Alto Araguaia: River Sources, Waterfalls and Queijo Cabacinha

Rapids, caves, cascades and waterfalls shape the landscape of Alto Araguaia. The town is also linked to the sources of the Rio Araguaia: the river rises in the Serra do Caiapó at an altitude of 850 metres. Experiences in nature by the water and insights into local traditions give your trip different focuses—and can help you plan excursions and choose a holiday rental based on your interests.

The Rio Araguaia and the Waterfalls

The Rio Araguaia runs alongside the municipal seat of Alto Araguaia and also forms the boundary with the neighbouring state of Goiás. The town’s connection with the river extends to its sources near Parque Nacional das Emas. Those interested in river landscapes will therefore find a specific geographical connection here; the municipality’s landscape also includes extensive caves and large rapids.

The distances of several waterfalls from the town centre vary considerably. Cachoeira dos Padres, a waterfall on the Rio Araguaia, is 500 metres away; Cachoeira do Rio Araguaia is 3 kilometres away. Farther out, Cachoeira Couto Magalhães, also on the Rio Araguaia, is 35 kilometres away, and Cachoeira da Onça on the Córrego da Água Emendada is 41 kilometres away. Cachoeira do Sonho on the Rio Araguainha is 67 kilometres from the town centre. These details give you a point of reference when comparing possible destinations for excursions during your stay.

Balneário Córrego Boiadeiro is also 500 metres from the town centre. A hiking trail leads to Cachoeira Couto Magalhães. On one described hike, visitors reached Loca do Barbicha; the route ended with a swim in the Rio Araguaia. A local tourist route also included a visit to Cachoeira Salto das 3 Quedas. This gives you different waterside destinations and walking experiences to consider when planning your trip, without combining them into a single route.

Queijo Cabacinha and Local Culture

Queijo Cabacinha has been part of Alto Araguaia’s culture for many years and is recognised as the municipality’s intangible cultural heritage. During a visit to Fazenda Córrego Rico, guests learned how the traditional cheese is made and were able to taste it. This connects a regional food with its production, offering a distinct cultural highlight alongside the natural attractions.

The town’s history is also reflected in a specific place: the foundation stone for Igreja Matriz Nossa Senhora Auxiliadora was laid in 1920 in the main square of the Alto Araguaia settlement. If you are interested in local history as well as rivers and waterfalls, you can include this stop in your travel plans.

Events as Another Insight

The Festival Náutico in Alto Araguaia reached its 21st edition. A 1.9-kilometre kayak route was planned for 30 August 2026, with residents and visitors able to take part. That date is in the past; this describes the event planned for that day. The seventh edition of Vem Pro Parque brought together gastronomy, culture and leisure at Parque Municipal Atanael Farias da Costa.

If you are looking for a holiday rental in Alto Araguaia, you can base your decision on what matters most to you on your trip: the river and waterfalls, a hike or local traditions. The varying distances of the waterfalls from the town centre make it easier to compare possible excursions; the cheese and the history of the main square offer further topics to explore during your stay.

More Destinations

Jaciara, Poconé, Santo Antônio do Leverger, Marcelândia, Nortelândia, Nova Mutum, Novo Mundo, Alta Floresta

For the broader travel overview: Mato Grosso.