Exploring the Natural Wonders of Chapada dos Veadeiros

A Fond Farewell to Paradise

As the sun sets on our final day in Chapada dos Veadeiros National Park, I find myself overwhelmed with a sense of gratitude and awe. This trip, filled with stunning vistas and shared laughter with friends, has been nothing short of transformative. From the moment we arrived, the raw beauty of this place captivated us, and today was no exception as we explored every last inch of this natural wonderland. It's hard to believe our adventure is coming to an end, but the memories we've made will undoubtedly last a lifetime.


Discover the ancient landscapes, stunning waterfalls, and unique biodiversity of Brazil's Chapada dos Veadeiros National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Our day began with a hearty breakfast at Restaurante Buritis in Alto Paraíso de Goiás. The aroma of fresh coffee and the promise of a day filled with adventure invigorated us. After fueling up, we set off to fully immerse ourselves in the Parque Nacional da Chapada dos Veadeiros.

The park, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is a sanctuary of biodiversity and ancient rock formations. As we hiked, the landscape unfolded before us in layers of vibrant greens and ochre reds. The towering cliffs and vast plateaus seemed to whisper stories of a time long before us. It’s a humbling experience to stand in the presence of such ancient beauty, a testament to the enduring power of nature.

Nature is not a place to visit. It is home.

Our main objective for the day was the Trilha da Cachoeira do Segredo, or the Trail to the Secret Waterfall. The name alone sparked our curiosity, and the trail did not disappoint. The hike was moderately challenging, with a few rocky patches and stream crossings that added to the thrill. The anticipation grew with each step, fueled by glimpses of the verdant canyon walls that framed our path. The trail was about 7 km long, and it was manageable to hike.


Discover the hidden beauty of Chapada dos Veadeiros on the Trilha da Cachoeira do Segredo, a stunning waterfall trail near Alto Paraíso de Goiás.

As we rounded a bend, the Cachoeira do Segredo revealed itself in all its glory. The waterfall cascaded down from a height of over 100 meters, plunging into a crystal-clear pool below. The mist rising from the falls created a cool, refreshing atmosphere, a welcome respite from the midday sun. We spent a blissful hour swimming in the pool, the cool water washing away any lingering fatigue. It was the perfect reward for our adventurous spirit.

After our refreshing dip, we hiked back, savoring the last moments within the park's embrace. The sunlight filtering through the trees created a magical ambiance, highlighting the unique flora and fauna of the Cerrado ecosystem. The park is home to diverse wildlife, and though we didn't spot any jaguars, we did see several colorful birds and playful monkeys.

With hearts full of joy and memories, we left the park and headed back to Alto Paraíso for a late lunch. We decided on Zu's Bistro culinária italiana, drawn in by the promise of homemade Italian cuisine. The bistro was cozy and inviting, with a relaxed atmosphere that made us feel right at home. We ordered a variety of dishes, from creamy risottos to flavorful pasta, each bite a testament to the chef's passion and skill. It was the perfect way to refuel after a day of hiking and swimming. Jan particularly enjoyed the lasagna, and I savored every bite of my risotto with pequi, a local fruit.


Experience authentic Italian cuisine at Zu's Bistro in Alto Paraíso de Goiás - where every meal feels like a trip to Italy.

As the day drew to a close, we sought out a place to unwind and reflect on our incredible journey. ALQUIMIA Culinária - Arte - Tabacaria caught our eye with its vibrant atmosphere and promise of local art and flavors. This unique venue is a bar, art gallery, and restaurant all rolled into one. We sipped on refreshing kombuchas, admiring the local artwork that adorned the walls. The fusion of art and culinary delights created a sensory experience that perfectly captured the essence of Chapada dos Veadeiros.


Discover a culinary and artistic oasis at ALQUIMIA Culinária, where vibrant flavors and captivating art come together in Alto Paraíso de Goiás.

The evening ended with a delightful dinner at La Parrilla. The restaurant was known for its Argentine and Uruguayan cuisine. We enjoyed perfectly grilled meats, reminiscing about our favorite moments from the past two weeks. The flavors of the meal were a celebration of our journey, a perfect ending to our day and our time in Chapada.


Discover La Parrilla in Alto Paraíso de Goiás for an authentic Uruguayan dining experience filled with flavor and warmth.

As I sit here writing, I can't help but feel a twinge of sadness that our adventure is over. But I know that the memories we've created here will stay with us forever. Chapada dos Veadeiros has a way of capturing your heart, of reminding you of the simple beauty of nature and the importance of sharing experiences with loved ones. I’m grateful to have experienced this with my friends. This trip has not only been a visual feast but also a journey of personal reflection and connection.

While this marks the end of our planned itinerary, the spirit of adventure remains. I'm already dreaming of future travels, perhaps exploring other hidden gems in Brazil or venturing back to my homeland in Kenya. The world is full of wonders waiting to be discovered, and I'm eager to continue my journey of exploration and cultural exchange.

Tomorrow, we will begin our journey back to Amsterdam, carrying with us the warmth and vibrancy of Brazil. Until next time, Chapada dos Veadeiros, thank you for the memories.

I am particularly grateful for my time here, as it has allowed me to reconnect with nature in a profound way, something I deeply value. As someone who has embraced sustainable living, witnessing the untouched beauty of this national park has reinforced my commitment to preserving our planet's natural treasures. I hope to carry this inspiration back to Amsterdam and continue promoting eco-friendly practices in my daily life and through my work with the sustainable fashion startup.

This trip has been an incredible reminder of the importance of disconnecting from the digital world and immersing oneself in the beauty of nature. It's a lesson I plan to carry with me, seeking out more opportunities to explore the natural wonders of our planet and share those experiences with others. Perhaps our next adventure will be closer to home, exploring the Dutch countryside and discovering the hidden gems of the Netherlands. But for now, I'll cherish the memories of Chapada dos Veadeiros and the lessons it has taught me.

And as I reflect on this journey, I am reminded of a quote by John Muir:

The mountains are calling and I must go.