Guide To: Chapada dos Veadeiros

By: I. Benedetti

​This is a top 5 list of things to do and see in Chapada dos Veadeiros, Goiás:

1. Catarata dos Couros  
It’s a beautiful and huge waterfall with many small pools to relax, some small falls to go underneath and stunning scenery to observe. This waterfall is said to represent the sacred male of the “Chapada” and has a height of 100 metres. You have to go prepared for lots of walking up and downhill, as it’s a 3000m trail with medium difficulty to get there.

​2. Cachoeira de Santa Barbara  
This is one of the most popular attractions in the “Chapada” and is definitely my favourite. It is considered to be the sacred female and is the furthest away from “Alto paraíso”. It is located inside the “Comunidade Kalunga” and you will have to travel for 125km to get there. It is a fascinating place, great for relaxing as its very tranquil and peaceful. Also, the trail to get to the waterfall is very short but has a medium difficulty with 1000m.
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3. Alemecegas I e II e São Bento 
These are three different waterfalls located in the same farm and all have very easy access. It is a 800 m walk until Almecegas I and 300m more to II. They are all very beautiful and have very exuberant vegetation around which makes it even more scenic. Also, all three are great to swim and lie down on the huge stones around it.

4. Vale da Lua 
​In my opinion, it is one of the most magical places in “chapada dos Veadeiros” and everyone visiting should definitely go. There is a river called, “ Rio São Miguel”, that goes through the enormous granite stones and has been sculpting them for the past 600 million years. It has created huge bumps in the stones making it feel like you are walking in moon craters. It’s an amazing site and it’s very easy to get there, only a 600m walk. 

5. Wander in Alto Paraíso
​It is the best little town to stay in as it is the closest to most of the waterfalls and is the largest one in the area. There are many shops selling crystals and small stands on the streets, which sell crafts made by locals. Also, there are charming restaurants to eat in and most of them feature local ingredients in their cuisine. My favourite one is “Santo Cerrado” that offers amazing food and live music.