Buraco do Cão

Gruta Bolo de Noiva

Useful Information

Location:	Torrinha, Chapada Diamantina National Park. 15 km from Iraquara (Bahia). From Iraquara highway BA-432 BA-122 17 km south, turn left 3.4 km on single lane road, turn left 500 m. (-12.393650, -41.601425)
Open:	All year daily. [2021]
Fee:	yes. [2021]
Classification:	Karst cave
Light:	helmets and torches provided
Dimension:
Guided tours:
Photography:	allowed
Accessibility:	no
Bibliography:
Address:	Buraco do Cão, Várzea do Caldas, Seabra - BA 46900-000, Tel: +55-75-99900-5396.
As far as we know this information was accurate when it was published (see years in brackets), but may have changed since then. Please check rates and details directly with the companies in question if you need more recent info.

History

Description

The Buraco do Cão (Dog Hole) is a classical Brazilian show cave: no trails, but big enough and level so it does not matter, no light, minimal infrastructure, no website. Nevertheless, it is listed since decades on numerous lists of Brazilian tourist caves. There is a single sign on BA-122, but only if you come from the south. The cave was renamed Gruta Bolo de Noiva (Wedding Cake Cave) some time ago, and that's actually the name on the road sign. After some kilometers on a single lane dirt road you finally reach a small hamlet with a modest bar, a few simple houses and a large swimming pool open to the public. Follow the sign guia para visita ao Buraco do Cão (guide to visit Dog Hole), the guide charges a small fee and provides a helmet (which is unnecessary) and a torch (which is quite important). If you have a good lamp, we recommend to bring your own.

Only 600 m from the hamlet downhill is another cave named Gruta Particular (Private Cave), which may also be visited, ask the guide. Good walking shoes and a little physical fitness are required.

The Buraco do Cão is noted for its wealth of speleothem. The most impressive one is obviously an ensemble of huge rimstone pools. There are also some impressive shawls.