Parque Nacional Chapada dos Guimarães

Parque Nacional Chapada dos Guimarães Review

Besides the Patantanal, the areas in and around the Parque Nacional Chapada dos Guimarães are the region's most popular attractions. Traveling northeast of Cuiabá, you see the massive sandstone formations from miles away, rising 3,000 feet above the flat cerrado landscape. The Cachoeira Véu de Noiva (Bridal Veil Falls), with a 250-foot freefall, is the most impressive of the five falls in the park. You can enjoy lunch at the nearby open-air restaurant. Beyond this point there are hills, caves, more falls, and archaeological sites. The Circuito das Cachoeiras (Waterfalls Circuit) is a set of seven waterfalls 2 mi (3.5 km) from the visitor center.

Walk about 30 minutes beyond the Caverna Aroe Jari to Gruta da Lagoa Azul (Grotto of Blue Lagoon), a crystal-clear lagoon (bathing is prohibited). Visits are limited to 50 people a day. At the Cidade de Pedra (Stone City) is a huge formation of rocks and canyons carved by wind and rain inside the park. There are two great red walls that echo at each other. To get here, take MT 251 northeast of Guimarães Town.

Caverna Aroe Jari. If you have time, arrange a guided visit to Caverna Aroe Jari. The cave's name means "home of souls" in the Bororo language. This mile-long sandstone cave (one of Brazil's largest) can only be reached after a 4.8-km (3-mi) hike through the cerrado. MT 251, 40 km from Guimarães, 78295-970.

Ecoturismo Cultural. Contact Ecoturismo Cultural to arrange for a tour guide in the park. Packages start at R$100 per person. Book in advance if you plan on going in July, during summer, or on holidays. Praça Dom Wunibaldo 464, 78195-000. 65/3301-1393.