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

Day 2: Lunar Valleys and Cascading Wonders

Aloha, fellow travelers! Today was an absolute feast for the senses as we continued our exploration of Chapada dos Veadeiros. From the otherworldly landscapes of Vale da Lua to the refreshing embrace of Cachoeira Almêcegas I, every moment felt like stepping into a postcard. Lena would have loved this place, I know it!

Our day began with a hearty breakfast at Restaurante Buritis in São Jorge. This place is known for its incredible buffet of made-to-order pasta dishes. It was the perfect fuel for the adventures that awaited us. Eating a hearty breakfast is always a good idea, especially with the amount of walking that we were planning on doing today!


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

First up on our itinerary was Vale da Lua, or Moon Valley. The drive there was scenic in itself, with the landscape transforming into a mix of cerrado vegetation and rocky terrain. As we approached, the landscape dramatically shifted, revealing the unique, lunar-like formations that give the valley its name. The São Miguel River has carved its way through the ancient rocks, creating smooth, undulating surfaces, potholes, and passageways that are simply mesmerizing.


Explore Brazil's Vale da Lua: Hike through otherworldly rock formations, swim in natural pools, and discover a lunar-like landscape.

The trail down to the riverbed was short and relatively easy, thankfully. As I stepped onto the rocks, I felt like I had been transported to another planet. The gray, sculpted stones, contrasted against the clear, flowing water, created a surreal and breathtaking scene. I couldn't resist dipping my feet into the cool water, a welcome respite from the midday sun. I can see why they call it Moon Valley. If the moon had water, I imagine it would look something like this!

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

After spending a couple of hours exploring Vale da Lua, we hopped back in the car and headed towards Cachoeira Almêcegas I. This waterfall is located on Fazenda São Bento, a short drive from Alto Paraíso. The entrance fee was R$30 per person, which seemed reasonable considering the upkeep of the trails and facilities. The trail to Almêcegas I was a bit more challenging than Vale da Lua, with some steep inclines and rocky sections. But the promise of a refreshing swim kept us motivated.


Discover the majestic Almêcegas I waterfall in Alto Paraíso de Goiás: a 45-meter cascade, natural pools, and stunning views await!

As we rounded the final bend, the waterfall came into view, and it was truly a sight to behold. Cachoeira Almêcegas I plunges 45 meters (approximately 148 feet) into a large, clear pool below. The water was crisp and invigorating, perfect for washing away the dust from the trail. I couldn't resist taking a dip, and the feeling of the cool water cascading over my body was heavenly.

After our refreshing swim, we decided to grab lunch at La Parrilla in Alto Paraíso de Goiás. This restaurant specializes in Argentinian and Uruguayan cuisine, and it was a welcome change from the typical Brazilian fare we had been eating. I ordered the parrillada, a mixed grill platter with various cuts of meat, and it was absolutely delicious. The meat was cooked to perfection, and the chimichurri sauce added a zesty kick. It was a bit like being back in Berlin, at one of the Argentinian steakhouses there.


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

Our final stop for the day was Mirante da Trilha dos Saltos. This viewpoint offers panoramic views of the Chapada dos Veadeiros National Park, and it's the perfect spot to watch the sunset. The view from the mirante was simply breathtaking. Rolling hills, dramatic cliffs, and cascading waterfalls stretched out as far as the eye could see. I could see the Saltos do Rio Preto, two massive waterfalls that plunge into the canyons below. The golden light of the setting sun painted the landscape in warm hues, creating a magical and unforgettable scene.


Witness breathtaking waterfall views and immerse yourself in the natural beauty of Chapada dos Veadeiros National Park from this stunning vista point.

Before heading back to our campsite, we stopped by Capim de Cheiro, a local shop in Alto Paraíso known for its mystical products, crystals, and souvenirs. I picked up a few small trinkets for Lena and Kai, hoping to bring a piece of the Chapada's energy back home. The store was really interesting, and it was nice to support a local business. I bought a small dream catcher for Kai, and a lovely aromatherapy candle for Lena.


Explore Capim de Cheiro, a charming novelty store in Alto Paraíso de Goiás, showcasing aromatic treasures, handcrafted glassware, and local artistry.

For dinner, we decided to try Zu's Bistro, an Italian restaurant in Alto Paraíso. After a day of hiking and exploring, a comforting plate of pasta was exactly what I needed. The bistro had a cozy and inviting atmosphere, and the homemade pasta was simply divine. I ordered the risotto de frango com pequi, a local specialty, and it was bursting with flavor. The owner, Zu, was incredibly friendly and welcoming, making us feel right at home.


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 under the starlit sky of Chapada dos Veadeiros, I can't help but feel grateful for the experiences of today. From the lunar landscapes of Vale da Lua to the cascading waters of Almêcegas I and the panoramic views from Mirante da Trilha dos Saltos, every moment was a testament to the raw beauty and natural wonders of this incredible place. I'm already looking forward to tomorrow's adventures, which include exploring Cachoeira dos Cristais and Jardim de Maytrea, and maybe stopping by Gastrobar Área 51 for a drink. Until then, Aloha and Até amanhã!

It’s days like these that remind me why I love to travel. Getting to see the natural beauty of our world really can be life-changing. I feel so refreshed and ready to take on the world!