Parque Nacional da Chapada dos Veadeiros EN

Chapada dos Veadeiros National Park

Amid the vast cerrado of Goiás, Chapada dos Veadeiros National Park is a destination that awakens the senses and stirs the soul. Recognized by Unesco as a World Natural Heritage Site, the park is a landscape sculpted by time – with ancient rock formations, towering cliffs, mesmerizing waterfalls, and crystal-clear pools that invite you to dive in. With every step, the scenery shifts between open fields, native forests, and breathtaking lookouts.

Ideal for those seeking adventure or simply slowing down, the park offers well-marked trails ranging from easy walks to immersive crossings. For thrill-seekers, there are opportunities for canyoning, rock climbing, and nighttime experiences that reveal the mysteries of the local fauna under a star-filled sky. For visitors in search of balance and introspection, the natural environment provides the perfect setting for wellness practices in harmony with nature.

Between refreshing dips in waterfalls and surprising encounters with giant anteaters, toucans, and other species of the cerrado, every experience invites reconnection. Let yourself be carried by the tranquil rhythm of the landscape and the sounds of the forest – you’ll soon understand that here, the essential reveals itself in silence and transforms you.

When to go

Any time of year. The dry season (May to October) offers ideal weather for hiking and swimming in waterfalls. During the rainy season (November to April), water levels rise and the waterfalls are more powerful, though some attractions may close temporarily for safety reasons.

How to get there

The main entrance to the park is located in the district of São Jorge, 36 Km (about 22.4 miles) from Alto Paraíso de Goiás. The nearest airport is in Brasilia, about 260 Km (around 162 miles) away.

Opening hours

Daily, from 8 AM to 6 PM. Access on foot is from 8 AM to 12 PM, while access via internal transport is from 9 AM to 3 PM.

Entrance fee

R$ 47.00 (full price) | R$ 23.50 (half price) | Purchase your ticket online or at the park’s ticket office (in person).

Photo: Pedro Fatorce

Interesting facts

A sky that converses with the stars

The night sky over the Chapada is so clear and dark that it draws astrophotographers and stargazers from around the world. With almost no urban light interference, it’s one of Brazil’s best places to observe constellations, planets, and the Milky Way in all their brilliance and depth.

Colors that fly and bloom in the cerrado

During the dry season (May to October), the Park becomes a living canvas of color and sound. Over 1,600 plant species line the trails with vibrant, fragrant flowers — a quiet testament to the resilience of the cerrado. More than 300 bird species sweep across the skies, turning the landscape into a moving symphony between earth and sky.

Photo: Rui Fraquini

Cradle of the waters that flow across Brazil

From the sacred ground of the Chapada spring the waters that nourish and connect vast regions of the country. Here, crystal-clear springs give birth to mighty rivers that feed the Tocantins, São Francisco, and Paraná basins.

Yellow Trail

Leads to the Salto do Rio Preto lookout, with its 120-meter (394-feet) waterfall; to the Garimpão Waterfall, where you can enjoy a refreshing swim; and to the Carrossel and the Rapids, a series of natural pools and small cascades that are perfect for relaxing. The trail is of moderate difficulty and stretches over approximately 11 Km – 6.8 miles (round trip).

Red Trail

Crosses streams and showcases the diverse flora of the cerrado biome, leading to the Cariocas Waterfall and the famous Canyon II, featuring a large natural pool in the Rio Preto that’s perfect for swimming and contemplation. The trail is of moderate difficulty and stretches over approximately 11 Km – 6.8 miles (round trip).

Blue Trail

With flat terrain and clear signage, its 850 meters (0.5 mile) are ideal for easy walks. During the rainy season (November to April), the Córrego Preguiça fills up, forming small pools and waterfalls perfect for swimming.

Seven Falls Crossing

Spanning 23.5 Km (14.6 miles), this trail combines natural beauty with a physical challenge. It passes by lush waterfalls, canyons, and open fields before reaching the Seven Falls campsite. Continuing the route, visitors must cross the Rio Preto and walk another 6 km to reach the end of the trail at the GO-239 highway. The crossing can be completed in 1, 2, or 3 days, with overnight camping along the way. The trail is open to visitors only from June to November.

São Jorge/Capela Crossing

This 25 Km (15.5-mile) route connects remote villages and landscapes of the Chapada. It follows part of the Seven Falls Crossing before merging with the Caminho dos Veadeiros trail, marked by footprint symbols. From São Jorge to Capela, follow yellow footprints on a black background; from Capela to São Jorge, follow black footprints on a yellow background. The trail can be completed in about nine hours or divided into two days with camping.

Embratur and Visit Brasil are not responsible in cases of poor performance or not providing the experience conveyed. Service providers are solely responsible for the activities sold.

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