Chapada dos Veadeiros National Park
With more than 240,000 hectares of protected Cerrado, Chapada dos Veadeiros National Park is one of Brazil’s top nature tourism highlights.
The official entrance is in São Jorge village. Trails are signed and self-guided, so a guide is not required on official routes.
The park's cerrado shelters iconic wildlife, including maned wolf and hyacinth macaw, but sightings are uncommon and depend on luck, timing and quiet hiking. Keep your distance, never feed animals and always follow ranger instructions.
On holidays and high season, arrive early. Daily visitation is capped per trail.
Main trails in the park
- Saltos trail (10 km round trip): 120 m waterfall, 80 m waterfall, and Rio Preto rapids.
- Carioquinhas → classic swimming loop near São Jorge
- Cachoeira da Carioca → Cânions trail (12 km round trip): Canyon II with great swim spots.
- Sete Quedas (23.5 km, with camping) and Siriema trail (800 m) round out adventure and easier circuits.
Access, tickets, and facilities
From Alto Paraíso to São Jorge is about 37 km. From the village to the gate is a short stretch, by car or on foot.
The park does not widely sell food inside the trails, so bring water, snacks, and sun protection. The gate has basic support.
Admission is paid and varies by visitor profile. If long hikes feel unsafe, hire an accredited guide for support.
Planning a trip? See our tips on where to stay in Chapada dos Veadeiros, with guesthouse picks in Alto Paraíso, São Jorge and Cavalcante.