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

Whispers of the Waterfall

Today was a day of secrets revealed and horizons broadened, a perfect encapsulation of what makes Chapada dos Veadeiros so enchanting. We set out with the anticipation of uncovering hidden gems, and the park certainly didn't disappoint. The air was crisp, the sky a brilliant blue, and the energy of the land palpable. It felt like Tanzania, yet so different, as if the spirits of my ancestors were guiding me through this Brazilian paradise.

Our first stop was Cachoeira do Segredo, the 'Secret Waterfall'. The trek to reach it was an adventure in itself, a winding path through the cerrado, the unique savanna-like vegetation of Brazil. The landscape was dotted with gnarled trees and vibrant wildflowers, a photographer's dream. Imani, ever the athlete, bounded ahead, while Farah, with her artistic eye, stopped frequently to capture the beauty with her phone. Aisha and I strolled at a more leisurely pace, enjoying the symphony of nature around us. I couldn't help but think of the archives back in London, filled with tales of explorers and adventurers. Here I was, living my own adventure, albeit a far more relaxed one, with my family by my side.

As we approached the waterfall, the sound of cascading water grew louder, and a sense of anticipation filled the air. And then, there it was – Cachoeira do Segredo, a hidden oasis of crystalline water plunging into a refreshing pool. The falls weren't massive, but their secluded location and the surrounding lush greenery created an intimate and magical atmosphere. It felt like we had stumbled upon a secret, a place untouched by the outside world.


Discover the hidden beauty of Cachoeira do Segredo in Chapada dos Veadeiros: a stunning waterfall, refreshing pools, and an unforgettable hiking experience.

We spent a good part of the morning swimming in the cool water and basking in the sun on the rocks. Even Aisha, who usually prefers the comfort of a hotel, couldn't resist the allure of the waterfall. Farah, after taking dozens of photos, joined Imani in the water, their laughter echoing through the canyon. I sat on a rock, watching my family, feeling an immense sense of gratitude. This was what it was all about – creating memories, connecting with nature, and sharing these experiences with the people I loved most.

After our refreshing swim, we hiked back to Alto Paraíso de Goiás for a well-deserved lunch. La Parrilla was the perfect spot, offering a delicious array of Brazilian barbecue. The aroma of grilled meat filled the air, and we devoured everything from picanha to linguiça. It was a hearty and satisfying meal, fueling us for the afternoon's adventure.

The best view comes after the hardest climb.

Our next destination was Mirante Novo Horizonte, a viewpoint offering panoramic vistas of the Chapada dos Veadeiros. The drive up was steep and winding, but the views along the way were already stunning. As we ascended, the landscape opened up, revealing the vastness and beauty of the park. When we finally reached the mirante, we were speechless. The view was simply breathtaking – a sea of rolling hills, canyons, and plateaus stretching as far as the eye could see. The colors were incredible, a tapestry of greens, browns, and reds, illuminated by the afternoon sun.


Experience breathtaking panoramic views of Chapada dos Veadeiros National Park from this easily accessible viewpoint in Alto Paraíso de Goiás.

We spent hours at Mirante Novo Horizonte, soaking in the scenery and taking photos. Farah, of course, was in her element, capturing the landscape from every angle. Imani, surprisingly, put his phone down and simply gazed at the horizon, lost in thought. Aisha and I sat on a bench, holding hands, marveling at the beauty of nature. It was a moment of pure serenity, a reminder of the power and majesty of the natural world.

Before heading back to our guesthouse, we made a quick stop at Chapada Chill Store. It was a charming little shop filled with local crafts, souvenirs, and artisanal products. We picked up a few gifts for friends and family back home, tokens of our adventure in Chapada dos Veadeiros. I even found a small, hand-carved wooden elephant, a reminder of my Tanzanian heritage, to add to my collection.


Discover the flavors of health and wellness at Chapada Chill Store - your go-to destination for organic delights in São Jorge.

For dinner, we decided to try Restaurante Buritis, known for its traditional Brazilian cuisine. The restaurant was cozy and inviting, and the food was delicious. We sampled a variety of local dishes, from moqueca to feijoada, each one bursting with flavor. It was the perfect way to end a perfect day, savoring the tastes of Brazil while reminiscing about our adventures.


Experience authentic Brazilian cuisine at Restaurante Buritis in Alto Paraíso de Goiás - a culinary gem celebrating local flavors.

As I sit here now, writing this blog post, I can still feel the sun on my skin and the wind in my hair. Today was a day of discovery, a day of connection, and a day of pure joy. Chapada dos Veadeiros has a way of captivating your soul, of reminding you of the simple pleasures in life. I am so grateful to be here, sharing this experience with my family. Tomorrow, we plan to explore Cachoeira do Lajeado and Cachoeira das Loquinhas, two more of the park's hidden gems. And perhaps, if we have time, we'll stop by Na Chapada.Kombi Beer for a refreshing drink. But for now, I'm content to drift off to sleep, dreaming of waterfalls and horizons.

Before I doze off, I must mention that we had lunch at Zu's Bistro culinária italiana. The food was amazing. We enjoyed pizza and pasta. It was a great experience, and the staff were very friendly and accommodating.


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

As we prepare for our final full day tomorrow, I am reminded of how much I will miss this place. However, I know that the memories we have created here will last a lifetime. The beauty of Chapada dos Veadeiros will forever be etched in our hearts.