If you follow me here or on Instagram @danae_explore , you already know we never miss a chance to travel, right?
So when you combine school holidays with affordable airfare, off we went to Chapada dos Veadeiros. In my opinion, it has some of the most beautiful waterfalls in the world. Yes, you read that right: in the world!
We’ve visited waterfalls in places like Laos, Costa Rica, Argentina and the United States, but none of them compare to Chapada dos Veadeiros. The waterfalls are spectacular, the water is perfect for swimming, the weather is great year-round, and the tourism infrastructure is excellent, with cozy guesthouses, good restaurants, and hikes for every level, from very easy to more challenging.
When it comes to waterfalls, Brazil is hard to beat. Another unforgettable destination is Chapada das Mesas, in Maranhão, which we visited over a Carnival break. And I can’t forget Chapada dos Guimarães, known not only for its waterfalls but also for its viewpoints and caves.
So let’s get started, here’s the complete guide to Chapada dos Veadeiros!
First of all, follow me on Instagram @danae_explore – that’s where you can keep up with my trips, find lots of travel tips, and send me a DM anytime. I love chatting about travel!
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Chapada dos Veadeiros at a glace
📍 Where it is: in Central Brazil, about 250 km north of Brasília (Brazil’s capital).
🕓 When to go: Year-round! Dry season from May to September; rainy season from October to April.
📆 How many days to stay: 3 to 6 days.
🏠 Where to stay: Alto Paraíso de Goiás, São Jorge or Cavalcante.
🌳 What to do: Hikes, viewpoints and waterfalls.
🚗 How to get around: rent a car (4WD isn’t required).
To rent a car, I always use RentCars, where I usually find the best options, and with the DANAE promo code you still get an additional 5% off. Shall we go?
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Where to stay in Chapada dos Veadeiros
There are three towns you can use as a base for visiting Chapada dos Veadeiros: Alto Paraíso de Goiás, São Jorge, and Cavalcante.
Where you stay depends on the kind of experience you’re looking for and which waterfalls are on your must-see list. We’ve been to Chapada twice: the first time we stayed in São Jorge, and most recently in Alto Paraíso, and we loved both.
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Looking for nature and adventure inspiration in Brazil? You’ll find plenty here on the blog: from Lençóis Maranhenses to the Chapadas – Chapada dos Veadeiros, Chapada das Mesas, and Chapada dos Guimarães, the Amazon in Anavilhanas and in Alter do Chão, as well as destinations like Pirenópolis and Bonito, one of Brazil’s top ecotourism spots.
Alto Paraiso de Goias
Even though it’s small, Alto Paraíso de Goiás offers the best infrastructure in Chapada dos Veadeiros. You’ll find plenty of guesthouses, good restaurants, and a few small shops. It’s also the closest option to Brasília, which makes a difference if you’re flying in and have limited time: it’s 235 km from the airport, and the drive takes around 3 hours and 30 minutes.
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Where to stay in Alto Paraíso de Goiás
On our most recent trip to Chapada, we found a great deal at Vila Toá and it was such a great find!
Pousada Vila Toá is set on top of a hill, with beautiful views over the valley and the town, and an infinity pool that makes you feel like you’re in paradise. The rooms are spacious, and the bathroom has the toilet separated from the shower and sink, which I thought was a great touch. Breakfast is the kind that leaves you rolling out the door, with a buffet plus à la carte options (included in the rate).
We had dinner there one evening and it was delicious. The restaurant sits inside a glass “cube” overlooking the pool and the valley, and it’s the kind of place where you just want to sit and take it all in. To top it off, dozens of macaws fly by twice a day to feed — there’s a video on my Instagram @danae_explore, it’s worth checking out. I highly recommend it.
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Another excellent pousada (small hotel) in Alto Paraíso is Casa da Lua Pousada, which has great rooms, excellent service and a breakfast with regional specialties.
I had also considered Pousada Recanto da Grande Paz, which has the advantage of being within walking distance of the main street of Alto Paraíso, where most restaurants and shops are located.
For those looking for more budget-friendly options, Pousada Paraíso seems like a great choice, it’s one block from the main street and has excellent rooms. It’s also worth checking out Pousada Araras, which offers great value for money.
Check availability and prices here 👇🏻
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São Jorge
São Jorge is the main gateway to Chapada dos Veadeiros National Park. It’s a tiny village, with that rustic, laid-back charm that so many places try to imitate. It’s 270 km from Brasília airport and is the best option if you want to explore the park (and the surrounding attractions) without spending extra time on the road.
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Where to stay in São Jorge
The first time we visited Chapada, we stayed in São Jorge at @morada_de_jorge, a lovely house right at the entrance of the village. There were seven of us, and it worked perfectly, with great value for money. Right next door is Pousada Egregora, which looks like a great option for those who prefer a charming place with breakfast and full service.
If you’re looking for something special, the top guesthouse in São Jorge appears to be Sabai Pousada Boutique. In addition to its impeccable rooms and excellent service, it has a pool overlooking the Chapada. It’s just a few meters from the village’s main street, where all the restaurants and shops are located. Baguá Bangalôs is another option in the same style; in other words, trully amazing! Pousada Alecrim do Campo tends to be more budget-friendly, but just as great.
If you’re on a tight budget, check out Ypê Hospedagem, which has basic rooms but everything you need, and Hospedaria São Jorge, both right in the central area of the village.
Now it’s time to check availability for your travel dates and compare prices:
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Cavalcante
Of the three towns, Cavalcante is the most remote, about 322 km from Brasília airport, and it’s the only one I haven’t visited yet. It’s also where you’ll find the famous Santa Bárbara Waterfall, with its turquoise water, considered by many to be one of the most beautiful in Brazil.
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Where to stay in Cavalcante
Next time I’m in Chapada, I’ll stay in Cavalcante. One place I’ve already saved is Pousada Vilas Boas, a container-style cabin with a small kitchen, close to the town center. But what I really want is to stay at Majulê Ecolodge, that looks like a dream for anyone who loves the Cerrado. Have a look and tell me you don’t love it 😉
The most budget-friendly options in Cavalcante include Pousada da Ana and Pousada Toca da Raposa. There are also several vacation homes and chalets (take a look at this link), but I think Cavalcante has the fewest accommodation options among the three towns.
You’ll find these and other options on the map below:
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Another destination we love in Goiás is Pirenópolis, a historic town filled with charming restaurants and guesthouses, surrounded by dozens of waterfalls. Check out our post here!
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Chapada dos Veadeiros waterfalls
I’ve organized the waterfalls by location: those near Alto Paraíso de Goiás, those around São Jorge, and those in Cavalcante. It’s easy to visit the waterfalls in Alto Paraíso while staying in São Jorge, and the other way around. The waterfalls in Cavalcante, however, are farther out. You can visit them if you’re staying in Alto Paraíso, but they’re quite far from São Jorge.
For each one, I’ve included the trail difficulty, in a very subjective, experience-based comparison. Entrance fees range from R$40 to R$80 per adult (Oct/2025 prices); only a few places offer half-price tickets for kids and elderly. If you have questions, just send me a message on Instagram @danae_explore.
Access to all waterfalls is via dirt roads, but they’re generally in good condition. We rented a car (book through this link and promo code DANAE for the best rates) and had no issues at all.
To rent a car, I always use RentCars, where I usually find the best options, and with the DANAE promo code you still get an additional 5% off. Shall we go?
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Waterfalls near São Jorge
Vale da Lua
Trail 🥾 600 meters
Difficulty: very easy
One of the most famous and popular attractions in Chapada dos Veadeiros. The short, easy hike leads to an otherworldly landscape of rock formations and natural pools perfect for swimming, with the Chapada cliffs as a backdrop. It gets very crowded on weekends and holidays.
Vale das Pedras
Trail 🥾 200 meters
Difficulty: very easy
It’s located inside a simple guesthouse. Near the parking area is Prainha, with a beautiful pool that’s great for kids. A short trail leads to another pool, and farther ahead there’s a viewpoint over the canyons (we didn’t hike to the viewpoint, but it’s said to be beautiful).
Cachoeira do Segredo
Trail 🥾 3.5 km each way
Difficulty: easy
Even though it’s relatively long, the hike is very manageable: mostly flat, with a some incline near the end. We did it when our kids were still little, and it was easy. Along the way, there’s a stop at a wide section of the river that forms a great natural pool, plus two smaller pools. At the end, the waterfall is impressive: an 80-meter drop and a large pool that’s perfect for swimming.
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Poço das Esmeraldas and Cachoeira Cordovil
Trail 🥾 4.2 km
Difficulty: easy to moderate
Within the area, there are four points of interest: Cordovil Waterfall (the farthest), Encanto Waterfall, Poço das Esmeraldas (Emerald Pool), and Rodeador Waterfall (the closest). It’s a beautiful hike and very well marked. During the dry season, the waterfalls tend to be much weaker. Here’s the official website.
Cachoeira do Lajeado
Trail 🥾 600 m
Difficulty: easy
There are three pools for swimming; we visited them on our first trip to Chapada with the kids. During the dry season, it’s usually closed, so check ahead before you go.
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Chapada dos Veadeiros National Park
There are three main trails in the park: the blue, yellow and red trails. We bought our tickets on-site, through the official website, with 50% OFF.
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Trilha Amarela at the National Park (yellow trail)
Trail 🥾 11 km round trip. There’s an option to take a shuttle from the park entrance that cuts the hike by about 6 km.
Difficulty: moderate
In Chapada dos Veadeiros National Park, we did the yellow trail (trilha amarela), which takes you through some of the highlights such as the Saltos do Rio Preto viewpoint, Garimpão Waterfall, Carrossel Lookout and Waterfall, and the Corredeiras Waterfall.
We took the shuttle, which shortens the hike significantly, although it mostly cuts out the flatter, easier sections of the trail. From the shuttle drop-off point, we continued along a stretch of about 1.1 km, with some steep sections, until we reached the Viewpoint of the Rio Preto Waterfalls and then Garimpão Waterfall. In my opinion, Garimpão is the most beautiful: an impressive waterfall with a huge pool that’s perfect for swimming.
We hiked back uphill to the shuttle stop (about 1 km) and continued along another 1.3 km trail, passing the Carrossel Lookout. During the dry season, it’s possible to descend to the pools of Carrossel Waterfall – we happened to go during the very last week they were open for swimming!
The trail then continues to the Corredeiras, a series of small waterfalls that form lovely natural pools. From there, a short and easy 300-meter walk leads to the point where you can take the shuttle back. If you’re not using the shuttle, it’s about 3 km from this spot to the park entrance.
Below is the PDF with the trail map (from the official website of the Park).
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Trilha vermelha at the National Park (red trail)
We didn’t do this one, but it’s definitely on my list for next time! The trail passes through Canyon II, where you can access a large swimming pool in the Rio Preto, and then continues on to the Cachoeira das Cariocas waterfall.
Trail 🥾 11 km round trip
Difficulty: moderate
Below is a map of the trail, which you can also download from the park’s official website.
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Trilha azul at the National Park (blue trail)
This trail leads to small pools and waterfalls along the Preguiça Stream, but it is closed during the dry season, from June to October. We visited in October, so it wasn’t open.
Trail 🥾 850 meters round trip
Difficulty: easy and flat
A trail map is also available on the park’s official website.
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Waterfalls near Alto Paraíso de Goiás
Loquinhas
Trail 🥾 2 km
Difficulty: easy
A series of eight turquoise-green pools connected by wooden walkways. Access is very easy, and the setting is stunning. It’s about 13 km from Alto Paraíso, along a dirt road. We visited Loquinhas on both of our trips to Chapada dos Veadeiros; on our most recent visit, in October, at the end of the dry season, most of the waterfalls were dry, but the water in the pools was absolutely crystal clear.
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Cachoeira dos Cristais
Trail 🥾 800 m
Difficulty: easy to moderate
Located near Alto Paraíso, it’s easy to combine with a visit to Loquinhas on the same day. There are several small waterfalls with great pools for swimming. The trail goes down a relatively steep slope on the way in and climbs back up on the return. There is a restaurant on-site (a good option for snacks), with a beautiful view of the Chapada.
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Almécegas I and II and São Bento
Trail 🥾 800 m + 400 m
Difficulty: Almecegas I – moderate; Almecegas II and São Bento – easy
Located within Fazenda São Bento, the Almécegas I and II waterfalls are among the most beautiful in the region. The Almécegas I trail is about 800 meters long and is considered moderate; the Almécegas II trail is shorter. Both have pools that are excellent for swimming, but Almecegas I is a more impressive waterfall and you can jump into the water from the rocks.
Also within the same complex is the São Bento Waterfall, which is very easy to access. We didn’t visit it because heavy rain started, and the receptionist mentioned we could return later that day, but we decided not to.
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Cachoeiras dos Anjos e Arcanjos
Trail 🥾 1 km + 800 m to Arcanjos and + 400 m to Anjos
Difficulty: the 1 km stretch is very easy; the additional sections are moderate to difficult.
These were my favorite waterfalls on our last trip to Chapada dos Veadeiros. They are about 24 km from Alto Paraíso along a dirt road. The trail begins with an easy, almost flat 1 km walk, but reaching each waterfall involves more challenging sections, with rocks and steep areas.
The waterfalls are beautiful, with deep pools that are great for swimming. You can even jump into the water from the rocks (always with caution!), I highly recommend it!
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To rent a car, I always use RentCars, where I usually find the best options, and with the DANAE promo code you still get an additional 5% off. Shall we go?
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Catarata dos Couros
Trail 🥾 6 km
Difficulty: moderate
I haven’t visited this one yet, but it’s considered one of the most impressive in the Chapada dos Veadeiros. It’s 60 km from Alto Paraíso. Entry is free, although a voluntary contribution is suggested for the local residents who manage the informal parking area.
The circuit includes the Muralha Waterfalls, Almécegas 1000 Waterfalls, Parafuso Waterfalls and Buracão Waterfall, with several waterfalls, canyons, viewpoints and rock formations that are well worth a visit.
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Waterfalls near Cavalcante
Santa Barbara Waterfall
Trail 🥾 6 km
Difficulty: easy
Cachoeira Santa Barbara is considered one of the most beautiful waterfalls in Brazil. I haven’t visited it yet, but it’s at the top of my list for my next trip to Chapada dos Veadeiros.
It’s located 32 km from Cavalcante and 120 km from Alto Paraíso de Goiás. The trail is easy, but a local guide is required because it lies within a traditional “quilombola” community.
The visit begins with a ride in a “pau de arara” (an open-air truck) for about 30 minutes, followed by an easy 1.7 km walk to the waterfall (according to information on Google Maps). Time at the waterfall is limited, though it is said to be crowded nonetheless.
There are several other waterfalls in the Cavalcante region, but since I haven’t been there yet, I don’t have enough details to include them here on the blog yet.
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Things to know before visiting Chapada dos Veadeiros
You don’t need to book a tour package or book through a travel agency, and a guide isn’t required either. If you prefer professional support, go for it — just be sure to get recommendations and check reviews and service quality first.
Bring comfortable shoes for hiking, sun-protective clothing, a hat, sunscreen, insect repellent, and plenty of water. Packing a piece of fruit or a small snack in your backpack is always helpful!
At night, the weather can get chilly, especially in winter and during the shoulder seasons, so it’s a good idea to bring a light sweater.
Most waterfalls offer only basic facilities, and only a few have restaurants. So it’s worth planning your meals in town or bringing a more filling packed lunch for the hike.
Oh, and don’t forget to buy your ticket for the Chapada dos Veadeiros National Park, which can often be purchased at a lower price in advance through the official website. For the other waterfalls, admission is paid on-site, usually by PIX (Brazil’s instant payment system) or in cash. Only a few places accept cards, and when there’s no mobile signal, they usually offer Wi-Fi so you can complete the payment.
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Looking for nature and adventure inspiration in Brazil? You’ll find plenty here on the blog: from Lençóis Maranhenses to the Chapadas – Chapada dos Veadeiros, Chapada das Mesas, and Chapada dos Guimarães, the Amazon in Anavilhanas and in Alter do Chão, as well as destinations like Pirenópolis and Bonito, one of Brazil’s top ecotourism spots.
Here are the websites I always use to plan my trips:
– 🛌 Accommodation: Booking
– ☀️ Tours & activities: Civitatis & Get Your Guide
– 📱 eSIM for mobile data: Airalo e-SIM – use promo code DANAE2375
– 🚗 Car rental: RentCars – use promo code DANAE
All our posts about traveling in Brazil, be sure to check them out before planing a trip to my home country:
- Brazilian Amazon – How to visit the Amazon Rainforest
- What to do in Alter do Chão: Exploring amazonian beaches and rainforests in Brazil
- What to do in Chapada dos Guimaraes, Mato Grosso
- The best tours to do in Bonito, Brazil, in 4 days
- Ultimate guide to Bonito: Exploring the southern Brazilian Pantanal’s hidden paradise
- Bonito, Brazil with kids: When is the right age to visit?
- Complete guide to visiting Lençóis Maranhenses: Tips and essential itinerary
- Chapada das Mesas – Complete itinerary: what to do, where to stay, how to get there
- What to do in Pirenópolis: ecotourism and history in the interior of Goiás
- Chapada dos Veadeiros – Complete guide: best waterfalls, accommodations and tips
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