Adventure in Chapada dos Veadeiros: Discovering Brazil's Natural Beauty

Emerald Pools and Thunderous Falls

Today was a day of pure, unadulterated natural beauty. Chapada dos Veadeiros continues to surprise and delight at every turn, and today's adventures to Poço das Esmeraldas and Couros Waterfalls were nothing short of spectacular. The Brazilian Cerrado has a way of captivating you, drawing you into its vast landscapes and whispering secrets through its ancient rocks and cascading waters. I felt a deep connection to the land today, a sense of belonging that only nature can inspire.


Discover the enchanting emerald waters and serene landscapes of Poço das Esmeraldas in Alto Paraíso de Goiás, Brazil.

Our day began, as most do here, with a hearty breakfast at Restaurante Buritis in São Jorge. Fuelled up with a delicious spread, we set off towards our first destination: Poço das Esmeraldas. The drive itself was an experience, the red dirt roads winding through the savannah, the air thick with the scent of eucalyptus and wildflowers. I couldn't help but think of Lena and Kai back in Berlin, wishing they could experience this raw, untamed beauty with me. I made a mental note to bring them here someday; they would absolutely love it.

The approach to Poço das Esmeraldas was magical. After a short, easy hike, we were greeted by the sight of the emerald pool, its waters shimmering under the morning sun. The vibrant colors were mesmerizing, a mix of blues and greens that seemed almost unreal. The water was crystal clear, inviting us for a refreshing dip. I couldn't resist. Slipping into the cool water, I felt instantly rejuvenated, the worries of everyday life washing away with the current. It was so peaceful, just floating there, surrounded by the stunning rock formations and lush vegetation. I took a moment to appreciate the silence, broken only by the gentle sounds of nature.

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

After our revitalizing swim, we continued our journey towards Couros Waterfalls. This was the adventure I had been particularly excited about. I had heard so much about the grandeur and scale of these falls, and I couldn't wait to witness them firsthand. The drive to Couros was a bit more challenging, the roads rougher, but the anticipation kept us going. We were all in high spirits, laughing and sharing stories, the kind of camaraderie that only a trip like this can foster. I was glad to be sharing this experience with my friends.


Discover the breathtaking Couros Waterfalls in Alto Paraíso de Goiás, a natural paradise for hiking, swimming, and unforgettable scenery.

The hike to the falls was a bit more demanding than the one to Poço das Esmeraldas, but the views along the way were worth every step. The trail wound through the Cerrado, offering glimpses of the vast landscape. As we got closer, we could hear the thundering roar of the water, a symphony of nature's power. And then, we saw them. Couros Waterfalls is not just one waterfall, but a series of cascading falls, each one more impressive than the last. The sheer scale of the place was awe-inspiring. The water plunged down the rocks, creating a spectacle of raw energy and untamed beauty.

We spent hours exploring the falls, hiking to different vantage points, taking photos, and simply soaking in the atmosphere. I felt so small and insignificant in the face of such natural grandeur, a humbling reminder of the power of nature. We found a perfect spot to sit and have our packed lunch, the mist from the falls cooling our skin as we ate. It was one of those moments where everything felt perfect, a sense of contentment that I will cherish forever.

As the day drew to a close, we made our way back to Alto Paraíso, tired but exhilarated. Before dinner, I decided to pop into Arte Nossa - a loja da Néga, a local shop known for its crystals and gemstones. I'm not usually one for such things, but I was curious to see what it was all about. The shop was charming, filled with colorful stones and handcrafted items. I ended up chatting with the owner, a woman named Maria Darcy Ilheo, who is known as Nega. She was incredibly knowledgeable about the properties of each stone and made some recommendations based on my personality and interests. I even had my Mayan Calendar read! I ended up buying a small piece of rose quartz, said to promote love and compassion. Perhaps I'll give it to Lena when I get back to Berlin.


Explore the vibrant rock shop, Arte Nossa - a loja da Nega, in Alto Paraíso de Goiás for unique crystals and artisanal treasures.

For dinner, we decided to try Zu's Bistro culinária italiana, a charming Italian restaurant that had been recommended to us by several locals. The restaurant was cozy and inviting, and the food was delicious. I had a wonderful risotto, and we shared a bottle of wine. It was the perfect way to end a perfect day.


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

As I sit here now, writing this blog post, I can still hear the sound of the waterfalls in my mind. Today was a reminder of the importance of connecting with nature, of taking the time to appreciate the beauty that surrounds us. I feel grateful for this experience, for the opportunity to explore this incredible part of the world. I am also excited about tomorrow's itinerary which includes a visit to Cachoeira do Segredo and Complexo Morada do Sol [Cachoeira do Segredo, Complexo Morada do Sol]. But for now, I need to rest up for another day of adventure. Aloha!

I must remember to buy some insect repellent and a portable charger, those are really essential in a trip like this, and I forgot to bring them from Berlin. I will try to find those tomorrow morning before leaving to Cachoeira do Segredo and Complexo Morada do Sol [Cachoeira do Segredo, Complexo Morada do Sol].