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Wonder
Cachoeira da Fumaça (Fumaca Waterfall)
In short
One of the tallest waterfalls in Brazil is the 340 m tall Cachoeira da Fumaça. It is one of the central attractions in the gorgeous Chapada Diamantina mountains.
42.3%
GPS coordinates
Location, address
Alternate names
Name in Portuguese
Height
Drops
Tallest drop
Width
Stream
Map of the site
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In detail
Chapada Diamantina
Chapada Diamantina is a region of breathtaking beauty. This is an area with dry plateaus dissected by canyons that are covered with the precious Atlantic rainforest. Canyons are flanked by very tall cliffs.
Plateaus are formed from sandstone and diamond-bearing conglomerates. In 1844 – 1870s here took place diamond rush.
Today in this area has been established national park. Here are found exotic, endemic animals and plants, caves and sinkholes, and countless waterfalls.
Smoke Falls
One day in 1960 bush pilot George Glass (he was working for a Presbyterian mission and transported people) took a detour while flying above Chapada Diamantina. And this was totally worth it – he at first noticed a cloud among the cliffs and then – a very impressive waterfall falling into the abyss.
Glass was not the first person noticing this waterfall – locals knew about it before.
This waterfall is formed by a thin stream. Water falls over an overhanging cliff and forms a single leap. Below the falls is a small pool formed by the falls.
In dry periods of the year water may disappear altogether but after heavy rains, the stream becomes wide and powerful, and the air around the falls may be filled with mist.
At first this waterfall was named after the pilot – Glass Falls. Later though more popular became another name – Cachoeira da Fumaça (Smoke Falls). This name comes naturally – the thin stream during the long fall is dispersed in the air and turned into mist. Sometimes the wind catches up the mist and the waterfall goes upwards!
References
- Fumaça, Cachoeira da. World Waterfall Database. Accessed on the 1st August 2014.
- Colin Barraclough, Making nature their infrastructure, May 30, 2010. boston.com. Accessed in the 1st August 2014.
Linked articles
Wonders of Brazil
Brazil is an enormous, diverse country with many amazing and unique attractions. Especially impressive are the diverse natural landmarks – many surprising geological monuments and areas with unique and endemic plants and animals. Few know it outside the country – but there are many beautiful historical cities. Many great monuments of architecture have been created in Brazil in the 20th century.
Waterfalls
Some of the most fascinating and awe-inspiring natural monuments are waterfalls or locations where a river abruptly changes its elevation.
Wonders of South America
There is little doubt – South America is one of the most spectacular… maybe the most spectacular continent of the world.
There is located the second-highest mountain chain in the world, the largest rainforest, the tallest volcanoes, and the tallest and largest waterfalls. The highest biological diversity in the world is reached somewhere near the eastern ranges of the Andes in Ecuador, Peru, or Colombia.
Recommended books
Cycling in Chapada Diamantina
A bicycle guide for 8 days cycling around the Chapada Diamantina Nationa Park. Maps and information on where to stay and special routes for bikes.
Northeastern Brazil
Comprehensive advice on the best of this region of Brazil. The best hotels for every budget, from beach resorts to country inns, restaurants, attractions, and activities are detailed in all the cities, towns, and villages. How to enjoy the big cities safely. Shop-till-you-drop ideas for crystals, native handicrafts, Amazonian fetishes, and more.