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Extension Tours

chapada
Chapada dos Guimarães: the beauty of Brazilian Savanna

One of the main attractions in the Brazilian Cerrado, the Chapada dos Guimarães National Park was created in 1989 in order to protect the enormous sandstone formations, outlooks that provide a broad view of the swampland plains and many waterfalls, thanks to the rich hydrography and sudden changes in altitude. The Véu de Noiva (Bridal Veil) waterfall, near the Visitors' Center, is the Chapada do Guimarães postcard. Within its 33 thousand hectares, the location is also home to more than 50 archaeological sites with prehistoric cave pictures and animal fossils. It is a natural Brazilian heritage, located in the township of Chapada dos Guimarães, in the State of Mato Grosso, and it represents one of the countless areas of national preservation. During the walks through the brush it is possible to discover still untouched areas. The twisted trees are unique; flowers of all colours and exotic fruit exhibit a generous and beautiful Cerrado. The Park is open to the public from 8:00a.m. to 5:00p.m. and can be visited all year round. However, the best time to get to know the location is between May and July, when the region is filled with flowers and the waterfalls are full. During the rainy season, between December and April, the trails are dangerous and access to some attractions is blocked.

The climate in the region is semi-humid, with average annual temperatures of 24 degrees Celsius, highs of 30 degrees Celsius and lows of 18 degrees Celsius. The rainy season is between the months of December and April. In the winter, from June to September, the outlook points can be foggy, jeopardizing the view.

State: Mato Grosso | Region: Midwest | Population: 15,755 inhabitants | Distance from Cuiabá: 55 km (34 miles)

Note: Some attractions are closed from time to time, so be prepared to adapt once you arrive in the park.

House of Stone 

This is a 70-square meter cavern with a stream and a light trail from the Park Visitors' Center. It also contains cave pictures inside.

Aroe Jari Cave ('Morada das Almas', Home of Souls)

The largest sandstone cave in Brazil, Aroe Jari extends nearly 1550 meters and several pre-historic inscriptions can be found inside. Access is achieved over a moderate trail that is 4.5 km (2.8 miles) long, an average 1-hour-and-20-minute walk.

 

Lagoa Azul Cave

This is a 30-minute walk from the Aroe Jari Cavern and it includes a lagoon with crystal clear waters where bathing is prohibited. Only 50 people are allowed to visit per day, and it is obligatory to hire a guide. Note: There is an extra fee to visit this site.

 

Paredão do Eco (Echo Wall)

This is a natural outlook formed by a huge sandstone wall at the top of the Chapada. Access is made along the road that leads to Água Fria, and then a secondary road that enters the Park.

 

Portão do Inferno (Hell's Gate)

This is an 85-meter deep canyon that can be seen from the road that connects Cuiabá to Chapada (MT-251). It is possible to see the Cidade de Pedra from there.

Waterfalls

Véu de Noiva, Independência, Andorinhas, 19 de Novembro, Pedra Furada, Sete de Setembro, Cachoeirinha, Salgadeira and dozens of other waterfalls wash the soul of all those seeking an escape from urban life. The transparent waters descend and form natural pools in creeks and small pebble-filled rivers, where lambaris (small fish) swim, indifferent to the company of bathers. It is recommended to hire a guide to accompany you on this outing.

 

Mount São Jerônimo

One of the highest points in Mato Grosso at 1020 meters, it provides a fabulous panoramic view. The difficult walk to the top passes by curious sandstone formations, such as the Jacaré de Pedra (Stone Alligator), the Pedra Furada (Hole in the Stone) and the Mesa do Sacrifício (Sacrificial Table). The trail finishes after a 30-minute steep, uphill climb that is inaccessible on rainy days. As this site is quite far away, we are unable to offer it on our one-day tours.

 

City of Stone

It is possible to walk by rocky formations, sculptured by wind and water, located along the cliffs of the Chapada, 350 meters high. The location's geologic formations resemble to ruins of a city made of stone. Access is made along a road that connects the Chapada dos Guimarães to the district of Água Fria, 24 km (15 miles) away.

nobres
Nobres 01 day (day-use) or 02days, 01night

 

Pantanal Jaguar Expeditions will be happy to take you to visit the following sites:
 

  • The Estivado River Spa, where you can swim in the river among shoals of typical Mato Grosso fish such as Piau, Pêra, Lambaris and Piraputanga;
     

  • The Triste River, where you can snorkel in the crystal-clear waters and where, in addition to schools of fish, you can see stingrays. This is the only river in Nobres where you will find this species;
     

  • The Lagoa das Araras (Araras Lagoon), where you can enjoy the sunset as well as the Macaw, Parrot and Parakeet Show;
     

  • The Serra Azul waterfall, which is the largest and most beautiful waterfall of Nobres, with a drop of 45 meters. Access is made via a 300-metre trail and a brick staircase of about 350 steps. The Sierra Azul waterfall is located on top of the mountain range of the same name and at the falls there is a beautiful natural 6-metre deep pool. The place is excellent for swimming and diving (or snorkelling) among the shoals of fish.

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