Alto Paraíso de Goiás: Cerrado, Waterfalls and Culture

Mysticism and spirituality shape the atmosphere of Alto Paraíso de Goiás. The town’s culinary scene includes a varied vegetarian cuisine; at the same time, nature trails in the municipality and nearby areas lead to Cerrado landscapes, viewpoints, and waterfalls. When looking for a holiday apartment, you can first consider whether you want to focus more on the character of the town or on the excursions and their different trails.

Trails through the Cerrado and along the Rio dos Couros

The Parque Estadual Águas do Paraíso is located in the municipality of Alto Paraíso. A level walking trail of about three kilometres leads through the unspoiled Cerrado towards the Mirante das Cataratas dos Couros and as far as the start of the descent. Visitor rules apply when visiting the park. A second trail runs along the Rio dos Couros and provides access to each of the river’s four main waterfalls. This offers two different focuses: one trail crosses the Cerrado to the viewpoint, while the other follows the river and leads to its waterfalls.

Waterfalls and trail characteristics

At Fazenda Loquinhas, the circuit includes the Trilha Violeta, Trilha Loquinhas, and Trilha Ruby, with a total trail distance of 2.2 kilometres. The site also has 18 pools and waterfalls, whose water appears emerald green; several swimming spots are part of the described grounds. The trail to Cachoeira do Segredo has a different character: it is of moderate difficulty, covers seven kilometres there and back, and runs along the river through the forest. Comparing the stated distances and trail descriptions can help you organise excursions according to the distance and character you prefer.

Vale da Lua is located in the municipality of Alto Paraíso, on the edge of Chapada dos Veadeiros National Park. A short, easy trail leads to a panoramic view, a canyon, a distinctive rock formation, natural pools, small waterfalls, and a viewpoint. At Cachoeira da Raizama, wooden walkways lead to small viewpoints on the rocks; from there, you can see the waterfall and the canyon of the Rio São Miguel. Cachoeira Almécegas can be viewed from a viewpoint, and swimming is possible below the series of waterfalls.

Trails to the Cachoeiras do Cordovil, do Rodeador, and do Encontro, as well as to Poço das Esmeraldas, start at the Fazenda visitor centre on Fazenda Volta da Serra. They can be travelled on foot, by car, or by bicycle. Check the current access rules before visiting. At Cachoeira dos Cristais, nine waterfalls are located along the trail to the main waterfall complex; a separate trail leads to Cachoeira da Água Fria.

The town’s character, plant knowledge, and cuisine

Alto Paraíso has a herbarium organised by someone knowledgeable about the medicinal properties of Cerrado plants. The town’s varied vegetarian cuisine is associated with people who moved there from different parts of Brazil and the world and run restaurants, snack bars, and guesthouses. The food is described as healthy, creative, and tasty. Together with an atmosphere shaped by mysticism and spirituality, this gives the town a character distinct from the nature excursions in the surrounding area.

Historical event listings also give an impression of the cultural calendar: in 2023, the 44th, 45th, and 46th Batalha do ET were scheduled for 7, 14, and 21 February in Alto Paraíso. That year, Festa do Divino was scheduled to run from 13 to 29 May; the Catholic Church was named as the organiser.

Getting there and choosing a holiday apartment as a base

The road connecting Brasília with Chapada dos Veadeiros is fully paved. Alto Paraíso is 235 kilometres from Brasília International Airport; check current road conditions before setting out. Cachoeira dos Cristais is 11 kilometres from Alto Paraíso in the direction of Cavalcante; three kilometres of unpaved road lead to the car park. Morada do Sol is 38 kilometres in the direction of São Jorge, as far as the entrance gate, followed by two kilometres of unpaved road to the car park. These different directions, distances, and road sections provide practical guidance when planning your excursions and looking for a holiday apartment at the same time.

Discover more destinations

Discover more destinations: Catalão, Vila Boa, Goiandira, Planaltina, Padre Bernardo, Goiatuba, Goiânia, Itumbiara.

To the main travel overview: Goias.