Chapada dos Veadeiros

The Chapada dos Veadeiros Tour is a 8-day hiking and sightseeing itinerary through one of the most beautiful national parks in Brazil, a definitely scenic place in South America as a whole. It is a private guided tour and the pace is light and balanced. The program has been exceptionally designed for outdoorsy travellers, who love active holidays and enjoying taking the scenic road. It is perfectly fitting for romantic escapes. Chapada dos Veadeiros has numerous waterfalls, spectacular canyons, 360-degree panoramic views and picturesque rock formations in Vale da Lua. Enjoy picnics in the nature, swim in crystal clear waterfalls and bask in the warmth of the sun. The tour starts in Brasília, where you will have an interactive guided introduction to the architectural masterpieces of the Brazilian capital – a worthwhile experience. The trip is designed with a good pace in mind, offering both hiking and relaxation. This program is suitable for families travelling with children, as well as couples, groups of friends and senior travellers. Most of the walking trails on this itinerary end up at a waterfall where you can swim and relax. The program includes accommodation at small boutique hotels with a lot of comfort and charm.

8 Days – From £1,680 per person

*equivalent in USD, EUR accepted

Itinerary: Brasília, Alto Paraíso de Goiás, Cavalcante, São Jorge, Brasília

Included

Price is per person, based on two people sharing in a double/twin room
Accommodation & meals as per itinerary: breakfast and picnic lunch (Select from more hand-picked Brazil Hotels)
All the excursions mentioned in the itinerary on a private basis
All transfers on a private basis
Entrance & guide fees
1 large bottle of water per day per person
All mandatory local taxes

Excluded

Visa, where applicable
International Flights (See Flights to Brazil)
Domestic Flights
Personal Expenses
Insurance
Tips & Gratuities
Meals not mentioned in the description

Flights

International and domestic flights are not included in the package price. We give you the freedom to book the flights yourself, use miles and choose your preferred airline, and if you are stuck we can help you find the right connections. Return international flights to Brazil start from £800 per person, depending on the connections and time of the year.

Brasilia Airport (BSB) is a central hub with numerous connections to all the major cities in Brazil. There are also several direct flights from abroad (Lisbon, Panama, Orlando).

For families and groups (starting with 5 pax), we can book domestic flights in Brazil, during the high season, and if the trip is part of a more complex itinerary. This is to ensure a seamless travel and no complications.

How to Book

Send us a message on WhatsApp (+44 7 308 449 233) or email us at brazil@boutiquetravelexperts.com to check availability, discuss your preferences and get a quote.

This is a sample itinerary and prices are correct at the time of writing. We can tailor it to suit your plans by changing the length of the trip or the order of activities. More days can be added. Other hotels can be chosen, according to your liking. You can also combine this trip with other sights in Brazil, like the cosmopolitan Rio de Janeiro, the exciting Amazon rainforest, the fascinating Pantanal, the culture of Bahia or the deep canyons of the south. For more travel inspiration check these itineraries.

Chapada dos Veadeiros is good to visit year round. In June-August the park hosts an amazing festival called Encontro de Culturas which is a great cultural experience and is highly recommended.

When to Visit

Best time to visit is year round, with tropical and warm weather. From September to March it is very warm and rains a lot, filling the waterfalls up and making them perfect for rafting. from April to October it rains less, and the sky is always blue, but the temperatures tend to get a little bit cooler. Between November and March is the high season, with more crowds and higher prices. it’s also when it rains more, making the trails more dangerous.

Day 1 - Welcome to Brasília

Today arrive in Brasília where you will be met and taken to the hotel. Brasília was designed in a shape of an airplane by Oscar Niemeyer, hosting the biggest number of the architect’s creations. It is one of the most modern capitals in the world. Take a discovery tour, visiting the Republic Cultural Space, the Metropolitan Cathedral, the Ministries Square, the Itamaraty Palace, JK Bridge, and Alvorada Palace. In comparison with a mostly colonial feel in the rest of Brazil – the capital stands out as an example of modernism and diversity. You can do the tour on bicycles along the flat alleys. Overnight at Melia Hotel.

Day 2 - Vale da Lua

After breakfast transfer by car to the National Park of Chapada dos Veadeiros. The park has abundant flora and fauna, numerous rivers and waterfalls and lots of crystals. It is located on the oldest geological site in South America. According to NASA it is the most luminous point seen from the Earth’s orbit. After check-in, take a tour to Vale da Lua, an extraordinary site of moon-like rocks, sculpted by the river São Miguel. After a pleasant walk you can also relax and swim under the streams, a wonderful experience. Overnight at Casa da Lua.

Day 3 - Cristais & Loquinhas

After breakfast visit the beautiful sites nearby Alto Paraíso – Cachoeira dos Cristais and Cachoeira Loquinhas. Although the area presents unique natural beauty, it is still off the tourist map, so you’ll avoid crowds and souvenir sellers. Most of the waterfalls are located on a private property and are well looked after. The sites are far from each other, but you will have a private driver to transport you. At times you can also see the colourful araras and tucano flying around – it really feels like in paradise. Overnight at Casa da Lua.

Day 4 - Cachoeira Santa Bárbara

Today depart Alto Paraiso and drive to Cavalcante and take a easy walk along the trail to Santa Bárbara – the most beautiful turquoise waterfall in the chapada. The waterfall is well hidden and a local guide will show you the way. After swimming, head back to the village, across the virgin fields, for a delicious rustic lunch in Calunga. The community was recognised as a cultural heritage site and is sheltering three quilombola villages, separated by huge mountain ranges. They are keeping alive the ancient traditions of Afro-Brazilian culture. Overnight at Chalet Rossignol.

Day 5 - Canyons Trail

This morning head out on a hike in the national park in São Jorge. The light trail with lead you to two spectacular gorges, called Canyon I & II, and the lovely Carioquinha Falls on the Rio Preto River. You will pass through a range of high-altitude cerrado fields with a beautiful flora and fauna. There will be lilies all over. Stop for a picnic lunch in the park and then head back to the village to spend the day at leisure. São Jorge in truly lovely, there are several rustic bars and restaurants where you can try delicious tapiocas and pão de queijo. Everybody knows each other and you will soon become a local too. Overnight at Pousada Maya.

Day 6 - Waterfalls Trail

After breakfast, head out to another spectacular hike in the park. The circuit follows an old miners’ trail passing by the quartz crystal mines that gave rise to the settlement of São Jorge. Stop for a swim beneath the Pedreiras waterfalls, the first one on this trail, and then continue onto a beautiful viewpoint from where you can admire the Saltos waterfalls. Stop for a picnic lunch in the park before returning to the village. São Jorge has a cultural center where they have interesting events and performances. We highly recommend to check their agenda. Overnight at Pousada Maya.

Day 7 - Abismo & Mirante da Janela

Today you will take one of the most spectacular trails with a local guide. This is a longer walk than the previous ones, but totally worth it. The walking path starts just off the road turning left from the national park and leading to Abismo – a place with an amazing waterfall and a 360° view over the cerrado plateau. After refreshing swimming, continue to Mirante da Janela for an iconic view over the Saltos Falls. Stop for a picnic lunch in the park and return to Sao Jorge towards the midday. Spend the rest of the day at the pool. Overnight at Hidden Treasure.

Day 8 - Back to Brasília

After breakfast you will be transferred back to Brasília to catch your flight home, or for onward travel. The departure time is flexible and you can plan your day accordingly. There are many more beautiful waterfalls and lakes in Chapada dos Veadeiros – you may even wish to extend your stay! Despite being far from the coast, with no beaches, chapada might surprisingly be one of the most relaxing holiday places in Brazil. You will come back from this trip filled with energy and a recharged body and mind.

* NOTE : If you are interested in yoga and wellness, cycling, horse riding lessons, visits to other waterfalls in the region – we can make this trip very special to you. Chapada dos Veadeiros is also good to combine with Pirenópolis, a small colonial town with a cultural heritage and a good cuisine. It is located about 5 h drive to the south west, on the other side of Brasilia. Tell us more about your preferred way of travel and the activities you like.