Alto Paraíso de Goiás offers a range of nature experiences: level trails through the original Cerrado, riverside routes, and waterfalls with viewpoints or swimming spots. It also has diverse vegetarian cuisine and an atmosphere shaped by mysticism and spirituality. When choosing a hotel, it is worth first sorting out your planned excursions: short, easy trails, a longer riverside hike, and destinations with unpaved road sections each require different planning.

Cerrado and local character

Parque Estadual Águas do Paraíso is located within the municipality of Alto Paraíso de Goiás. An approximately three-kilometer-long, level walking trail passes through the original Cerrado to the start of the descent to Mirante das Cataratas dos Couros. A second trail follows the Rio dos Couros and provides access to each of the river’s four main waterfalls. Access to the park is subject to visitor rules.

A herbarium is also part of the local cultural profile. It was organized by someone knowledgeable about the medicinal properties of Cerrado plants. The diverse vegetarian cuisine is associated with people who have moved here from different parts of Brazil and the world. They run restaurants, snack bars and guesthouses serving healthy, creative and flavorful food.

Waterfalls and trails in the surrounding area

The circuit at Fazenda Loquinhas includes the three trails Trilha Violeta, Trilha Loquinhas and Trilha Ruby, covering a total of 2.2 kilometers and offering several opportunities to swim. The fazenda has 18 pools and waterfalls with emerald-green-looking water. Vale da Lua lies on the edge of Chapada dos Veadeiros National Park, within the municipality of Alto Paraíso. A short, easy route leads to a panoramic view, a canyon, a distinctive rock formation, natural pools, small waterfalls and a viewpoint.

A longer hike is the trail to Cachoeira do Segredo: it is moderately difficult, seven kilometers round trip, and follows the river through the forest. At Cachoeira Almécegas, you can view the sequence of waterfalls from a viewpoint; swimming is possible below. Trails at Fazenda Volta da Serra lead to Cachoeira do Cordovil, Poço das Esmeraldas, Cachoeiras do Rodeador and Cachoeira do Encontro at the fazenda’s visitor center. They can be covered on foot, by car or by bicycle. Check current access rules before your visit.

Getting there and understanding distances

The road connecting Brasília with Chapada dos Veadeiros is fully paved. The distance from Aeroporto Internacional de Brasília to Alto Paraíso de Goiás is 235 kilometers. Check the current route and road conditions before driving.

Cachoeira dos Cristais is eleven kilometers from Alto Paraíso in the direction of Cavalcante; three kilometers of unpaved road lead to the parking lot. Nine waterfalls lie along the way to the main waterfall complex, and a separate trail leads to Cachoeira da Água Fria. At Morada do Sol, it is 38 kilometers toward São Jorge to the entrance gate; from there, two kilometers of unpaved road lead to the parking lot. At Cristais, the specified 3 km of unpaved road leads to the parking lot; at Morada do Sol, a further 2 km of unpaved road follows the entrance gate and leads to the parking lot. Check the current route before setting out.

Discover more destinations: São Miguel Do Araguaia, Fazenda Nova, Planaltina, Goiás, Rialma, Abadiânia, Goianésia, Ipameri.

Return to the main travel overview: Goias.