8:30 and 10 a.m., the chances of birdwatching are higher and the water lilies have their flowers fully open. At midday, the sun makes a refreshing bath in one of the shallow points of the route even more inviting. At late afternoon, the golden light shining on Serra do Sincorá creates a color spectacle reflected in the calm waters.
OTHER EXPERIENCES ON THE FARM
For those who want to go beyond the canoe trip, Fazenda Marimbus offers other ways to connect with this unique environment. Birdwatchers find in this paradise more than 200 registered species, from majestic herons to colorful sanhaçus.
You can also try fishing, a traditional activity of local communities. In the pantanal, you find the tasty peacock bass (tucunaré) and the peculiar molé, famous for its supposed aphrodisiac properties. The more adventurous can explore the channels in kayaks or test their balance on stand-up paddleboards, especially on the wide Lagoa do Baiano.
HOW ABOUT CAMPING?
With rustic but welcoming infrastructure – including bathrooms, social areas, and barbecue grills – the farm’s camping is the perfect opportunity to extend your experience. Imagine waking up to the birdsong and enjoying the peaceful breeze coming from the pantanal? The strategic location also serves as a perfect base to explore other Chapada attractions, such as the imposing Cachoeira da Fumaça waterfall.
What makes Pantanal Marimbus truly special is this rare combination of environmental conservation, cultural tradition, and democratic access. Here nature reveals itself gently, inviting everyone to contemplate its secrets!
FAZENDA MARIMBUS
Fazenda Marimbus develops a holistic approach to environmental conservation. While receiving visitors, it maintains exemplary sustainable practices such as rainwater harvesting, using sugarcane bagasse as fuel for ovens, and even transforming plastic cups into pots for seedlings in the farm’s nursery.
This philosophy extends throughout the property and even in the kiosk, where you can try several delights of local cuisine. The authentic palma esfiha, made with the region’s typical cactus and baked in a wood-fired oven, is heavenly. Don’t leave the kiosk without tasting the artisanal sweets and a super fresh sugarcane juice.
HIGHLIGHTS
UNESCO – Biosphere Reserve – Atlantic Forest
Vitrine Visit Brasil Experience: Pantanal Marimbus
HOW TO GET THERE
Salvador International Airport (SSA)
Lençóis Airport (LEC)
Bus: The Rápido Federal bus company runs the Salvador/Lençóis route
Car: Coming from Salvador, take BR-324 to Feira de Santana. Then the Santos Dumont Highway, BR-242, and BA-850 to Lençóis.