Chapada velha
guided - audio visual - research
Who are we:
"Everything coexists.
Each action affects the life of the other."
Combining natural itineraries, visual production and historical research
Chapada Velha is an initiative that offers unique and distinctive experiences in the Vale do Capão region and the Chapada Diamantina. Founded by guide, photographer, and documentary filmmaker Rafael Lage, along with collaborators committed to nature conservation and the appreciation of local culture, we operate on three pillars: sustainable ecotourism, audiovisual production, and historical research in the Chapada Diamantina territory.
Based in Vale do Capão, we offer personalized and exclusive itineraries that provide immersive experiences in the region’s breathtaking nature. Additionally, we are dedicated to producing audiovisual content that captures the beauty and cultural richness of the Chapada Diamantina, always grounded in research that helps unveil the secrets of this remarkable land.
Welcome to Chapada Velha, where ecotourism, audiovisual production, and historical research come together in an unforgettable experience!
A collaborative agency
Ecological awareness and sustainability are not real without taking into account the entire scope of social relations and nature.
Inform and sensitize travelers about the need to protect and contribute to the preservation of our ecosystems and generate opportunities for a responsible and friendly immersion in nature, being aware of our limitations and the importance of including all social strata.
Our mission:
WHY CHOOSE Chapada VELHA?
Sustainable tourism is everyone's commitment. Both the guide and visitors are responsible for preserving, educating and protecting our enviroment.
meet the team:
Rafael Lage
Born in 1981 in Belo Horizonte/MG and raised in Salvador/BA, he began his journey with bicycle trips across Brazil, crossing 15 states over 6 years. As a photographer and documentary filmmaker, he stood out in capturing Brazilian popular culture and media. His works include films such as "Malucos de Estrada - Cultura de BR", "Deumrole", "Quilombo de Corcovado - Ancestralidade" and "Caminho de Barro", which addresses dam collapses in Minas Gerais.
His relationship with Chapada Diamantina began in 2003 and solidified in 2008, when he began living in the village of Vale do Capão. Since then, Rafael has dedicated himself to capturing the natural and socio-cultural aspects of Chapada on film and photography, researching its history through oral reports from the local population and official documents in collections. His extensive experience, together with a deep knowledge of the Chapada Diamantina National Park and his training as a mountain guide and in minimal impact practices in conservation units, have made him a specialized guide in the territory. Its focus goes beyond, covering historical and human aspects, and promoting sustainable visitation to the park's attractions.
Sina Horndt
Sina, 32, grew up in a small village in the south of the Netherlands. From an early age, she had a curious and adventurous spirit. She studied International Tourism Management and, after moving to Berlin, spent a few years managing a hostel while paying for her studies. The city has been her base for a decade now.
Passionate about solo travel, she has always found a way to explore the world. During these trips, she has been involved in several conservation projects. The most memorable was in the rainforest of Sumatra, Indonesia, where she worked with a small NGO helping local communities develop sustainable tourism. Inspired by this experience, she decided to specialize and completed a master's degree in Sustainable Tourism Management.
In 2021, she visited Chapada Diamantina and fell in love with it. Since then, she has made a point of spending long periods there. For her, this place is more than a destination — it is a refuge, her “happy place”. Now, her greatest desire is to share this beauty with more people, in a responsible and conscious way.
Gustavo Policarpo
Born in 1979 in Belo Horizonte/MG, he studied history at UFMG but instead of completing his education decided to exchange books for the road. For more than ten years he traveled throughout Brazil and several Latin American, European and Asian countries, living off the crafts that can only be learned among nomads and street artisans.
In 2003, together with a caravan of nomads who traveled through the savannah of Bahia on the back of mules and horses, they landed in the Capão Valley. His encounter with Chapada Diamantina impacted his life forever, triggering events that led him to be located today in the city of Berlin, Germany.
During his travels between 2005/2006 he worked as a tourleader for the company GAP (GreatAdventurePeople) on routes in Bolivia and Peru.
In several situations, he guided tourists as a freelancer in different locations in different countries.