Cavalcante: Mining History and Waterfalls

Cavalcante lies in the north of Chapada dos Veadeiros and combines a history that began with mining with natural attractions in the municipality. The town itself lies on the Ribeirão Lava-pés, a tributary of the Rio das Almas, which in turn flows into the Paranã. Approximate distances help put the area in perspective: about 500 km from Goiânia, 300 km from Brasília and 90 km from Alto Paraíso. The municipality also includes waterfall areas located away from the town.

A town with roots in mining

The settlement grew out of mining; after mining ended, Cavalcante lost all its importance. On November 2, 1851, it was elevated to the status of a vila. The churches of Santana, Rosário and Boa Morte were built during this period. Their three names give this historical period a tangible connection and link the town's development with the history of its churches. A later local partnership began in 2022: Casa do Artesão de Cavalcante and Flor de Café launched a partnership that year, opening a shared space at the entrance to town.

Waterfalls and Cerrado in the municipality

The waterfalls of Candaru, Capivara and Santa Bárbara are located there, in a landscape with extensive untouched Cerrado vegetation. According to the description, the waterfalls carry plenty of water year-round, even during pronounced dry periods. This described combination of dry season, abundant water and Cerrado sets these natural attractions clearly apart from Cavalcante's town history.

The Cachoeira Santa Bárbara is part of the Engenho II waterfall landscape. Its cascade is 28 m high, with a large, crystal-clear, turquoise-blue pool below. Untouched Cerrado vegetation surrounds the waterfall. These specific features—the cascade, pool and vegetation—give this destination a different landscape from the gorge and emerald-green pool of the Cachoeira Rei do Prata.

Different water landscapes

The Complexo do Prata, with seven waterfalls, is located in the municipality of Cavalcante. One of them is the Cachoeira Rei do Prata, known for its emerald-green water. It lies in a gorge; its roughly 7 m-high waterfall forms a clear, emerald-green pool where swimming is possible. The round trip at the Complexo do Prata is 14 km, and a guide is required. Check local conditions before your visit and factor the required guide into your plans.

The Complexo Águas Lindas e Canjica includes natural pools, natural infinity pools in shades of blue or emerald green, as well as waterfalls. The Cachoeira Canjica is associated with an ancient rock formation. Check local access conditions before visiting. This makes it possible to distinguish the pools, cascades and rock formations as a separate focus from the waterfalls in the Engenho II area.

Cultural heritage and choosing your focus

The Kalunga Territory is located in the municipality, is easily accessible and is open to tourist visits. Check local rules for individual visiting locations. Also located in the municipality is the Sítio Histórico e Patrimônio Cultural Kalunga, the largest quilombo community in the country. These cultural attractions broaden the picture of Cavalcante beyond its town history and waterfalls.

When looking for a vacation rental, it is worth matching your choice to your planned focus: Would you like to center your trip on Cavalcante and its history, or include natural and cultural attractions in the municipality? Engenho II is about 27 km from the town center; a guide is required at the Complexo do Prata.

Discover more travel destinations: Jataí, Niquelândia, Mineiros, Goianésia, Aruanã, Posse, Luziânia, Campos Belos

For the broader travel overview: Goias.