The Chapada Diamantina National Park (Parque Nacional da Chapada Diamantina in Portuguese) is a 1,520 km² national park in the Chapada Diamntina (literally Diamond Highlands) region of the Brazillian state of Bahia. The park is located approximatley 400 kilometres inland from Salvador, the capital city of Bahia.

History

The park was created in the 1980s in response to growing ecotourism

Geography

The park is located in a semi-arid region, however has no shortage of water, from the many rivers and streams. On average, the altitude of the park is between 800 and 1000 metres above sea level, although parts are as high as 2000 metres above. The park is typified by hills, mountains, valleys and monoliths, with few plains.

Geology

The park has many cave systems formed by the rivers that run through the region. Several of these rivers run red due to impurities in the water. Both gold and diamonds have been found in the park.

Flora and fauna

The flora and fauna of the park are highly varied. Although there are few large mammals, there is a wide variety of reptiles, amphibians, birds, insects and small mammals. The flora mainly consists of small scrubland bushes, orchids and cactus.

Pricipal cities and towns in and near the park

• Lençóis
• Palmeiras
• Andaraí
• Mucugé

External links

• Informative page about the Chapada Diamantina National Park on the Tourism office of the Brazillian Embassy in Washington website