Jalapão
Orange dunes, waterfalls, clear rivers and springs where you float: one of the wildest landscapes in the Cerrado, in the state of Tocantins.
Region
Tocantins, North
Recommended stay
3 to 4 nights
Best time to go
May to September
Getting there
Flight to Palmas, then a 4×4 expedition
Brazil still off the radar
Jalapão is a vast, sparsely populated region of savanna, plateaus and rivers that long remained off the tourist map. You explore it by 4×4, from one dirt track to the next, among dunes, canyons and waterfalls.
Its most famous curiosity is the fervedouro: a spring where the pressure of the underground water keeps you from sinking. You float there, sitting upright in the clear water. Quilombola communities work capim dourado, a golden grass woven into handicrafts.
When to go
From May to September, the dry season makes the dirt tracks easier to drive. From October to April, the rains make some routes more difficult.
- May to September: dry season, tracks passable
- October to April: rainy season
Months
Legend
Things to do
The fervedouros
Springs with crystal-clear water where you float naturally, unable to sink.
The Jalapão dunes
Golden dunes at the foot of the Serra do Espírito Santo, stunning late in the day.
Cachoeira do Formiga
A waterfall with emerald-green water, ideal for swimming.
Pedra Furada and the canyons
Sandstone formations sculpted by erosion, and narrow, humid canyons.
Capim dourado
A visit with the Mumbuca community and its golden-grass handicrafts.
Where to stay
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Our tours
Tours
FAQ
Is Jalapão hard to get to?
You fly to Palmas, then spend several hours on dirt tracks in a 4×4. The days are long, but the vehicle is air-conditioned and there are plenty of stops.
How comfortable is the lodging?
Simple, comfortable local pousadas, with air-conditioned rooms and private bathrooms.
Can I go on my own?
It is not recommended: the tracks are sandy and poorly marked. An organized expedition with a driver and guide is much safer.
Tempted by this trip?
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