The Parque Nacional da Chapada dos Veadeiros is part of the UNESCO World Heritage site Cerrado Protected Areas and is located on the Brazilian Central Plateau in the state of Goiás. UNESCO heritage, hiking trails, cave systems and river landscapes give a trip through Goias a variety of highlights: alongside nature experiences, historic sites and long-distance routes are also on the agenda.

Cerrado, trails and water

Activities for visitors to the Parque Nacional da Chapada dos Veadeiros include hiking along trails and through routes, swimming in rivers, pools and waterfalls, and observing the landscape, flora and fauna. Camping, canyoning and climbing are also available. The range of activities there spans everything from quiet nature observation to more active pursuits.

In the Parque Nacional das Emas, self-guided trails within the areas open to visitors and during permitted visiting hours are free of charge. Observing animals typical of the Cerrado is a visitor attraction; these include giant anteaters, maned wolves, rheas, tapirs and deer. There are two official entrances: reach the Guarda do Bandeira gate via Chapadão do Céu or Costa Rica, and the Guarda do Jacuba gate via Mineiros. Check access requirements and road conditions before setting out.

A different natural highlight awaits you at the Parque Estadual de Terra Ronca: the area encompasses a significant cave system, including caves, caverns and sinkholes, as well as waterfalls and crystal-clear rivers. It has great potential for ecotourism. Here, underground formations and water take center stage, while trails, landscape observation and wildlife shape the visitor experience at the national parks of Chapada dos Veadeiros and Emas.

The Parque Estadual da Serra de Caldas Novas also brings together several aspects of the landscape. It protects the summit and edges of the Serra de Caldas, regarded as an important geological area in Brazil. The park also preserves springs and cold-water aquifers that feed tributaries of the Corumbá and Piracanjuba rivers. At the entrance is a visitor museum featuring taxidermied Cerrado mammals and birds; check its availability before your trip. Caldas Novas is considered an ecotourism destination, and the park has hiking trails and waterfalls.

Long-distance routes and cultural history

The Caminho de Cora Coralina runs for over 300 kilometers through the Cerrado, is divided into 13 sections, and stretches from Corumbá de Goiás to the historic Cidade de Goiás. You can travel the route on foot or by bicycle. It connects eight cities and seven villages shaped by poetry, gastronomy, culture and religion. A 24.2-kilometer section passes through the Parque Estadual da Serra de Jaraguá and can also be traveled on foot or by bicycle. This is distinct from the park’s approximately 1,600-meter downhill track, which hosts national competitions in the discipline. If you are interested in competitions, check the dates in advance.

The Cidade de Goiás preserves more than 90 percent of its original colonial architecture. The archaeological complex of Serranópolis offers a different perspective on the past: it is one of Brazil’s most significant and comprehensive groups of archaeological sites and is considered a reference point for the history of human settlement in the Brazilian Cerrado. Preserved colonial architecture and archaeological sites thus offer different ways of exploring history.

River landscapes and seasonal differences

The Rio Araguaia is one of the most important travel destinations in Goiás. Particularly during the mid-year holiday season, sand beaches appear as water levels fall; the campsites are also well known. The river is also suitable for water sports and recreational fishing. Since conditions for beaches and campsites change with water levels, it is worth checking the latest conditions before your trip.

In Rio Quente flows the 12-kilometer-long Rio Quente, described as the world’s largest warm-water river. It is also home to Brazil’s largest thermal-water resort, featuring an artificial beach with naturally warm water and waves, as well as water parks. Check current operating conditions before visiting.

If you are looking for hotels in Goias, let your preferred focus guide you: trails and wildlife, caves and water, seasonal river activities, or cultural history. Keep in mind the access requirements and seasonal differences at the places you plan to visit.

Discover more destinations

Discover more destinations: Caldas Novas, Goiânia, Anápolis, Alto Paraíso De Goiás, Trindade, Pirenópolis, Buriti Alegre, Jataí, João Alves, Goianápolis, Caiapônia, Catalão, Cavalcante, Jaraguá, Goiás, Posse, Colinas Do Sul, Niquelândia, Corumbá De Goiás, Piranhas, Luziânia, Rio Verde, São Miguel Do Araguaia, Senador Canedo, Ipameri, Planaltina, Campos Belos, Abadiânia, Itumbiara, Porangatu, Aruanã, Cachoeira Alta, Quirinópolis, Itajá, Hidrolândia, Cocalzinho De Goiás, Goiandira, Goianésia, Padre Bernardo, Mineiros, Nerópolis, Goiatuba, Rialma, Orizona, Morrinhos, Campinorte, Caçu, Fazenda Nova, Marzagão, Três Ranchos, Itapirapuã, Cristianópolis, São Domingos, Mundo Novo, Formosa, Teresina de Goiás, Araçu, São Luís de Montes Belos, Cristalina, Vila Boa.

For the broader travel overview: Brazil.