Chapada dos Veadeiros

Today arrive in Brasília where you will be met and taken to the hotel. Brasília was designed in a shape of an airplane by Oscar Niemeyer, hosting the biggest number of the architect’s creations. It is one of the most modern capitals in the world. Take a discovery tour, visiting the Republic Cultural Space, the Metropolitan Cathedral, the Ministries Square, the Itamaraty Palace, JK Bridge, and Alvorada Palace. In comparison with a mostly colonial feel in the rest of Brazil – the capital stands out as an example of modernism and diversity. You can do the tour on bicycles along the flat alleys.

After breakfast transfer by car to the National Park of Chapada dos Veadeiros. The park has abundant flora and fauna, numerous rivers and waterfalls and lots of crystals. It is located on the oldest geological site in South America. According to NASA it is the most luminous point seen from the Earth’s orbit. After check-in, take a tour to Vale da Lua, an extraordinary site of moon-like rocks, sculpted by the river São Miguel. After a pleasant walk you can also relax and swim under the streams, a wonderful experience.

After breakfast visit the beautiful sites nearby Alto Paraíso – Cachoeira dos Cristais and Cachoeira Loquinhas. Although the area presents unique natural beauty, it is still off the tourist map, so you’ll avoid crowds and souvenir sellers. Most of the waterfalls are located on a private property and are well looked after. The sites are far from each other, but you will have a private driver to transport you. At times you can also see the colourful araras and tucano flying around – it really feels like in paradise.

Today depart Alto Paraiso and drive to Cavalcante and take a easy walk along the trail to Santa Bárbara – the most beautiful turquoise waterfall in the chapada. The waterfall is well hidden and a local guide will show you the way. After swimming, head back to the village, across the virgin fields, for a delicious rustic lunch in Calunga. The community was recognised as a cultural heritage site and is sheltering three quilombola villages, separated by huge mountain ranges. They are keeping alive the ancient traditions of Afro-Brazilian culture.

This morning head out on a hike in the national park in São Jorge. The light trail with lead you to two spectacular gorges, called Canyon I & II, and the lovely Carioquinha Falls on the Rio Preto River. You will pass through a range of high-altitude cerrado fields with a beautiful flora and fauna. There will be lilies all over. Stop for a picnic lunch in the park and then head back to the village to spend the day at leisure. São Jorge in truly lovely, there are several rustic bars and restaurants where you can try delicious tapiocas and pão de queijo. Everybody knows each other and you will soon become a local too.

After breakfast, head out to another spectacular hike in the park. The circuit follows an old miners’ trail passing by the quartz crystal mines that gave rise to the settlement of São Jorge. Stop for a swim beneath the Pedreiras waterfalls, the first one on this trail, and then continue onto a beautiful viewpoint from where you can admire the Saltos waterfalls. Stop for a picnic lunch in the park before returning to the village. São Jorge has a cultural center where they have interesting events and performances. We highly recommend to check their agenda.

Today you will take one of the most spectacular trails with a local guide. This is a longer walk than the previous ones, but totally worth it. The walking path starts just off the road turning left from the national park and leading to Abismo – a place with an amazing waterfall and a 360° view over the cerrado plateau. After refreshing swimming, continue to Mirante da Janela for an iconic view over the Saltos Falls. Stop for a picnic lunch in the park and return to Sao Jorge towards the midday. Spend the rest of the day at the pool.

After breakfast you will be transferred back to Brasília to catch your flight home, or for onward travel. The departure time is flexible and you can plan your day accordingly. There are many more beautiful waterfalls and lakes in Chapada dos Veadeiros – you may even wish to extend your stay! Despite being far from the coast, with no beaches, chapada might surprisingly be one of the most relaxing holiday places in Brazil. You will come back from this trip filled with energy and a recharged body and mind.