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

Angels, Archangels, and Zen: A Day of Waterfalls and Wonder

Aloha, fellow travelers! Today was a day of pure magic here in Chapada dos Veadeiros. After four days of exploring this incredible national park, I can honestly say that the energy here is unlike anything I've ever experienced. The landscapes are breathtaking, and the waterfalls? Simply divine. Today, my friends and I set out to discover two more of these natural wonders: Cachoeira dos Anjos e Arcanjos and Cachoeira do Sertão Zen. Get ready to dive in!

Our day began with a hearty breakfast at Zu's Bistro culinária italiana in Alto Paraiso de Goias. I know, I know, Italian in Brazil? But trust me, this place is a gem! The aroma of freshly baked bread and strong coffee filled the air as we walked in. I opted for a simple yet satisfying breakfast of scrambled eggs with herbs and a side of crusty bread. The perfect fuel for a day of hiking and waterfall chasing. It reminded me of the small Italian restaurants Lena and I used to visit in Berlin, a comforting taste of Europe in the heart of Brazil.

After breakfast, we packed our daypacks, slathered on some sunscreen (though I regrettably forgot the insect repellent!), and hit the road. Our first stop was Cachoeira dos Anjos e Arcanjos. The drive to the Moinho village, where the waterfalls are located, was scenic in itself, with winding roads offering glimpses of the vast cerrado landscape. The closer we got, the more the anticipation grew. We parked the car and started our trek. The trail to Cachoeira dos Anjos e Arcanjos is relatively easy, about 1.5 km, but does require some care, especially when descending the rocks near Arcanjos. The path was well-marked, and the surrounding vegetation offered plenty of shade, which was a welcome respite from the midday sun.

As we approached Cachoeira dos Anjos, the sound of rushing water filled the air. The waterfall is nestled within a mini-canyon, creating a stunning natural pool at its base. The water was refreshingly cold, perfect for a revitalizing dip. We spent a good hour swimming and basking in the beauty of the surroundings. The rock formations were incredible, sculpted by the water over centuries. I couldn't help but feel a sense of awe and wonder at the power of nature. It reminded me of the waterfalls back in Hilo, Hawaii, where I grew up. There's something about waterfalls that just calms the soul.


Discover the hidden gems of Chapada dos Veadeiros at Cachoeira dos Anjos e Arcanjos, where tranquil waterfalls and natural beauty await.

The beauty of nature is a reflection of the beauty within ourselves.

Next, we hiked up to Cachoeira dos Arcanjos, which is located above Anjos. The trail to Arcanjos was a bit more challenging, with some rocky ascents and descents. But the effort was well worth it. Arcanjos boasts a larger pool with slightly darker water, but equally clean and inviting. The waterfall cascades down a series of small steps, creating a mesmerizing effect. We took another swim, enjoying the tranquility and the stunning views. I even tried my hand at some underwater photography, hoping to capture the magic of the moment.

After drying off, we decided to explore the Moinho village a bit. It's a small, charming community with a laid-back vibe. We chatted with some locals, learning about their way of life and their connection to the land. It's these interactions that truly enrich a travel experience, offering a glimpse into the heart and soul of a place. They were so welcoming and proud of their home, which reminded me of the 'ohana spirit back in Hawaii.

With the afternoon sun beginning to dip lower, we made our way to our next destination: Cachoeira do Sertão Zen. Located a short drive from Alto Paraiso de Goias, this waterfall is known for its serene and peaceful atmosphere. As we arrived, I could immediately see why it's called Sertão Zen. The energy here was palpable, a sense of calm and tranquility that washed over me.

The trail to the waterfall is well-maintained and easy to navigate. The surrounding vegetation is lush and green, creating a vibrant tapestry of life. The sound of the water cascading over the rocks was like a soothing melody, inviting us to relax and unwind. We found a quiet spot near the base of the waterfall and simply sat in silence, soaking in the beauty of the surroundings. The water was crystal clear, and the air was fresh and clean. It was the perfect place to meditate and reconnect with nature. Lena would have loved this place; it reminded me of the Japanese gardens she curates at the museum in Berlin.


Discover the serene beauty of Cachoeira do Sertão Zen in Alto Paraíso de Goiás, a perfect escape for nature lovers and adventure seekers.

After our moment of zen, we decided to head back to Alto Paraiso de Goias for dinner. We chose Restaurante Buritis, known for its hearty meals and local flavors. The restaurant offers a buffet of pastas where you can select your ingredients. It was the perfect way to end our day of adventure. I created my own pasta dish with a mix of vegetables, herbs, and a creamy tomato sauce. It was delicious and satisfying, a true taste of Brazil.

As the sun set, we made our way to BarZen Chapada for a nightcap. This bar is known for its rustic charm and lively atmosphere. We sat outside, enjoying the cool evening air and listening to live music. I ordered a caipirinha, the classic Brazilian cocktail, and toasted to another amazing day in Chapada dos Veadeiros. The bar had a unique ambiance, with live music that created a lively and welcoming environment. Although some reviews mention slow service, we found the staff to be friendly and attentive. The rustic design and warm decor added to the overall charm of the place, making it a perfect spot to unwind after a day of exploring.

Looking ahead to tomorrow, we're planning to visit Mirante da Estrela and Cachoeira do Segredo. I've heard that Mirante da Estrela offers panoramic views of the park, and Cachoeira do Segredo is a hidden gem that's well worth the hike. We're also planning to stop by Loja de trilha - On The Rocks Aventuras Chapada dos Veadeiros to pick up some insect repellent, so I don’t repeat my mistake from today!

Today was a day of waterfalls, wonder, and zen moments. From the refreshing waters of Cachoeira dos Anjos e Arcanjos to the peaceful atmosphere of Cachoeira do Sertão Zen, I felt a deep connection to nature and a sense of gratitude for the beauty of this world. And the delicious food and lively music? Just the icing on the cake. Until tomorrow, aloha and boa noite!

P.S. I'm definitely missing my insect repellent. Note to self: always double-check the essentials!

Also, I'm finding the local cuisine to be quite interesting. I might try my hand at recreating some of these dishes back in Berlin. Hawaiian-Brazilian fusion, anyone?