The Chapada dos Veadeiros National Park is located in the heart of the Cerrado in Brazil, in the State of Goiás between the municipalities of Alto Paraíso de Goiás, Cavalcante, Teresina de Goiás, Nova Roma and São João daAliança.
Chapada dos Veadeiros National Park was created in 1961, protects an area of 240,611 hectares and was declared a Natural Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO in 2001, being a true paradise for nature lovers, adventurers and also for those looking for an authentic experience. In this article, we’ll delve into the wonders this park offers and why it’s a must-see destination for those who want to connect with the grandeur of nature.
What to do in Chapada dos Veadeiros National Park?
The Chapada dos Veadeiros National Park is characterized by a diversity of landscapes such as deep canyons, impressive rock formations that change over time, natural pools of crystalline waters and breathtaking waterfalls.
Just observing the biome, birds, fauna and flora and contemplating the landscape are worth the visit! But if you’re more adventurous, there’s rustic camping, canyoneering and climbing.
How to get
The most practical way to get to Chapada dos Veadeiros is by flying to Brasília International Airport. From there, you can rent a car or use land transport services to travel to Alto Paraíso de Goiás, Cavalcante and São Jorge, base cities to explore the region. The trip from Brasília to Alto Paraíso takes approximately 3 to 4 hours by car.
For the Visitation Area of the Park in São Jorge, arriving in Alto Paraíso, turn left at the cloverleaf towards São Jorge and follow the GO-239 for another 36 km. The path from São Jorge to the Park entrance is less than 1 km long, you can go there by car, bicycle or on foot.
As for the Visitation Area in Pouso Alto, leaving Alto Paraíso, you must take the GO-118 road towards Cavalcante for approximately 14 km to the base of the Park. The entrance is on the left, at a gatehouse just after the km 176 sign.
Click here to see the map on how to get to Chapada dos Veadeiros National Park from Brasilia.
Address: Rod GO 239, Km 36 Vila de São Jorge PO Box 96 Alto Paraíso – GO – 73.770-000
How much is the entrance to Chapada dos Veadeiros National Park?
Ticket prices for Chapada dos Veadeiros National Park in August 2023 are:
Admission: BRL 40.00;
Discount ticket: R$ 32.00;
Discount ticket – half ticket: R$ 20.00;
Surrounding residents: R$ 4.00.
Charge exemptions and the right to half price are defined in Ordinance No. 256/2020 of the Ministry of the Environment.
Entrance fees to Chapada dos Veadeiros National Park may vary and are subject to change. It is recommended to check the updated values on the official website of the park icmbio.gov.br or on reliable sources before your visit.
Attractions Chapada dos Veadeiros National Park
The trails in the Chapada dos Veadeiros National Park are true treasures for nature and adventure lovers. With stunning landscapes, majestic waterfalls and breathtaking panoramic views, each trail offers a unique and memorable experience.
Sete Quedas Crossing
Travessia Sete Quedas is an exciting and challenging journey that takes adventurers to explore some of the most impressive landscapes in the Chapada dos Veadeiros National Park.
The trail of approximately 23 km can be covered in just one day and without an overnight stay or in 2 or 3 days, with the possibility of staying 1 or 2 nights in the Sete Quedas camping area. The system for booking and paying for overnight stays at the Travessia das Sete Quedas camping area is available on the Sociparques concessionaire’s website.
Travessia das Sete Quedas is heavy and requires good physical conditioning, due to its length and terrain variations.
Important Tips:
– Travessia das Sete Quedas is open in the dry season: from June to November;
– The park recommends hiring a guide;
– It is necessary to hire a transfer service, as the crossing ends at the side of the GO-239 highway;
– Be prepared to walk long distances on varied terrain.
– Carry enough water, snacks, light meals and basic camping gear if you plan to stay overnight.
– Respect the rules of the park, including the preservation of the environment and personal safety.
– Keep track of weather conditions and be prepared for changes in weather.
St. George Crossing – Chapel
The Travessia São Jorge – Capela is an exciting trekking journey that takes adventurers through stunning scenery, passing through beautiful landscapes and points of interest along the way. This crossing offers the opportunity to connect deeply with nature and explore the wonders of Chapada dos Veadeiros from a unique perspective.
The Travessia São Jorge – Capela is a trail that connects Vila de São Jorge to the small community of Capela, providing a journey of approximately 23 km of walking. This crossing is a less frequented alternative compared to other trails in the region, which makes the experience even more authentic.
The Crossing is heavy and lasts approximately 9 hours or two days with an overnight stay (camping at Good luck or at Sete Quedas).
It is worth noting that there are no restaurants, lodging or public transport in the Capela community. For these services, it is essential to schedule in advance. To learn more, visit: https://caminhodosveadeiros.com.br or https://pt.wikiloc.com/trilhas-trekking/travessia-sao-jorge-capela-parque-nacional-da-chapada-dos-veadeiros- 113577622).
Trail of Jumps, Carousel and Rapids
This trail takes in different waterfalls and scenery along the way, providing a varied experience for adventurers. The route includes the Trilha dos Saltos, which leads to several waterfalls, and continues to Carrossel, a natural pool with crystalline waters, and finally to the Corredeiras, where you can enjoy the invigorating energy of the moving waters.
The complete trail has an approximate length of 11 km round trip with a moderate level of difficulty.
Canyon Trail and Cariocas Waterfall
The Cânions and Cachoeira das Cariocas Trail offers a mix of spectacular scenery and refreshing experiences. You’ll start on the trail that leads to the canyons, where you can contemplate the grandeur of the landscape, and then head to Cachoeira das Cariocas, where you can enjoy a relaxing swim.
The trail is approximately 11km round trip with moderate difficulty.
Seriema trail
The Seriema Trail is known for being a lighter and quieter trail compared to other more challenging trails in Chapada dos Veadeiros. It offers visitors the chance to get to know a preserved cerrado environment, appreciating the diversity of plants, flowers and birds that inhabit the region.
The trail is approximately 800m round trip and has a light difficulty level, being recommended for people with limited mobility, such as the elderly, pregnant women and children.
Night Visitation
In March 2022, activities began at night on the trails of the Chapada dos Veadeiros National Park, in the visitation area in São Jorge.
The night visit is a special activity that allows visitors to explore Chapada dos Veadeiros in a completely different environment. Guided by experts, participants have the chance to learn about the cerrado’s nightlife and experience the silence of nature under the starry sky.
Guidelines
- The National Park is open to visitors every day of the week;Visitation Area in São Jorge: entrance from 8am to 12pm, exit until 6pm. Visitors to the crossings will be able to enter from 7 am;
- Visitation Area of Pouso Alto: remains open to visitors 24 hours a day;
- Follow the rules and guidelines of Park employees, visitor guides and firefighters, especially in the bathing areas;
- Do not collect flowers and stones from the places you are visiting, or disturb the animals.
- All waste you produce must be brought back to the city, including organic waste;
- Avoid attitudes that could cause accidents, such as climbing rocks or trees and jumping into the river from high places.
- In times of rain there is a risk of waterspouts, be aware;
- Get the Yellow Fever vaccine at least 10 (ten) days before your trip;
