Outdoor Adventure in National Park Chapada dos Veadeiros, Brazil

In the northeast of Brazil's central state of Goiás lies a vast, stunning region known for its table mountains – chapadas. Part of this area is protected: National Park Chapada dos Veadeiros, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Vertically towering mountains are home to waterfalls that plunge down, and rivers that cascade over rock formations through cerrado savanna with its short and twisted trees. Chapada dos Veadeiros is a region for adventure activities and to engage in the esoteric ambience that typifies the area.

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Outdoor Activities inside National Park Chapada dos Veadeiros

National Park Chapada dos Veadeiros was founded in 1961, comprises more than 65,000 hectares of cerrado and has a tropical climate with an average temperature of 25 degrees. It is one of Brazil's important biomes. From its stone escarpments spring hundreds of water sources that feed the South American basins – hence the area's nickname "The Water Cradle" [Berço das Aguas]. Trails that often date back to the days of the garimperos – gold or diamond diggers, who came here to seek their fortune – are unmarked; it's one of the reasons that the park can only be visited with a guide.


Guides are familiar with the area. They know the best spots for views and baths, and they may provide travellers with information about the cerrado plants and trees, many of which have medicinal or nutritious values. Prices vary between 50-70 reais per guide [30-40 US dollar], who will take up to ten people at a time. Guides can be hired at various travel agencies in the towns of Alta Paraíso and São Jorge.

Among the attractions of National Park Chapada dos Veiadeiros are:


  • Salto do Rio Preto with waterfalls of 80-120 metres
  • The trail that follows the Canyon of Rio Preto, which leads over rock formations that have eroded in such a way that they have become water pools – sometimes 20 metres deep

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Adventure activities outside National Park Chapada dos Veadeiros

Around Chapada dos Veadeiros are just as many beautiful places to visit. Since many of the waterfalls are on private property entrance fees are levied [10-30 reais] and some of the excursions require a guide. For specific information check the CAT Tourist Information downtown Alta Paraíso.

Among the attractions outside the National Park are:


  • Vale de Lua
  • Solarion Ecopark in Moinho with various waterfalls
  • Cachoeira dos Couros south of Alta Paraíso
  • Accommodation tip: Fazenda and ecolodge Spazenda


In downtown Alta Paraíso and São Jorge are travel agencies that organise outdoor activities such as rappel, hiking, rafting, trekking, cascading, canyoning and mountain biking. Prices vary per agency, season and number of participants.

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Practical information about National Park Chapada dos Veadeiros

Alta Paraíso and São Jorge – about 220 kilometres north of Brasília – are good bases from which to explore the natural scenery inside and outside the park. Alta Paraíso has a CAT Information centre downtown with information on accredited guides, outdoor activities and lodging. Since many beautiful spots, waterfalls, pousadas [guesthouses] and campgrounds lie far apart, it is recommended to have private transportation. Cars can be rented in Brasília as well as in Alta Paraíso.



Why travel to National Park Chapada dos Veadeiros in central Brazil?

This fabulous mosaic of rock plateaus and valleys with cerrado plants and trees has something to offer for all types of travellers. National Park Chapada dos Veadeiros' marvellous natural scenery of canyons and waterfalls offers endless outdoor adventures from canyoning to mountain biking, as well as lots of opportunities for bird watching and wildlife spotting. For the spiritually inclined, check out the different groups of mysticism and centres of meditation that are situated in and around Alta Paraíso. Did you know that the little-known state of Goiás has several interesting tourist attractions?

Other national parks or reserves in Brazil are:



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  • Ecological Reserve of Sebuí
  • National Park Foz do Iguaçu
  • National Park Chapada dos Guimarães
  • Cristalino Park in the Amazone
  • World's largest wetlands The Pantanal


Author Sunil S.


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