Alcino Estalagem, Chapada Diamantina (Lençois), Bahia - beautiful colonial-style inn with informal atmosphere and best breakfast in Brazil

Alcino Estalagem in Lençóis, Chapada Diamantina is a beautiful colonial style inn / guesthouse, one of the first pousadas I ever discovered in Brazil. It remains a firm favourite not only for its fabulous breakfasts (the best in Brazil) but also for its wonderful friendly atmosphere and excellent service. This is a place where you feel comfortable whether you come as a couple, with friends or alone.

Situated an easy 10 minute walk from the bus station, and only 22 miles from the local airport of Lencois, Alcino's is also close to the centre of the town where you can arrange all your trips and treks to the National Park. Our verdict? The perfect place to chill out in the heart of one of the most beautiful locations in Brazil- the Chapada Diamantina.

I had stayed at Alcino's the last time I was in Lencois and was already recommending it before Hidden Pousadas even existed. The colonial style house is beautiful and despite appearances less than 20 years old. Alcino himself ensured it was an accurate replica of what was there before, and internal spaces make use of reclaimed materials mixed with Alcino's own ceramic creations.

There are 5 suites and 3 rooms with shared bathrooms, but Alcino provides beautiful bathrobes for the latter and everything is super clean.

With breakfast being a major selling point for all pousadas in Brazil it is difficult to choose the best, but  Alcino's is surely in the running for the best. Dona Flor does not care if ou are on a diet. The food keeps coming and as you chat to fellow guests you will find you just keep eating  and chatting and eating.. Temptation of the very best kind!

Lencois is the main town in the Chapada Diamantina and the place where most of the eco-tourist agencies are based, but outside high season it is just a sleepy colonial town with very little traffic an cafes where you can sit and drink and chat or work  without worrying when they might say it's time to leave.

Once the business centre of the Brazilian diamond trade the colonial buildings are testament to a wealth beyond dreams. Many are now in need of a coat of paint but the place is still vibrant and there is a thriving eco tourist trade for peoplewho want to explore the Chapada Diamantina and enjoy the hikes to mountains, waterfalls and caves. This is an extraordinary and magical place-one that people come back to again and again.

• Trips to Poco Azul, Cachoeira da Fumaca and cachoeira do Sussego
• Caves of Lapadoce and Torrinha
• Sunset at Pai Inacio
• Walk to the Serrano river to see he coloured sands

Virtual tour Alcino Estalagem & Atelier

Recommended as one of our 10 best pousadas for solo travellers in Brazil

• Lovely house in great location
• Communal breakfasts with other guests
• Breakfasts themselves
• Alcino's decoration and atelier