Registration is now open for a gem-mine tour in the Brazilian state of Bahia, for participants in the 2015 CIBJO Congress, which will take place in Salvador da Bahia, May 4-6. The tour will be depart from Salvador on May 7, returning to the city three days later, on May 10.
The tour will focus on northeast Bahia, in the area of the Chapada Diamantina National Park, which in the 19th Century was the site of a diamond rush. Today it is a protected area, attracting eco-adventurists from around the world.
Participant will fly to Lençóis, adjacent to the Chapada Diamantina National Park, where they will be housed at the Hotel de Lençóis. The town was founded by diamond prospectors, called garimpeiros, during the rush.
Steeped in mining history, the area home to working golden rutilated quartz mines, which also will be visited, as will to the town of Novo Horizonte and the village of Remedios in the heart of the region. Remedios dates to the mid 1600s, and was originally settled by gold prospectors.
The tour to the mines will be led by Brian Cook, a geologist and long-time resident of Bahia.
The cost for the tour per participant is U.S. $850. It includes flight tickets, hotel expenses (including breakfast), tours and tour guides, airport transfers and a buffet dinner on Thursday, May 7.
For more information and online registration, CLICK HERE.