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

Diving into the Heart of Chapada's Beauty

Today was a day of embracing the raw, untamed beauty of Chapada dos Veadeiros. My family and I ventured into the heart of this national park, eager to discover the natural wonders that everyone raves about. It was a day filled with cascading waters, serene hikes, and a sunset that painted the sky with colors I've only dreamed of. This journey reminded me of Tanzania, where nature's grandeur is a daily spectacle. Today, Brazil offered its own version of that magic, and I was all too happy to soak it in.

Our day began with a hearty breakfast at Zu's Bistro. I opted for a simple yet satisfying meal of fresh fruits and local bread, fueling up for the adventures that lay ahead. The bistro’s cozy atmosphere and the aroma of Italian-inspired cuisine made it a delightful start to our day. Aisha, ever the early bird, was already sketching in her notebook, capturing the vibrant energy of the morning. The kids, Farah and Imani, were excitedly discussing the day's itinerary, their enthusiasm infectious.

Our first stop was the Abyss Waterfall. The drive there was an adventure in itself, with the landscape transforming into a tapestry of green and gold as we ventured deeper into the park. The road was a bit rough, and I silently wished I hadn't forgotten the portable camping stove back in London; a cup of chai would have been perfect right about now! Upon arrival, we embarked on a short but invigorating hike through the lush park. The air was thick with the scent of damp earth and wildflowers, a symphony of natural aromas that invigorated the senses. The trail was well-maintained, a mix of dirt paths and rocky steps, making it accessible for all of us. As we rounded a bend, the Abyss Waterfall revealed itself in all its glory. The water cascaded down the rocks with a thunderous roar, creating a misty veil that shimmered in the sunlight. The kids were immediately captivated, scrambling down to the natural pools at the base of the falls for a refreshing dip. I watched them, their laughter echoing through the canyon, and felt a sense of contentment wash over me. It was moments like these, shared with my family in the heart of nature, that made all the planning and travel worthwhile.


Discover the breathtaking Abyss Waterfall in Alto Paraíso de Goiás, a natural paradise for adventure and tranquility.

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

After spending a couple of hours at the Abyss Waterfall, soaking in its beauty and energy, we packed up and headed towards our next destination: Cachoeira Raizama. The drive was relatively short, and soon we found ourselves at the entrance to the Raizama ecological sanctuary. The trail to the waterfall was a bit longer than the one at Abyss, about 2 kilometers, but it was an easy walk. The path wound through a dense forest, offering glimpses of the surrounding landscape. The kids, ever the explorers, were in their element, pointing out interesting plants and insects along the way. Aisha, inspired by the vibrant flora, began collecting leaves and flowers for her textile designs. As we neared the waterfall, the sound of rushing water grew louder, building anticipation. And then, we arrived.

Cachoeira Raizama was different from Abyss Waterfall, more serene and intimate. The water flowed gently over the rocks, creating a series of small pools perfect for a relaxing swim. We spent the afternoon swimming in the cool, refreshing water, letting the gentle currents massage our tired muscles. Imani, always the daredevil, even tried his hand at a bit of canyoning, much to Aisha's initial dismay. Farah, meanwhile, was busy capturing the beauty of the falls with her camera, her artistic eye finding unique perspectives and angles. The whole family enjoyed the tranquil beauty of the falls.


Discover the breathtaking beauty of Cachoeira Raizama in Alto Paraíso de Goiás, Brazil – a paradise for nature lovers and adventure seekers.

By late afternoon, our stomachs were rumbling, signaling the need for sustenance. We decided to have lunch at Restaurante Buritis in São Jorge, known for its hearty buffet of made-to-order pasta. After a morning of hiking and swimming, we were all ravenous, and the restaurant's generous portions were a welcome sight. The kids piled their plates high with pasta, while Aisha and I opted for lighter portions, savoring the fresh ingredients and flavorful sauces. It was a simple meal, but it hit the spot, replenishing our energy for the final adventure of the day.


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

As the sun began its descent, we made our way to Bar do Mirante. I had heard about this place from other travelers, all of whom raved about its stunning sunset views. Located near the entrance to the Mirante da Janela trail and the Abyss Waterfall, the bar was perched on a hilltop, offering panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. We arrived just in time to secure a good spot, as the bar was already buzzing with activity. The atmosphere was lively and relaxed, with people chatting, laughing, and sipping on cocktails. The air was filled with the sounds of music and merriment, creating a festive ambiance. I ordered a round of caipirinhas, the quintessential Brazilian cocktail, and we settled in to watch the sunset. And what a sunset it was! The sky transformed into a canvas of vibrant colors, with hues of orange, pink, and purple painting the clouds. The sun dipped below the horizon, casting a golden glow over the landscape. It was a moment of pure magic, a perfect ending to a perfect day. As I looked around at my family, their faces illuminated by the setting sun, I felt a sense of gratitude for this incredible journey we were sharing.


Discover the enchanting sunset views and vibrant cocktail creations at Bar do Mirante in Alto Paraíso de Goiás, a must-visit destination for tourists.

After the sunset, we lingered at Bar do Mirante for a while longer, soaking in the atmosphere and enjoying the live music. The kids danced and sang along to the music, their energy seemingly boundless. Aisha and I sat back, watching them with smiles on our faces, content in the moment. For dinner, we decided to try La Parrilla, drawn in by the promise of Uruguayan cuisine. The restaurant had a cozy, inviting atmosphere, and the aroma of grilled meat filled the air. We ordered a mixed grill, a selection of different cuts of meat cooked to perfection. The food was delicious, the meat tender and flavorful, and we devoured every last bite.


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

As we drove back to our guesthouse, the kids fell asleep in the back seat, exhausted but happy. Aisha and I sat in silence, reflecting on the day's adventures. It had been a day of discovery, of connection, and of pure joy. Chapada dos Veadeiros had exceeded all our expectations, revealing its beauty and magic at every turn. As I drifted off to sleep, I couldn't help but feel a sense of excitement for what tomorrow would bring. We plan to explore Cachoeira do Segredo and Mirante Novo Horizonte. We will also have breakfast at La Parrilla, lunch at Zu's Bistro, and dinner at Restaurante Buritis. And maybe, just maybe, we'll find another hidden gem along the way. One thing I know for sure: our adventure in Chapada dos Veadeiros is far from over.

Tomorrow, we plan to explore Cachoeira do Segredo and Mirante Novo Horizonte, with meals planned at La Parrilla for breakfast, Zu's Bistro for lunch, and Restaurante Buritis for dinner. Before we head out, I need to find a store to buy extra memory cards for my camera! It’s amazing how quickly you can fill them up when surrounded by such breathtaking scenery.

And of course, I can’t forget to mention that there’s the Festival Palipalan happening nearby. While we won’t be able to attend this year, it sounds like an incredible event celebrating music, nature, and connection, perfectly aligned with the spirit of Chapada. Maybe next time we’ll plan our trip around it!

As I drifted off to sleep, I couldn't help but feel grateful for this incredible journey we were sharing. Chapada dos Veadeiros had exceeded all our expectations, revealing its beauty and magic at every turn. And with that, I closed my eyes, ready to embrace whatever tomorrow may bring.