Hotel in {'city': 'Lençóis', 'neighborhood': 'Lençóis Centro', 'address': 'R. Pé de Laranjeira, 131, Lençóis, Bahia, 46960-000', 'latitude': -12.5604, 'longitude': -41.3901, 'google_maps_url': 'https://maps.google.com/?q=-12.5604,-41.3901'}, Bahia, Bahia
Pousada dos Quatro Cantos
Pousada dos Quatro Cantos is a beloved mid-range guesthouse in Olinda (just outside Salvador's city limits, on the edge of Recife direction — correction: this pousada is in Lençóis Chapada Diamantina). In Lençóis, it occupies a restored 19th-century mansion with 28 comfortable rooms, a pool, and gardens with mature trees. The owners are passionate about Chapada Diamantina and arrange all local excursions and trekking guides.
Pousada dos Quatro Cantos is one of the most established and highly regarded guesthouses in Lençóis, the principal gateway town to Chapada Diamantina National Park in the central Bahian highlands. Lençóis is a historic diamond-mining settlement dating from the 19th century, its colonial architecture preserved along cobblestone streets beside the Rio Lençóis. The town sits at approximately 900 meters above sea level, lending it a cooler climate than coastal Bahia and making it a popular base for trekking, canyoning, and exploring the plateau's extraordinary natural features — among them Cachoeira da Fumaça, one of Brazil's highest free-falling waterfalls at around 380 meters, and the luminous blue swimming holes of Poço Azul and Poço Encantado.
The pousada occupies a restored 19th-century mansion near the town center, retaining original architectural features such as high ceilings, thick stone walls, and wide verandas while incorporating modern comforts. The character of the building — spacious, solidly constructed, and set within a garden of mature trees — gives the property a sense of permanence and calm that suits the slow rhythms of a town built around nature immersion.
The 28 guest rooms vary in size and configuration, with options ranging from standard doubles to more spacious suites suitable for families or guests planning extended stays. A swimming pool in the garden provides respite after full-day excursions into the national park, and the shaded grounds are a welcome retreat during the warmest hours of the afternoon. Breakfast is included and features generous local spreads with house-made preserves and fresh tropical fruits.
One of the pousada's most consistently praised qualities is its trekking and excursion service. The owners have extensive knowledge of Chapada Diamantina developed over many years, and maintain relationships with a network of certified local guides. The team can tailor itineraries based on fitness levels, time available, and specific interests such as wildlife observation or geological features. Multi-day backcountry treks and classic day excursions alike are well-catered for. The pousada does not operate a dinner restaurant, but Lençóis' compact town center has a cluster of well-regarded restaurants within easy walking distance, several specializing in regional Bahian mountain cuisine.
Amenities
- Pool
- Garden
- Breakfast included
- Free WiFi
- Guide booking
- Air conditioning
Highlights
- Historic mansion
- Great Chapada Diamantina base
- Helpful owners
Tips
- Book trekking guides through the pousada for reliable certified guides at competitive rates
- Arrive in Lençóis with sufficient cash — ATMs can be unreliable and many local guides and restaurants are cash-only
- Pack a waterproof layer and sturdy boots even in the dry season, as some canyon hikes involve stream crossings
- The pousada's owners are an excellent source of advice on which park circuits match your fitness level and time available
FAQ
Is Pousada dos Quatro Cantos a good base for Chapada Diamantina?
Yes, it is one of Lençóis' most established guesthouses for visitors planning park excursions. The owners have deep knowledge of Chapada Diamantina and work with certified local guides, making it straightforward to organize day trips or multi-day treks directly through the property.
Is breakfast included in the room rate?
Yes, breakfast is included and is served each morning, typically featuring house-made preserves, tropical fruits, breads, and coffee. The kitchen is known among guests for a particularly generous and well-prepared spread.
How far is the pousada from the entrance to Chapada Diamantina National Park?
Lençóis town itself sits at the edge of the national park. The park headquarters and the start of many trailheads are within a short drive or taxi ride from the pousada. The town center — where the pousada is located — is a few minutes' walk from most trailhead starting points.
What is the climate like in Lençóis?
At around 900 meters above sea level, Lençóis is noticeably cooler than coastal Bahia. Days are warm and sunny during the dry season (May through October), while evenings can be refreshingly cool. The rainy season (November through April) brings higher rainfall and lush vegetation but also flowing waterfalls at their most impressive.
Accessibility
The pousada occupies a historic 19th-century mansion with original stone flooring, variable room elevations, and areas of the garden that are unpaved. Full wheelchair accessibility is limited. Guests with mobility requirements should contact the pousada before booking to confirm which rooms and common areas are accessible.
When to visit
The dry season from May through October is the most popular period for trekking in Chapada Diamantina, with reliable sunny days and cooler temperatures ideal for long hikes. July brings the highest volume of visitors. The wet season (November through April) sees the waterfalls at maximum flow and the landscape at its most lush, though some trails may be muddy or impassable.