Chapada dos Veadeiros:

Chapada dos Veadeiros: A Hidden Treasure for Ecotourism in Brazil

Located in the heart of Brazil, Chapada dos Veadeiros National Park is one of South America's most stunning ecotourism destinations. Nestled in the state of Goiás, about 230 km (143 miles) from Brasília, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is a haven for nature lovers, hikers, photographers, and adventure seekers.

Chapada dos Veadeiros is famous for its towering waterfalls, breathtaking canyons, and mystical landscapes carved by ancient waters. The region is rich in quartz crystal formations, and the main river, Rio Preto, creates natural rock pools and powerful falls , some over 100 meters high.

Beyond the visual wonders, the park boasts incredible biodiversity. You might spot toucans, armadillos, orchids, and even jaguars as you explore the trails — all part of the unique Cerrado biome, one of the world’s oldest and most diverse tropical savannas.

🌍 Fun Fact: The region sits on a geological formation more than 1.8 billion years old, making it one of the planet’s ancient natural structures.

     The park can be accessed through three main base towns:

• Alto Paraíso de Goiás, a well-developed town with a good mix of lodging, restaurants, and eco-tour agencies;

• The charming and rustic Vila de São Jorge, located just outside the main park entrance;

• And Cavalcante, ideal for travelers seeking off-the-beaten-path experiences and cultural immersion, especially with its quilombola communities and the stunning Santa Bárbara Waterfall.

📷 André Gemmer

Why Visit Chapada dos Veadeiros?

If you're passionate about hiking, waterfalls, and deep immersion in nature, Chapada dos Veadeiros should be at the top of your travel list. Located in Goiás, this extraordinary region is a sanctuary for ecotourism, adventure, and inner peace.

The park spans a vast area of the Brazilian Cerrado, one of the oldest and richest tropical savannas in the world. Here, you'll find:

• Crystal-clear rivers that cut through the landscape, creating natural pools perfect for a refreshing dip;

• Unique rock formations shaped by millions of years of erosion and quartz crystal deposits;

• Astonishing biodiversity, including rare orchids, colorful birds, and native wildlife like maned wolves, armadillos, and toucans.

What makes Chapada dos Veadeiros truly special is its spiritual and energetic atmosphere. Many visitors report a deep sense of connection with nature and themselves, making this not only a scenic destination, but also a place of renewal and inspiration.

Whether you're seeking thrilling adventures or simply a moment of stillness in nature’s embrace, Chapada dos Veadeiros offers a unique experience you won't find anywhere else.

📷 Lucas Pezeta

Main Attractions and Trails

 Vale da Lua (Valley of the Moon)

One of the most iconic and photogenic spots in the region, the Valley of the Moon features smooth gray rock formations carved by the waters of the São Miguel River over thousands of years. These natural sculptures resemble the surface of the moon, which is how it got its name.

The landscape is both mystical and otherworldly — perfect for photography, meditation, or simply appreciating the power of nature. The pools between the rocks are excellent for cooling off, especially during the dry season.

Trail difficulty: Easy to moderate

Access: Short trail from the parking area, small entrance fee required

Best time to visit: Dry season (May–September) for safe exploration of the rocks and pools

📷 Original photo by Aline Fortuna, via Wikimedia Commons. Edited by Brazil Eco Trails (color adjustment, element removal, and resizing). License: CC BY-SA 4.0

Cachoeira Santa Bárbara (Santa Bárbara Waterfall)

Famous for its stunning turquoise waters, Santa Bárbara Waterfall is often ranked among the most beautiful waterfalls in Brazil. Located within the Kalunga community territory, descendants of African people who escaped slavery this hidden gem combines natural beauty with rich cultural heritage.

Standing around 30 meters tall, the waterfall forms a crystal-clear pool perfect for swimming and relaxing. The surrounding landscape is equally breathtaking, offering a peaceful experience in the heart of the Cerrado biome.

Trail difficulty: Easy. The trail to the waterfall is short (approximately 1.5 km) with flat terrain, accessible to most visitors.

Access: Entry is only allowed with a local guide, and the number of visitors per day is limited to preserve the site. Access starts in the city of Cavalcante, followed by a drive on a dirt road and a short, easy hike.

Best time to visit: Dry season (May to September), when the water is clearer and roads are in better condition.

Tip: Arrive early — spots are limited and tend to fill up quickly.

📷Original photo by Adelano LázaroThis file is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 4.0 International license link.https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Cachoeira_de_Santa_B%C3%A1rbara,_Chapada_dos_Veadeiros,_Goi%C3%A1s,_Brasil.JPG

Trail to Cachoeira do Segredo (Secret Waterfall Trail

Hidden in a remote canyon of Chapada dos Veadeiros, Cachoeira do Segredo is one of the most breathtaking natural wonders in the park. With an impressive height of 115 meters, the waterfall plunges into a blue-green pool, surrounded by towering rock walls and lush vegetation.

Access begins on a 12-kilometer dirt road from Vila de São Jorge heading toward Colinas do Sul. From the farm where the trail starts, you’ll hike about       6 km through diverse terrain, cerrado grasslands, native forest, and several river crossings along the São Miguel River. During the dry season, it's possible to drive further in and shorten the hike.

According to local legends, two miners working in the area used to return with unusual quartz crystals. When asked where they had found them, they would simply reply: “It’s a secret.” That’s how the waterfall got its name  Secret Waterfall.

• Trail difficulty: Moderate to difficult, depending on the season and river level. Good physical condition is recommended.
• Access: A guide is not mandatory, but highly recommended for those unfamiliar with long hikes or river crossings.
• Best time to visit: Dry season (May to September), when trails are safer and the water is clearer and more suitable for swimming.
• Tip: Wear proper hiking shoes for wet conditions, and start early to enjoy the waterfall with fewer crowds.

📷Photo credit: Aline Fortuna, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons.

Image has been edited for color enhancement, resized to 1600x1067, and a person was removed for visual clarity.

Mirante da Janela (Window Viewpoint)

Uma das trilhas mais populares da Chapada dos Veadeiros, o Mirante da Janela oferece vistas panorâmicas impressionantes de duas grandes cachoeiras: a Cachoeira do Abismo e a Catarata dos Couros.

A trilha começa próxima à Vila de São Jorge e leva os visitantes por uma variedade de paisagens, incluindo caminhos rochosos, túneis de vegetação e subidas íngremes. O ponto alto do percurso é chegar a uma formação rochosa em forma de "janela", que emoldura perfeitamente as quedas d’água ao fundo — um cenário ideal para amantes da fotografia.

A trilha exige certo preparo físico, especialmente em dias quentes, mas a recompensa é uma das vistas mais icônicas de todo o parque nacional.

Nível de dificuldade: Moderado a difícil, com trechos íngremes e irregulares

Distância: Aproximadamente 8 km (ida e volta)

Acesso: Guia local é altamente recomendado, principalmente para quem vai pela primeira vez

Melhor época para visitar: Estação seca (maio a setembro), quando a visibilidade é melhor e as trilhas mais seguras

Dica: Chegue cedo para ver o nascer ou o pôr do sol, quando a luz sobre as cachoeiras cria um visual ainda mais espetacular

📷Photo credit: DanielSchek, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons.
Image was cropped to 1600x1067 and a color filter was applied for visual enhancement.

Adventure Activities Available

Chapada dos Veadeiros is not only a paradise for hikers — it’s also a prime destination for outdoor adventure enthusiasts. The region offers a wide range of activities that let you experience nature in exciting and unforgettable ways.

Besides exploring incredible trails, you can enjoy:

• Canyoning: Navigate waterfalls and rocky passages with ropes and harnesses

• Zip-lining: Fly over the Cerrado landscape and rivers for a thrilling bird’s-eye view

• Rappelling (Abseiling): Descend cliffs and waterfalls with professional equipment

• ATV tours: Discover off-the-beaten-path routes on all-terrain vehicles

• Horseback riding: Explore the countryside with local guides on scenic horseback trails

Many local tour operators provide these experiences with certified guides, proper safety gear, and options for different skill levels — whether you're a beginner or a thrill-seeker.

 Tip: Book your adventure in advance during high season (June to September) to secure your spot with reputable agencies.

📷foto victor dubugras

When to Visit

The ideal time to explore Chapada dos Veadeiros is during the dry season, which spans from May to September. During these months, the weather is predominantly sunny, making the trails more accessible and the rivers safer for swimming. Additionally, the reduced rainfall means a lower risk of flash floods, ensuring a safer hiking experience.​

Conversely, the rainy season occurs between October and April. This period brings frequent showers, resulting in lush, green landscapes and more vigorous waterfalls. However, the increased rainfall can make trails slippery and certain areas may become hazardous due to sudden water surges.​

Tip: If you choose to visit during the rainy season, it's advisable to hire experienced guides and stay updated on weather conditions before embarking on hikes.

📷Photo by Edison Faria Júnior, edited (resized to 1600x976 and color filter applied). Licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons. Link to original image

Getting There

The easiest way to get to Chapada dos Veadeiros is from Brasília International Airport (BSB). From there, rent a car or take a transfer to Alto Paraíso de Goiás, the main base city, or Vila de São Jorge, which is closer to the national park entrance. 

Map: From Brasília Airport to Base Cities

This map shows the route from Brasília International Airport (BSB) to the main base cities of Chapada dos Veadeiros: Alto Paraíso de Goiás, Vila de São Jorge, and Cavalcante.

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