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Chapada dos Guimarães National Park: A South American Jewel

Explore Brazil's best-kept secret: dramatic cliffs, stunning waterfalls, and ancient rock formations in the heart of South America.

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Chapada dos Guimarães National Park, located in Mato Grosso, Brazil, is a stunning natural haven known for its dramatic red sandstone cliffs, waterfalls, and diverse wildlife. The park marks the geographical center of the South American continent and offers a variety of landscapes and activities for nature enthusiasts.

A brief summary to Chapada dos Guimarães National Park

  • Monday 8:30 am-4 pm
  • Tuesday 8:30 am-4 pm
  • Wednesday 8:30 am-4 pm
  • Thursday 8:30 am-4 pm
  • Friday 8:30 am-4 pm
  • Saturday 8:30 am-4 pm
  • Sunday 8:30 am-4 pm

Local tips

  • Bring comfortable hiking shoes, as many trails involve uneven terrain and some inclines.
  • Pack swimwear to enjoy the natural pools at the waterfalls, especially during the Waterfall Circuit hike.
  • Hire a local guide for a more in-depth experience and to access certain areas within the park.
  • Visit during the dry season (July to October) for the best weather and to minimize the risk of forest fires.
  • Bring insect repellent, as mosquitoes and other insects can be prevalent, especially near water sources.
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Getting There

  • Bus

    From Cuiabá, take a bus from the Rodoviária (bus station) to Chapada dos Guimarães. Buses depart approximately every hour, with a journey time of about 1 hour. From the Chapada dos Guimarães bus terminal, you can take a taxi or local tour to the park entrance, roughly 11 km away. Bus tickets cost around BRL 18-25.

  • Driving

    From Cuiabá, drive along the MT-251 highway towards Chapada dos Guimarães. The drive is approximately 65 km and takes about 1 hour. Follow the MT-251 for about 34 kilometers to reach the park entrance. Parking is available at the park entrance and at main attractions like Véu de Noiva. A vehicle entry fee of approximately BRL 30-40 may apply.

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Discover more about Chapada dos Guimarães National Park

Chapada dos Guimarães National Park, created in 1989, protects a significant portion of the Brazilian Cerrado. The park spans 326.3 square kilometers and is characterized by rugged terrain, towering red sandstone cliffs, and numerous waterfalls. The park sits in the upper Paraguay River basin, safeguarding the headwaters of the Cuiabá River, a crucial source for the Pantanal wetlands. Visitors can explore various attractions, including the iconic Véu de Noiva (Bridal Veil Falls), a stunning 90-meter waterfall. The Circuito das Cachoeiras (Waterfall Circuit) offers a 6 km hike past multiple waterfalls and natural pools. Other notable spots include the Cidade de Pedra (Stone City), Morro de São Jerônimo (Mount St. Jerome) offering panoramic views, and Vale do Rio Claro. The park boasts a rich biodiversity, with fauna including the jaguar, puma, pampas deer, howler monkey, and maned wolf. Birdwatchers can spot red macaws, tropical screech-owls, and various other species. The park also contains over 40 archaeological sites, featuring cave paintings and fossils. Geological studies indicate that Chapada dos Guimarães was once a seabed around 300 million years ago, and marine fossils can still be found within the park. The park's unique rock formations and mystical atmosphere draw visitors seeking natural beauty and adventure.

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