Exploring Chapada dos Veadeiros: the magic of Brazil’s Cerrado
By Val Garibotti on 3rd December, 2025
Spending three nights in Chapada dos Veadeiros at the end of October was exactly what I needed to remember why I love Brazil so much.
I was there for REMOTE Latin America, a small, meaningful travel show that brings together independent specialists and local partners from across the continent.
My mornings were mostly spent in meetings, chatting with guides, lodge owners, and conservation-focused projects. But every afternoon, I escaped into the landscape — and that’s when the magic really happened.
Chapada dos Veadeiros sits in the heart of the Cerrado, Brazil’s vast tropical savannah. It’s a place of quartz-filled valleys, natural pools so clear you can see the sand ripple under your feet, and waterfalls tucked between dramatic rocky folds. Even after multiple trips to Brazil, this country still manages to surprise me with its wild beauty!
Suggested itinerary to visit this astonishing place: 14 Days in Brazil: Cerrado, Waterfalls & Coast from £4,700pp based on 2 sharing throughout
OR: Browse more Brazil Holidays & Prices
Moon Valley (Vale da Lua) – Where the Cerrado turns otherworldly
My first afternoon took me to the Moon Valley, and I promise the name makes complete sense as soon as you arrive. The landscape looks carved by another planet: smooth grey rocks shaped by thousands of years of water rushing over them, punctuated by pockets of bright green vegetation.
Walking across the stone plateaus felt almost meditative — warm rock underfoot, the sound of water echoing through the cracks, and little natural pools appearing between the formations perfect for a refreshing dip. It’s not a strenuous walk, more of a gentle wander, so it’s perfect if you want something easy but truly striking. You do need good shoes however, as the terrain can be slippery at times.
I think the Moon Valley is ideal for a first afternoon in Chapada: it gives you a sense of the geology without requiring a full day of hiking.
Need advice on when to travel? Read our short guide: When to go to Brazil
Crystal Pools – clear, calm and the perfect afternoon
The Crystal Pools (Poço Encantado and Poço Azul) were exactly what I needed after a busy morning. The Cerrado heat can be full-on, and on this sunny day slipping into these cool, perfectly still pools felt like a reward.
The colour is what stayed with me — a light, clean, mineral blue — and the water is so transparent that fish weave around your legs while you swim. The trails were easy and shaded in parts, and the pools themselves are spread out so you never feel crowded.
If you enjoy wild swimming but prefer something gentler than a big waterfall plunge, this is your place.
Chakra rebalancing at Fazenda Shanti – something a little different
This was a completely new experience for me, and I’m so glad I said yes. Fazenda do Shanti is an organic farm, wellness space, and retreat tucked among the trees, and the whole property feels peaceful the moment you arrive — shaded paths, birdsong everywhere, and the kind of quiet that doesn’t feel forced.
I joined a session of chakra rebalancing, something I’d never tried before. It combines breathwork, sound, gentle pressure points and guided relaxation. Whether or not you’re someone who normally gravitates toward wellness experiences, there was something genuinely calming about being in that environment. I left feeling surprisingly grounded after these full-on days.
If you’re staying in Chapada for several days, I think this experience would make a lovely contrast to the hikes and waterfalls.
Useful read: How to spend your time in Brazil
What Else You Can Do in Chapada dos Veadeiros
My afternoons only scratched the surface. If you travel here, I would suggest to spend 3–5 nights, mixing some half day and full day tours. If you enjoy nature, you’ll never run out of options:
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Hiking in the National Park — marked trails lead through canyons, viewpoints, and sections of quartz-filled valleys that sparkle in the sun.
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Waterfalls — plenty of them, from easy-access ones to full-day hikes. Favourites are Almécegas I & II and Catarata dos Couros.
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Freshwater pools — ideal if you want something calm, cool and crystal-clear.
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Stargazing — the skies here are incredibly clear thanks to the lack of light pollution.
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Local communities and small farms — many offer experiences linked to conservation, wellness, or Cerrado food traditions.
Chapada is the kind of place that suits slow travel. You don’t need to pack all of your days, but mix full day activities with some free time.
Where to Stay
I stayed in a hotel through the REMOTE programme, but I had the privilege to visit a few. Alto Paraiso has plenty of pousadas and eco-lodges that blend well with the landscape. Places with comfortable rooms, local produce at breakfast, and that sense of calm you come to Chapada for.
My favourite were Vila Cerrado and Vila Toa. The rooms in both were cosy, with nothing left to chance, every little detail taken care of. The common spaces plentiful and elegant, and the staff very welcoming and friendly. If you want a view to die for, Vila Toa cannot be beaten!
Would I recommend Cerrado? Absolutely!
Chapada dos Veadeiros isn’t about ticking off landmarks — it’s about atmosphere.
Light, heat, silence, swimming in rivers, walking between ancient rock formations, learning about the Cerrado’s biodiversity, and finding space to breathe. My three nights reminded me why I always encourage travellers to pair Brazil’s coast and cities with time in nature.
Every trip to Brazil I plan is completely tailor made, meaning where you go, what you’ll do and the accommodations you stay in will be suggested with your preferences at their heart.
Have a look at some of my sample Holidays & Prices for inspiration, and if you’re curious about including beautiful Chapada in your own itinerary, email me and I’d be very happy to help you plan something at the right pace.
