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- Fervedouros — A string of artesian spring pools where the water pressure makes you float like a cork; crystal-clear, often emerald water, cool shade from buriti palms and short, easy trails between pools. They’re uniquely Jalapão and perfect for a slow, camera-friendly dip.
- Dunas do Jalapão — Golden sand dunes rising out of the cerrado, gorgeous at sunrise and sunset when the light turns the sand to molten gold. Climb a steep face for panoramic views and some ridiculously good photos — wear shoes you don’t mind filling with sand.
- Cachoeira da Velha — A wide, powerful curtain waterfall on the Rio Novo; dramatic in the wet season and a thunderous backdrop for photos. There are natural pools below and a raw, open landscape that feels properly wild.
- Cachoeira do Formiga — Smaller than Velha
- Fervedouros — A string of artesian spring pools where the water pressure makes you float like a cork; crystal-clear, often emerald water, cool shade from buriti palms and short, easy trails between pools. They’re uniquely Jalapão and perfect for a slow, camera-friendly dip.
- Dunas do Jalapão — Golden sand dunes rising out of the cerrado, gorgeous at sunrise and sunset when the light turns the sand to molten gold. Climb a steep face for panoramic views and some ridiculously good photos — wear shoes you don’t mind filling with sand.
- Cachoeira da Velha — A wide, powerful curtain waterfall on the Rio Novo; dramatic in the wet season and a thunderous backdrop for photos. There are natural pools below and a raw, open landscape that feels properly wild.
- Cachoeira do Formiga — Smaller than Velha but with glassy, green pools and calmer swimming spots. The short walks into this one feel intimate and the water clarity is outstanding — bring reef-style shoes for slippery rocks.
- Rio Novo beaches and prainhas — Long sandy river beaches and gentle current stretches ideal for floating, picnic stops, and low-cost camping. Great place to chill after dusty dirt roads and to watch birds and capybaras along the bank.
- Canyons and sculpted rock formations — Narrow canyons and carved sandstone shapes that reward even short hikes with dramatic light and tight geology contrasts — great for wandering, scrambling, and small-group exploration.
- Mirantes (viewpoints) for sunrise/sunset — Simple climbs or short drives to lookout points where the dunes, rivers and cerrado mosaic stitch together into sweeping vistas. Pack a thermos, arrive early, and you’ll understand why people rave about Jalapão’s light.
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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.