Chapada dos Veadeiros National Park 5 days

Trekking at Chapada dos Veadeiros © Ion David

Located in the oldest geological part of the continent, the Araí plate, formed 1.8 billion years ago, Chapada dos Veadeiros (Veadeiros tableland) is the most luminous point seen from the Earth's orbit, according to NASA. The Chapada dos Veadeiros National Park in Goiás State was created in 1961. It is situated at varying altitudes between 1,300 and 1,500 mt (4265 and 4921ft), which act as watersheds of the Maranhão and Paraná river basins. Of the existing fauna, the lobo-guará, deer, rhea, king vulture and various species of sparrow hawk are worthy of noting.
Being an area of incomparable beauty, Chapada dos Veadeiros is interesting to visit both in the dry season and the rainy one. Because of the amazing energy present in the region, it attracts people interested in mysticism and ecotourism. It is also famous for its waterfalls, hiking trails and unforgettable landscape. Here, nature remains untouched by civilization, thanks to IBAMA, environmental institutions, the local community and the local public administration.

Program Summary

Day 1 – Brasília – Alto Paraiso
Arrival at the airport in Brasilia (up to 10 am).
Transfer from Brasilia to Alto Paraíso (3 hours); Lunch in Alto Paraíso. Upon arrival, guided tour to Vale da Lua, an extraordinary moonscape of rock sculpted by the force of the São Miguel River. Transfer to São Jorge, 25mi (38km) away, and to Trilha Violeta Pousada.
Visit to view the sunset.
Dinner in São Jorge.

Day 2 – Alto Paraíso – Chapada dos Veadeiros National Park.
Breakfast at the pousada restaurant.
Departure for a 5mi (8km) hike in the Chapada dos Veadeiros National Park. The circuit follows an old miners’ trail passing by the quartz crystal mines that gave rise to the settlement of São Jorge. Along the way you will see a wide range of typical vegetation of the high altitude cerrado (savannah). We will stop for a swim and hydro-massage beneath the Pedreiras waterfall, one of the main attractions of the National Park, set in the rocky valley through which Rio Preto tumbles in a series of cascades and natural swimming pools. After a picnic lunch you will return along a small path shimmering with fragments of quartz crystal. Visit the relaxing hot springs at nearby Água Quente.
Back to pousada and dinner in São Jorge.

Day 3 – Alto Paraíso - São Miguel River.
Breakfast at Trilha Violeta pousada. Check out.
Tour to 2 of the main attractions on the São Miguel river, neighboring the National Park. At Raizama, a private conservation reserve, we will walk 2m (3km) on a circular trail taking in views of the 120ft (40m) Raizama canyon and the gallery forest along its steep bank. At nearby Morada do Sol, the 2mi (3.5km) trail follows the São Miguel river and its lovely cascades and canyons. We will stop for a picnic lunch and a swim in the crystal waters of one of the several natural swimming pools.
Transfer to Alto Paraíso, 45 minutes away, and to Recanto da Grande Paz Pousada.
Dinner in Alto Paraíso. 

Day 4 – Alto Paraíso - São Bento and Almécegas Waterfall.
Breakfast at Recanto da Grande Paz pousada, in Alto Paraíso.
Visit to Portal da Chapada, 5mi (8km) away. We’ll follow a trail decked in wood for some 1.5mi (2.5km) through typical savanah landscapes and stop for a swim beneath the São Bento waterfall. Then, visit to the neighboring São Bento farm, walking about 1.5 miles (2.5. km) to the lovely Almécegas: 1 waterfall with its 150ft (50m) drop, and then on to the smaller Almécegas: 2 waterfall for a refreshing dip in the large natural swimming pool. Back to Alto paraiso. Dinner.

Optional: Abseiling down the middle of the Almeceges waterfall, a descent of 135 ft (45m) over rock and water and into a large natural swimming pool below.  Your safety throughout is carefully controlled by expert instructors so that this is an ideal baptism into the sport.

Day 5 – City tour and return.
Breakfast at Recanto da Grande Paz pousada.
Free morning to shop or visit the city.
Lunch in Alto Paraíso. Transfer to Brasília (3 hours, afternoon flight).

General Information

Capacity:	Minimum of 2 travelers and Maximum of 15 travelers
Guide Language:	English. Other languages upon request
Level:	Easy to Moderate Program
Included:	Transfers in/out Brasilia / São Jorge / Local / Alto Paraiso / Brasilia. Overnights. All activities and meals mentioned above. Entrance fee
Not Included:	Beverages. Medical expenses, hospitalization. Any type of insurance
Personal Gear:	Light and warm clothes, swimsuits, raincoat, water bottle, training shoes, rucksacks, sun block, hat, mosquito repellent.