Jalapão Expedition
A dive into the true Jalapão! A captivating trek through the rupestrian Cerrado, an ecosystem of unforgettable contrasts and breathtaking landscapes.
Itinerary
This experience is a glimpse into the new, the different… into the culture of a stunning and richly diverse region. Participants will have the chance to connect with traditional communities, explore their craftsmanship, and immerse themselves in community-based tourism.
Itinerary
May 24
Group meeting in Palmas at a guesthouse/hotel from 2:00 PM. Free day.
7:00 PM – Expedition briefing with the Terra das Tribos guide. Overnight in Palmas.
May 25
We begin our adventure departing Palmas at 7:00 AM, heading to Jalapão Ecolodge, located in the Catedral do Jalapão Private Natural Heritage Reserve (RPPN), with arrival expected around noon. Upon arrival, we’ll hike 1.2 km to the Rio Soninho cove, where we’ll enjoy a refreshing swim followed by a riverside snack. After a short rest, we return to the Ecolodge base (1.2 km hike). Around 3:00 PM, we set off on a 4 km trail to the highway, from where we’ll drive to the foot of Morro da Catedral, one of Jalapão’s landmarks. At 4:30 PM, we begin a 2.8 km hike (round trip) to the summit, where we’ll witness a breathtaking sunset. Dinner and overnight at Jalapão Ecolodge.
May 26
After breakfast, we start early at 6:00 AM with the Travessia da Velha Trek, approximately 15 km across open fields and wetlands, reaching Cachoeira da Velha for a unique perspective from inside the park. Lunch will be a riverside picnic along Rio Novo’s beaches. In the afternoon, we’ll enjoy a 2-hour rafting adventure (class IV rapids), experiencing the thrill of paddling in Jalapão. We’ll also visit several pristine river beaches along Brazil’s cleanest and most drinkable river. After rafting, we return on a 5 km trail to Jalapão Ecolodge, with arrival around 6:00 PM. Transfer to São Félix for dinner and overnight.
May 27
Early start at 6:30 AM with a transfer to the trailhead for a 9.5 km trek (approx. 4 hours). Along the way, we’ll visit the Quilombola community of Boa Esperança and the home of community leader Adão Ribeiro to share local culture. Lunch and overnight with local hosts in the Quilombola community of Prata. In the afternoon, we hike 5.5 km from the lodging to Fervedouro Jatobá. Return in the evening for dinner and overnight.
May 28
After breakfast, we head to Fervedouro Buritizinho and then hike 4 km through the Cerrado to Fervedouro Encontro das Águas, where the Formiga and Soninho rivers meet — offering a unique bathing experience with contrasting colors and temperatures. Lunch is a traditional Jalapão meal in the Quilombola community of Mumbuca, birthplace of golden grass handicrafts. After a visit to the community museum, we continue to Cachoeira do Formiga for a relaxing swim. Transfer to Mateiros. Dinner not included. Overnight in Mateiros.
May 29
Early departure at 4:00 AM for a sunrise hike to the Serra do Espírito Santo viewpoint. Continue on a rupestrian Cerrado trail toward the sandstone cliffs of Jalapão’s dunes. The descent is steep and rocky, adding a technical touch to the trek. We end at the stunning golden-orange sand dunes surrounded by mountains and wetlands. Lunch at Restaurante Curicaca in the Rio Novo community. Afternoon swim and free time at Pixico beach. Dinner and overnight camping or hammock stay in Rio Novo community. Total hike: approx. 9 km.
May 30
Adventure on the waters of Rio Novo: 4 hours of rafting to Praia do Clóvis, crossing crystal-clear beaches and class III rapids. Snack stop along the riverbank. After rafting, transfer back to Palmas.
May 31
Breakfast at a guesthouse or hotel in Palmas.
Check-out.
Good to Know
Important Notes
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Avoid wearing cotton clothing during hikes. Cotton retains water and takes a long time to dry.
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Shorts are not allowed, as the vegetation can scratch your legs and there is also a risk of insect or animal bites.
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Bring swimwear.
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Internet signal is available in most locations, but may fail in certain areas.
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Our team will communicate with us daily through the SPOT device to provide group updates.
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For this experience, participants must have a Yellow Fever vaccination.
For your safety and best experience, please read carefully:
Outdoor activities are subject to natural environmental hazards and risks, which may include: venomous animals, uneven or slippery terrain, falling or rolling rocks, sudden weather changes, lightning, and flash floods (heavy rain upstream causing a rapid and dramatic rise in water levels). Although the Jalapão region has some escape routes, it is considered a remote area, where communication and transportation can be difficult.
Search, evacuation, rescue, or immediate medical assistance may take a long time to arrive. The most common injuries in natural environments include abrasions, sprains, fractures, hypothermia, hyperthermia, bleeding, dehydration, drowning, allergic reactions, and lightning-related injuries. Depending on their type and severity, such injuries may result in permanent trauma or even death.
Please remember that when engaging in any outdoor activity, you are entirely responsible for your own actions, even within the boundaries of a Conservation Unit, private property, or under the guidance of your leader. All necessary guidance for the safe conduction of activities will be provided by the guides, and all participants are insured by Brazilian Adventure Society – Porto Seguro Individual Adventure Insurance.