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- Vale da Lua — Weird, lunar-looking quartzite formations carved by the river and a string of shallow, crystal pools; great for scrambling, photos, and cooling off after a walk. (Personal favorite — it feels otherworldly at golden hour.)
- Cânion do Rio Preto & Salto do Rio Preto — Sweeping canyon walls opening onto powerful waterfalls and deep plunge pools; the viewpoints give dramatic panoramas and the hiking down to the falls is properly rewarding.
- Almécegas I & II — Two very different waterfalls on the same trail: Almécegas I has a high, photogenic drop and a big pool, while II is smaller and more intimate — both excellent for a post-hike swim.
- Mirantes (viewpoints) over the plateau — Short hikes lead to killer lookout points where you can watch sunrise or sunset paint the quartzite plateaus
- Vale da Lua — Weird, lunar-looking quartzite formations carved by the river and a string of shallow, crystal pools; great for scrambling, photos, and cooling off after a walk. (Personal favorite — it feels otherworldly at golden hour.)
- Cânion do Rio Preto & Salto do Rio Preto — Sweeping canyon walls opening onto powerful waterfalls and deep plunge pools; the viewpoints give dramatic panoramas and the hiking down to the falls is properly rewarding.
- Almécegas I & II — Two very different waterfalls on the same trail: Almécegas I has a high, photogenic drop and a big pool, while II is smaller and more intimate — both excellent for a post-hike swim.
- Mirantes (viewpoints) over the plateau — Short hikes lead to killer lookout points where you can watch sunrise or sunset paint the quartzite plateaus and cerrado in intense colors — the light is unreal for landscape lovers.
- Cerrado and quartzite campos rupestres — The park’s main show: ancient rock plates, quirky vegetation, and endemic plants and flowers you won’t see anywhere else; the geology and open vistas make the hikes feel vast.
- Caminhadas pelos cânions (multi-hour hikes) — Longer trails that traverse ridgelines, river canyons and hidden pools; bring water and good shoes — these are the best way to get away from crowds and see real wildness.
- Wildlife & birding spots — Dawn and dusk are prime for glimpses of maned wolves, giant anteaters, armadillos, and a dazzling array of birds and hummingbirds; patience pays off — binoculars recommended.
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Hi, I’m Johan (Netherlands 🇳🇱), the creator of TakeYourBackpack. Over the past decade, I’ve backpacked through 80+ countries across six continents, gaining extensive experience with independent travel, long-term trips, and overland routes.