CHAPADA DOS VEADEIROS
In the heart of the Cerrado
Home to one of the top 25 national parks in the world, the Chapada dos Veadeiros region is known for its biodiversity, waterfalls and adventurous day trips.
FROM THE RANCH
Your base for exploring
The ranch sits on the GO-118, a 20-minute drive from the center of Alto Paraíso and about 200 km from Brasília — halfway to almost everything you came to see. Every distance in this guide starts at our gate.
And inside the Chapada dos Veadeiros National Park, the Saltos do Rio Preto plunge between canyons and forest — the landscape that made the region famous.
WATERFALLS & ATTRACTIONS
Where to go from our gate
- 20 km
Cachoeira do Papagaio
A refuge on the banks of the Rio dos Couros, with a gentle 300-meter trail and a restaurant for lunch.
- 22 km
Loquinhas
A cluster of small waterfalls and crystal-clear natural pools, reached by a short, easy trail.
- 26 km
Cachoeira dos Cristais
A natural pool of crystal-clear water with shallow areas — and a snack bar on site if you want to stay for lunch.
- 26 km
São Bento Farm
Three falls on a single property: the tall, powerful Almécegas I, the quieter Almécegas II and the São Bento waterfall.
- 27 km
Aldeia Multiétnica
A cultural space unlike any other in Brazil, devoted to indigenous cultures — entry includes Almécegas I and II and a swimming hole on the Rio dos Couros.
- 37 km
Jardim de Maytrea
A roadside viewpoint with gardens and sculptures, free to enter — close to Rancho do Waldomiro, the classic stop for lunch.
- 46 km
Santuário Volta da Serra
A preservation area near São Jorge: accessible trails lead to waterfalls like Cordovil and the Poço das Esmeraldas.
- 75 km
Poço Encantado
A natural pool surrounded by rock formations, with a restaurant, hammocks and chalets on the property.
Distances measured from Paradise Ranch.
The waters of the Chapada in pictures
WHEN TO COME
Two seasons, two Chapadas
The rains
In the wet months the Cerrado turns green and the waterfalls run fuller — even the ranch's seasonal stream starts flowing again.
The dry season, May to September
Clear skies day after day, a golden landscape and easier dirt roads. It's also the season for the attractions that only operate in the dry.
WHERE TO EAT
Three tables we recommend
- ALTO PARAÍSO
Café com Graça
A charming café with artisanal creations both sweet and savory — our favorite way to start the day.
- VILA SÃO JORGE
Santo Cerrado
Risottos built on Cerrado flavors, like baru nut, in a rustic, cozy setting.
- VILA SÃO JORGE
Cozinha do Cavaleiro
Regional, creative, heartfelt cooking inside the Casa de Cultura São Jorge.
See the complete guide: where to eat in Chapada dos Veadeiros
What our guests say
It feels like staying at a lodge in the Atacama — but in the middle of our breathtaking Chapada dos Veadeiros.
Your base in the Chapada
Explore all day and come home to the fire, the tub and the ranch's starry sky.