- 4.9/5 354 Latest reviews
- Destination: Brazil
- Duration: 16 Days
- Tour Type: Private & Bespoke
- Tour Style: Nature
About This Trip
This 16-day journey begins in Brasília, Brazil’s capital city. Take time to explore this federal hub and appreciate its striking urban planning and creative architectural landmarks. The adventure then leads you to two of Brazil’s best-kept natural secrets: Chapada dos Veadeiros and Jalapão. Chapada dos Veadeiros is renowned for its dramatic waterfalls, unique rock formations, scenic hiking routes, and breathtaking scenery. Jalapão, meanwhile, showcases an unspoiled wilderness, combining cascades, sand dunes, crystal-clear springs, and landscapes reminiscent of Brazil’s northeastern coast.
Summary
DAY
PLACE
HIGHLIGHTS
1 - 2
Brasilia
Complete Tour of the Federal Capital
3 - 6
Chapada dos Veadeiros
Vale da Lua, Saltos do Rio Preto, Garimpao, Cataratas dos Couros, Waterfalls of Loquinhas
7 - 8
Pirenópolis
Serra dos Pireneus, Vargem Grande Reserve, Parque dos Pireneus, Historic Center, Fazenda Babilonia
9
Caldas Novas
Free Day to Enjoy Hot Springs
10 - 15
Jalapao
Suçuapara Canyon, Cachoeira da Formiga, Dunes, Serra da Muriçoca, Korubo Safari Camp, Canoeing on the Novo River, Fervedouro and Formiga Waterfall, Cachoeira da Velha
16
Palmas
Departure
Itinerary
- Day 1: Arrival in Brasília
Welcome to Brasília, Brazil’s vibrant and futuristic capital! Upon arrival, you will be met for a private transfer to your hotel, where you can unwind and settle in.
- Brasilia
- Day 2: Brasília – Chapada dos Veadeiros
Brasília, established in the late 1950s to promote Brazil’s inland development, is famous for its innovative urban planning and striking modernist architecture. It is recognized globally as the youngest UNESCO World Heritage city and a milestone in the history of city design.
In the morning, enjoy a full guided tour of the Federal Capital, gaining insight into the city’s layout, visiting key monuments, and taking plenty of opportunities for photography along the way.
After a barbecue lunch, embark on a scenic drive of approximately 230 km (around 3 hours) to reach Chapada dos Veadeiros.
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- Chapada dos Veadeiros
- Day 3: Exploring Cânion Raizama & Moon Valley
Chapada dos Veadeiros, dating back 1.8 billion years, is one of the oldest tropical ecosystems on Earth, renowned for its waterfalls, scenic hiking trails, and stunning landscapes.
From Espaço Infinito farm, hike along the trail overlooking Raizama Canyon until you reach Vale da Lua (Moon Valley), known for its crater-like rock formations. Over millions of years, the São Miguel River has sculpted this natural wonder, giving it a lunar-like appearance. It’s a perfect location for photography and taking a dip in the river.
Finish the day with a late lunch in the charming village of São Jorge.
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- Chapada dos Veadeiros
- Day 4: Southern Pantanal Immersion
Enjoy your last full day exploring the natural wonders of the Pantanal. Optional activities such as horseback riding and birdwatching offer fresh perspectives on this vibrant ecosystem. You may also choose to enhance your experience by accompanying the lodge’s conservation team, taking part in hyacinth macaw tracking or field monitoring of jaguars.
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- Campo Grande
- Day 5: Chapada dos Veadeiros – Cataratas dos Couros
After breakfast, journey 57 km west to explore one of Chapada dos Veadeiros’ most remarkable natural sites, the Cataratas dos Couros. Following a 1.5-hour drive, take a 1.5 km walk along the Rio dos Couros, where the river plunges into a deep canyon of roughly 300 meters, forming a spectacular series of waterfalls and natural pools.
Descend along one of the riverbanks to reach a viewpoint partway down, offering stunning perspectives of the falls both above and below.
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- Chapada dos Veadeiros
- Day 6: Alto Paraíso – Loquinhas Waterfalls & Travel to Pirenópolis
In the morning, head 8 km to the Loquinhas Waterfalls. Stroll 1.5 km along the elevated wooden walkways through the gallery forest, discovering seven turquoise pools and several small cascades along the way.
Return to the inn around 11:30 am, check out, enjoy a farewell lunch in Alto Paraíso, and then set off on a 375 km drive (approximately 5 hours) to reach Pirenópolis.
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- Pirenópolis
- Day 7: Pirenópolis – Serra dos Pireneus & Vargem Grande Reserve
Begin the day with a climb to Serra dos Pireneus, making a stop at Mirante do Ventilador, 1,150 meters above sea level, to enjoy sweeping views of the city and surrounding landscape.
Next, explore the Vargem Grande Reserve, where trails through cerrado and woodland habitats lead to three beautiful waterfalls, perfect for sightseeing and photography.
Continue to Parque dos Pireneus, visiting key points showcasing pristine savannah and striking rock formations, including Vila dos Becos, and conclude at the region’s highest peak, Pico dos Pireneus, standing at 1,400 meters.
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- Pirenópolis
- Day 8: Pirenópolis – Historic Center & Travel to Caldas Novas
In addition to its stunning waterfalls and pristine savannah, Pirenópolis is famous for its charming Portuguese colonial architecture. After breakfast, take a guided tour of the Historic Center, exploring the city’s main landmarks and cultural highlights.
Visit the nationally recognized Fazenda Babilônia, a colonial estate built by enslaved people at the end of the 18th century, and savor a traditional Goias coffee, celebrated for preserving the Tropeira cuisine heritage of the past century.
Later, depart for Caldas Novas, a journey of 280 km taking approximately 4 hours by road.
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- Caldas Novas
- Day 9: Caldas Novas – Thermal Pool Relaxation
Spend a leisurely day enjoying the famous hydro-thermal pools of Caldas Novas. The resort offers 15 thermal pools, including three covered pools with temperatures ranging from 38°C to 48°C, two cold-water pools, one semi-Olympic pool, four hot tubs (one covered), a children’s pool, two natural saunas, water slides, showers, four swim-up bars, and a whirlpool
Lunch is provided at the hotel, allowing you to fully relax and make the most of the thermal amenities.
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- Caldas Novas
- Day 10: Caldas Novas – Goiania & Arrival in Palmas
After breakfast, embark on a 2-hour drive to Goiania Airport for your flight to Palmas, the capital of Tocantins, established in 1989 to promote development in central Brazil.
Upon arrival in Palmas, you will be greeted at the airport and transferred to your hotel for check-in and relaxation.
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- Palmas
- Day 11: Palmas – Jalapão & Suçuapara Canyon
Depart from Palmas toward Jalapão, covering 180 km to reach Ponte Alta, where the paved road ends and the dirt track begins. This is the last stop along the route to purchase essentials such as sunscreen, insect repellent, and snacks.
After lunch in Ponte Alta, continue to Suçuapara Canyon for a refreshing 400-meter round-trip walk through water and over rocks. Then, proceed to the enigmatic Serra da Muriçoca, crossing the headwaters of the Vermelho River. From the mountaintop, take in the vast expanse of Jalapão and spot landmarks including Serra da Jalapinha, Serra do Espírito Santo, and the distant Serra Geral da Bahia on the horizon.
By late afternoon, arrive at Safari Camp Korubo, 120 km along dirt roads, located on the banks of the Novo River. Upon arrival, the guide and staff will introduce the camp’s daily routines, followed by a welcome drink and dinner.
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- Jalapão
- Day 12: Jalapão – Rio Novo & The Dunes
Early risers can head to the Safari Camp viewpoint to witness the spectacular sunrise over Serra do Espírito Santo. A terrestrial telescope is also available to observe the surrounding mountains and the cliffs that shape the iconic Jalapão Dunes.
After enjoying a hearty breakfast by the river and receiving detailed canoeing instructions, embark on a gentle descent of the Novo River (approximately one hour, easy level) to experience its untouched natural beauty. Return to the safari camp afterward for lunch.
In the afternoon, following a restful break, venture out to explore the dunes. Along the way, pause briefly for photos of Rio Novo and its rapids. The dunes feature golden sands framed by vast plateaus, winding paths, and sparkling lakes, creating a surreal, colorful landscape with towering cliffs that shift hues as the light changes.
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- Jalapão
- Day 13: Jalapão – Fervedouro, Formiga Waterfall & Vale do Rio Preto
Begin the day with a visit to Fervedouro and the Formiga Waterfall, a small yet powerful cascade with an emerald-colored plunge pool. The strong water pressure makes it impossible to sink, creating a unique natural experience.
Next, travel across Vale do Rio Preto, nestled between the Serras do Meio and Espírito Santo. The journey offers stunning scenery, inviting travelers to enjoy the views from vehicle windows and designated viewpoints, breathe in the fresh air, and capture memorable photos. Continue 75 km on dirt roads to reach Fervedouro do Soninho – an exclusive Korubo experience – where you can bathe in the Sono River, enjoying the contrast of its cool waters against the warm springs of the Fervedouro.
Later, head 15 km on a dirt road to Cachoeira da Formiga, a waterfall forming a natural pool with crystalline, emerald-green water. Continue another 25 km to Mateiros, where mobile signals return and you can purchase local golden grass crafts, enjoy ice cream, or explore the small town.
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- Jalapão
- Day 14: Jalapão – Serra do Espírito Santo Viewpoint
Early in the morning, set out for the Serra do Espírito Santo Viewpoint Trail, a 24 km journey on dirt roads. This remote and dramatic location offers sweeping panoramic views of the entire Jalapão region and provides insight into how the famous dunes were shaped by water forces. The 8 km hike is of moderate difficulty, physically demanding, and recommended only for those in good health who are accustomed to regular exercise.
After completing the hike, return to the safari camp for lunch. The afternoon is free to relax at the camp, or guests may choose to take a gentle walk in the nearby surroundings.
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- Jalapão
- Day 15: Jalapão – Cachoeira da Velha & Return to Palmas
After breakfast, head 70 km along dirt roads to visit Cachoeira da Velha, Jalapão’s largest waterfall, famous for its dramatic horseshoe shape. Following the visit, stop at the nearby Cachoeira beach, a relaxing, shaded spot with shallow, crystal-clear waters.
After enjoying lunch, begin the journey back to Palmas. Upon arrival, check in at the hotel and spend the night in comfort.
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- Palmas
- Day 16: Palmas – Departure
Spend a leisurely morning in Palmas before your scheduled transfer to the airport for your onward flight.
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