Parque Nacional das Emas, Cerrado Travel Guide

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Discover Brazil's hidden gem: a UNESCO-listed park with diverse wildlife, stunning landscapes, and the magical bioluminescent termite mounds.

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Parque Nacional das Emas

Emas National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site in Goiás and Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil, protects a vast expanse of the Cerrado ecosystem. It's renowned for its diverse flora and fauna, including endangered species like the maned wolf and giant anteater, and the unique bioluminescent termite mounds.

A brief summary to Parque Nacional das Emas

Parque Nacional das Emas Go, Chapadão do Céu, State of Goiás, 75828-000, BR
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Tuesday 8 am-6 pm
Wednesday 8 am-6 pm
Thursday 8 am-6 pm
Friday 8 am-6 pm
Saturday 8 am-6 pm
Sunday 8 am-6 pm

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Parque Nacional das Emas.

The best time to visit is during the dry season (May to October) for more predictable weather and better wildlife viewing opportunities.
Book guided tours in advance to enhance your experience and increase your chances of spotting wildlife.
Pack sturdy hiking boots, lightweight long-sleeved shirts, and plenty of water. Bug spray is essential, especially at dawn and dusk.
Be aware that the roads leading to the park can be rough, especially during the rainy season. Renting a vehicle with good ground clearance is recommended.

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Explore Parque Nacional das Emas on the Map

A handpicked selection of must-see spots near Parque Nacional das Emas, mapped for you.

Getting There

Driving

The primary access points to Emas National Park are through the cities of Mineiros and Chapadão do Céu in Goiás. From Goiânia, the capital of Goiás, Mineiros is 426 km away, followed by an 88 km drive to the Jacuba gate, which lies at the heart of the park. Alternatively, from Campo Grande, Mato Grosso do Sul, Chapadão do Céu is 378 km away, and the park entrance is roughly 30 km from Chapadão do Céu. Renting a car is recommended due to the remote location and variable road conditions. There is no entrance fee to the park.

Discover more about Parque Nacional das Emas

Parque Nacional das Emas (Emas National Park), meaning 'Rhea National Park' in Portuguese, is a vital sanctuary for Brazil's Cerrado biome. Established in 1961, the park spans 1,320 square kilometers across the states of Goiás and Mato Grosso do Sul. This UNESCO World Heritage Site protects a remarkable array of plant and animal life, some of which are found nowhere else on Earth.The park's landscape is characterized by open grasslands, scattered woodlands, and gallery forests, showcasing the diverse ecosystems within the Cerrado. It is home to over 800 plant species and 350 species of birds, as well as mammals at risk of extinction. Wildlife sightings may include giant anteaters, maned wolves, pampas deer, and the greater rhea, which gives the park its name. Emas National Park also has a small jaguar population.A unique natural phenomenon occurs within the park: bioluminescent termite mounds. During the rainy season, larvae inhabiting the mounds emit a blue-green light, creating a surreal, starry landscape at ground level.Visitors can explore the park through guided tours and trails, immersing themselves in the natural beauty of the Cerrado. The park also plays a crucial role in maintaining the region's hydrological balance, acting as a key area for aquifer recharge.