About
Expedição Jalapão
Immerse yourself in the true Jalapão — a passionate journey across the rupestrian savanna, where striking contrasts create unforgettable landscapes.
The Itinerary
This experience is an invitation to the new, the different… to the culture of a stunning and richly diverse region. Participants will have the opportunity to connect with traditional communities, discover their craftsmanship, and engage in community-based tourism.
May 12
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 13
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 take a 1.2 km hike 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 14
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 15
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 at Glamping Refúgio Coração do Jalapão. In the afternoon, we hike 5.5 km from the glamping site to Fervedouro Jatobá. Return in the evening for dinner and overnight.
May 16
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 17
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 18
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 19
Breakfast at a guesthouse or hotel in Palmas.
Check-out.
Good to Know
Important Notes
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Avoid wearing cotton clothing during the hike. 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 updates about the group.
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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 both communication and transportation are difficult.
Search, evacuation, rescue, or immediate medical assistance may take a long time to arrive. The most common injuries in natural environments include: cuts and abrasions, sprains, fractures, hypothermia, hyperthermia, bleeding, dehydration, drowning, allergic reactions, and lightning-related injuries. Depending on their type and severity, such injuries can 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 orientation for the safe conduction of activities will be provided by the guides, and all participants are covered by Brazilian Adventure Society – Porto Seguro Individual Adventure Insurance.