In the municipality of Formosa, waterfall trails and viewpoints meet caves, rock faces and green spaces close to town. When planning your visit, it is worth keeping the different trail lengths and visiting conditions in mind: a paved access path leads to Salto do Itiquira, while the self-guided Trilha do Salto is a longer circular route. Other activities, such as those at Dolina dos Maracanãs, require advance registration or an ecotourism or adventure team.

Waterfalls and Trails

The main access path to Salto do Itiquira runs within the Parque Municipal do Itiquira nature conservation area. The 450-meter path is fully paved and leads to the waterfall. Parque Municipal do Itiquira was established on September 16, 1981.

Another option is the self-guided Trilha do Salto. Its 2.44 kilometers include the outward and return journey. The route leads to the pools known as Garganta do Itiquira and passes Mirante da Serra and Mirante do Salto. This means there are two different trail distances to consider when planning: the 450-meter main access path to the waterfall and the 2.44-kilometer circular route with pools and viewpoints.

At Dolina dos Maracanãs, also known as Buraco das Araras, there is an approximately 70-meter-high rappel and a cave with crystal-clear water at a pleasant temperature. Visits are possible only with advance registration or an ecotourism or adventure team. Confirm the current booking requirements before your visit.

Landscape, Views and Nature

Lagoa Feia is a natural lake and is considered one of the largest in Brazil’s Central-West region. It is the source of the Rio Preto, which joins Ribeirão Santa Rita near the urban area of Formosa. Ribeirão Santa Rita marks the boundary between Formosa and the Federal District. Together, the lake, river and border area form a connected landscape feature of the municipality.

Parque Ecológico Mata da Bica lies entirely within the urban area of Formosa. The trails in Parque EcoBocaina offer a different kind of scenery, leading to viewpoints overlooking Vale do Paranã as well as high rock faces, pools and mineral-water waterfalls. The park is located at Fazenda Bocaina in the municipality of Formosa, between Rampa de Voo Livre do Paranã and Salto do Itiquira.

Parque EcoBocaina is described as a refuge for wild animals in their natural habitat, with as little human interference as possible. These include jaguars, maned wolves, giant anteaters, tapirs, giant armadillos and deer. Chapada Indaiá combines waterfalls and hiking trails with cozy chalés for a nature-focused stay.

Cristo Redentor de Formosa also offers a clear landmark: it stands on a hill, where the view at sunrise and sunset stretches across the entire municipality. For those who want to combine scenic views with a walk by the lake, Laguinho do Vovô has a city-built space with gardens and a loop for running and walking. Check the condition of the loop before your visit.

City Life, Culture and Special Events

At Usina Parque Bandeirinha, the activities on offer include adventure activities, waterfalls and a ride on a small train. The Museu da Usina is also located there and tells the story of energy in Formosa. A visit to the museum complements the natural attractions with a look at a subject from the city’s history.

The city of Formosa hosts an annual stage of the Brazilian paragliding and free-flight circuit. If this event is important to your travel dates, check the schedule separately. This makes it easier to plan your visit around a specific event, while waterfall trails, viewpoints and urban green spaces offer different ways to spend your time in Formosa regardless.

Discover more destinations: Formosa, Teresina de Goiás, Mundo Novo, São Domingos, Araçu, Cristianópolis, São Luís de Montes Belos, Itapirapuã

For the broader travel overview: Goias.