By Laís Oliveira | Translated: Amanda Peter
If you want to get away from the traditional beach destinations in Brazil, especially in the Northeast, as you are looking for a place to explore, rest and be in maximum contact with nature, Chapada dos Guimarães might be the ideal option for you.
Located in the heart of Mato Grosso state, about 70km from the capital Cuiabá, the city of Chapada dos Guimarães is a paradise destination full of archaeological and paleontological sites, breathtaking waterfalls and lots of untouched nature.
In terms of population, the city is small, having approximately 22,500 inhabitants, according to the last census of 2021, but in terms of size and beauty, it is giant measuring 6,250 km².
Chapada dos Guimarães can be a great destination both for the adventurous and for the calmer ones who seek to contemplate nature. This town has large slopes and hills of red sandstone ranging from 600 to more than 850 meters in altitude, forming canyons and ruins.
In the city, tourists will find simple but very welcoming people. The streets have tons of arts & crafts shops, good restaurants – mostly located in the central square – and several accommodation options.
As for the tourist attractions in Chapada dos Guimarães, it is recommended that travelers book at least four days in the itinerary to get to know the place well! Some examples of must-see sites are the Chapada dos Guimarães National Park, with waterfalls, caves, lakes and trails in the midst of typical cerrado fields. In addition, there are 46 archaeological sites; 2 paleontological sites; 59 river springs; 487 waterfalls; 3,300 km² of National Park; 2,518 km² of Environmental Protected Area; 2 state reserves; 2 municipal parks; 2 parkways; 157 km of murals; 42 properties listed by IPHAN and 38 endemic species to enchant tourists.
One of the most famous and beautiful spots in the city is the Gruta Lagoa Azul, where you can find a huge sandstone cave with an extension of 1.5 kilometers, considered the largest in Brazil. There are also underwater trails and spectacular cave paintings.
For those who are more adventurous, Morro dos Ventos is a must to visit. When the weather permits, tourists can climb to the viewpoint of the hill, which is 800 meters high and next to huge orange murals. The landscape inviting and you can experience an unforgettable sunset.
Another must-stop in the tourist itinerary is the famous Water Circuit. The tour takes place in a preserved area with beautiful waterfalls and crystal clear lagoons.
The route starts at Fazenda Buriti and the tour follows an 8km path, passing by several of the most stunning waterfalls of the site. During the tour, tourists will visit Poço do Amor, Cachoeiras do Coração, Sossego, Escadarias and das Orquídeas. In addition to them, there are also the Pedra Encantada, Mistério and Cambará waterfalls, which are also part of the Water Circuit.
The best time of year to visit Chapada dos Guimarães is between April and September, during the dry season, as it is possible to hit good weather and to have good visibility at the viewpoints. However, the rain would certainly not interfere with the tours or make the waterfalls less inviting.
There are several options to get to the city, if you go by plane, you can easily rent a car, pick it up at Cuiabá Airport, and travel approximately 70km to Chapada dos Guimarães.
Another option is to check if your hotel in Chapada offers a transportation or if they have any recommendations of services for that.
Now that you know all that Chapada dos Guimarães has to offer, you can include it in your itinerary and plan your trip!
* For airline tickets from the U.S to Brazil or Latin America, customized travel packages, hotels and cruises, please visit our travel agent page or contact Magali Da Silva by phone or whatsapp: 1 (323) 428-1963.
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