Family Adventure in the Heart of Brazil: Exploring Chapada dos Veadeiros

Arrival in the Heart of Brazil

After a long journey from London, my family and I have finally arrived in Chapada dos Veadeiros National Park. As an archivist specializing in African history, I'm used to delving into the stories of the past, but today, I'm excited to immerse myself in the present, exploring this unique Brazilian landscape with Aisha and the children. The air is warm, carrying the scent of the cerrado, and there's a palpable sense of adventure as we set out to discover what this mystical place has to offer.

Our day began with a hearty breakfast at Restaurante Buritis in São Jorge. The buffet of fresh, local ingredients was the perfect way to fuel up for our first day of exploration. Aisha particularly enjoyed the selection of tropical fruits, while Imani couldn't get enough of the freshly baked bread. Farah, ever the adventurous eater, tried a bit of everything. I opted for a custom-made pasta, reminiscent of an Italian Spoleto, with the chef, Messias, expertly preparing my dish. It was a delightful start to our culinary journey in Chapada.

After breakfast, we made our way to the park entrance. The landscape here is unlike anything I've seen before. The vast expanse of the cerrado, with its unique vegetation and dramatic rock formations, immediately captivated us. The September weather is hot and breezy, with temperatures averaging between 20°C and 35°C. It’s the height of the dry season, so the sun is strong, but there's a pleasant breeze that keeps things comfortable.


Discover breathtaking waterfalls, ancient canyons, and unique Cerrado landscapes at the entrance to Chapada dos Veadeiros National Park near São Jorge, Brazil.

The journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step, and today, our journey through Chapada dos Veadeiros has just begun.

Our first stop was, of course, Chapada dos Veadeiros itself. We spent the morning simply soaking in the panoramic views and learning about the park's unique ecosystem. As someone who appreciates the intricate details of history, I found myself fascinated by the ancient rock formations, some of the oldest on the planet. Aisha, with her keen eye for design, was particularly drawn to the patterns and textures of the landscape, finding inspiration for her textile work. The children, with their boundless energy, were eager to start hiking and exploring the trails.

Around lunchtime, we drove to Alto Paraíso de Goiás and stopped at Zu's Bistro for a taste of Italian cuisine with a Brazilian twist. The restaurant is known for its homemade pastas and risottos, and the owner even came to our table to talk about the menu. I opted for a risotto with local pequi fruit, while Aisha enjoyed a classic lasagna. The kids, predictably, went for pasta with pesto. It was a comforting and satisfying meal, providing a welcome break from the heat and dust of the trail.


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

In the afternoon, we indulged in a bit of souvenir shopping at Loja Cheiro de Mato Chapada dos Veadeiros. This charming shop offers a variety of locally made crafts and souvenirs, inspired by the flora and fauna of the Cerrado. We picked up a few small items to remind us of our trip, including a hand-painted ceramic tile for Aisha and a couple of t-shirts for the kids. I even found a small, intricately carved wooden sculpture that reminded me of traditional Tanzanian art.


Explore Loja Cheiro de Mato in Chapada dos Veadeiros for unique souvenirs, beach clothing, and sportswear that capture the vibrant Brazilian spirit.

As the day drew to a close, we found ourselves at La Parrilla for dinner. This Argentinian and Uruguayan restaurant offered a delightful change of pace, with its hearty grilled meats and flavorful salads. We shared a mixed grill platter, savoring the rich, smoky flavors as the sun began to set. It was the perfect way to end our first day in Chapada dos Veadeiros, surrounded by family and good food.


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

Tomorrow, we plan to explore the Almécegas II Waterfall and Cachoeira Almécegas I, followed by a visit to the Jardim de Maytrea. I'm particularly looking forward to seeing the waterfalls, as I've heard they are among the most beautiful in the park. We might even stop by Na Varanda Sunset for a drink as we watch the sun set over the horizon.

Chapada dos Veadeiros has already exceeded my expectations. The combination of stunning landscapes, rich biodiversity, and mystical energy is truly captivating. As we settle into our campsite for the night, I can't help but feel grateful for this opportunity to connect with nature and create lasting memories with my family. It's a far cry from the archives of the British Library, but I wouldn't have it any other way. This is just the beginning of our adventure, and I can't wait to see what tomorrow brings.