Chapada Dos Veadeiros - Radical Nature and Adventure

Today, we will explore the incredible biome, with its smells, textures, colours and flavours of the natural products, bark, seeds and fruit. A biologist will accompany us to give us a detailed explanation so that we can identify the seeds, peels, panels and leaves, which are used for medicinal and cosmetic purposes.  These products made from the natural, raw materials can be used to make soaps, oils, shampoo and even some food recipes, such as cookies, bread, jelly and juices. After the workshop and breakfast, we will visit the Chapada dos Veadeiros National Park, where we will hike the 8 km Saltos do Rio Preto trail. First, we will reach Garimpo, which was the largest quartz mine in the region. Along the route, we can see spectacular views from a variety of lookout points, impressive waterfalls and natural pools. After a picnic lunch, São Jorge for dinner and a free evening.

After an energizing breakfast, we will be ready for other days of hiking in the National Park. We will head to the Canyons and the 12 km Cachoeira dos Cariocas trail. Along the way, we will stop for a soak in the natural springs and lunch.  After the hike, we will go to Alto Paraíso de Goiás. Along the way, we will stop at the beautiful Jardim de Maytrea, an incredible lookout point, full of legends and mystical stories.  The panoramic landscapes will accompany us along the way on this spectacular journey.

Today is an early start as we are going to see the sunrise…from above! We have the option to take a hot air balloon ride from above the horizon for a unique experience! There is another option for those who prefer…. The sunrise can also be seen from the hike to the top of Morro da Baleia, taking about 3 hours. We will then visit the spectacular waterfalls of The Cataratas dos Couros and Almécegas 1000.  We will head off in a sturdy vehicle for the bumpy road ahead. Then we will hike for 1.5 km to the beginning of the falls. The river plummets in various stages into a large canyon forming a festival of waterfalls and pools. After lunch, and a soak in the springs, we will see a beautiful sunset in the middle of the “chuveirinhos”, the typical endemic flower of the Cerrado. After this, we will head back to Alto Paraíso.

After breakfast, we will visit the neighbouring town of Cavalcante, where we will visit Engenho Kalunga, the largest Quilombo community in Brazil. We will then head to the Santa Bárbara waterfall, a beautiful river of emerald green waters with large pools and this stunning 30 metre cascade. We can enjoy its calming waters before we head to Cachoeira da Capivara cascades. Formed by the Capivara River as it drops into the canyon, this is the main region of the Kalunga community. We will take a short walk to a beautiful pool of emerald green water, with the Capivara waterfall falls on one side and the Tiririca stream waterfall, on the other side, for some spectacular viewing. At the end of the trip, we will have a special lunch prepared in the Quilombo community, before heading back to Alto Paraíso. For those who want to get to know the community better, the Kalunga Quilombo offers a Sussa dance workshop, telling the story of traditional Quilombola rhythms and offering insight into their traditions. It is possible to take part in the workshop after lunch before returning to Alto Paraíso.

Today is our final day of this incredible journey. We will drop you off at Brasília airport (for flights departing after 6 pm). It is possible for those who have the time to stop at Fazenda São Bento to end the trip with an 850 metre long and 100 metre high zip line, known in the region as “Voo do Gavião”.