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Vale da Lua: A Lunar Landscape on Earth

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Discover Vale da Lua in Alto Paraíso de Goiás: Swim in emerald pools amidst ancient, moon-like rock formations in Brazil's stunning Chapada dos Veadeiros.

Vale da Lua (Moon Valley) is a stunning valley near Alto Paraíso de Goiás, Brazil, characterized by rock formations sculpted by the São Miguel River over millions of years. The smooth, cratered rocks resemble the moon's surface, offering a unique and otherworldly experience.

A brief summary to Vale da Lua

  • GO-239, km 29 - s/nº, Alto Paraíso de Goiás, Zona Rural, State of Goiás, 73770-000, BR
  • Monday 8 am-4:15 pm
  • Tuesday 8 am-4:15 pm
  • Wednesday 8 am-4:15 pm
  • Thursday 8 am-4:15 pm
  • Friday 8 am-4:15 pm
  • Saturday 8 am-4:15 pm
  • Sunday 8 am-4:15 pm

Local tips

  • Visit during the dry season (May-September) for safer swimming conditions and to avoid potential flash floods.
  • Wear comfortable hiking shoes as the trails can be rocky.
  • Bring swimwear to enjoy the natural pools.
  • Consider visiting early in the morning or late afternoon for better lighting for photography.
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Getting There

  • Car

    From Alto Paraíso de Goiás, take GO-239 towards São Jorge. After approximately 5 km, look for a signed turnoff to Vale da Lua. Follow the 3.5 km dirt road to the parking area. From there, it's an easy walk of under 1 km to the river. Note that the dirt road can be challenging during the rainy season.

  • Taxi/Mototaxi

    From the village of São Jorge, taxis and 'mototaxis' (motorcycle taxis) are available to take you to Vale da Lua, which is about 9 km away. Confirm the fare before starting your journey. Expect to pay around R$30-50 for a taxi or R$20-30 for a mototaxi.

Discover more about Vale da Lua

Vale da Lua, or Moon Valley, presents a surreal landscape in the heart of Brazil, near Alto Paraíso de Goiás. This extraordinary location owes its unique appearance to the relentless work of the São Miguel River, which, over eons, has carved and polished the rocks into shapes reminiscent of the lunar surface. The valley is characterized by smooth, greyish rocks, cratered surfaces, and natural pools of emerald water, creating a stark contrast with the surrounding green cerrado vegetation. The geological formations are approximately 1.8 billion years old, making them some of the oldest on Earth. The rocks, a metaconglomerate composed of quartz, sand, and clay, have been shaped by the abrasive action of water and sand particles, resulting in the unique lunar-like appearance. Visitors can explore the valley via well-maintained trails, swim in the crystalline pools, and marvel at the unique biodiversity of the region. The best time to visit is during the dry season (May to September) to avoid flash floods.

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