Chapada das Mesas: four days of adventure among magnificent waterfalls, crystal-clear waters, and unforgettable landscapes.

CHAPADA DAS MESAS

Road Trip Itinerary: a four-day journey through Chapada das Mesas, featuring lush waterfalls, crystal-clear natural pools, hiking trails, adventure, and unforgettable landscapes.

About the route

A four-day road-trip adventure through Chapada das Mesas, featuring lush waterfalls, crystal-clear natural pools, hiking trails, stunning landscapes, and moments of connection with nature. A complete experience to recharge your energy and create unforgettable memories.

Technical information

  • Destination: Chapada das Mesas – Maranhão
  • Duration: 4 days and 3 nights
  • Type: Road-based vacation itinerary
  • Departure points: Goiânia, Jaraguá, and Goianésia – GO
  • Route: Goiás, Palmas, Carolina, Riachão, and return
  • Activities: Hiking, swimming in waterfalls, visiting natural pools, and sightseeing
  • Attractions: Portal da Chapada, Poço Azul, and the waterfalls of Santa Bárbara, Santa Paula, Santuário, Prata, São Romão, Taperuçu, and Gêmeas
  • Optional activities: Ziplining and kayaking
  • Accommodation: Guesthouses (pousadas), as per the itinerary
  • Meals: Included as specified in the itinerary
  • Difficulty level: Moderate, involving hiking and access via natural terrain
  • Transportation: Road vehicle and local transport to reach the attractions
  • Target audience: Individuals with the physical stamina for hiking, water activities, and road travel
  • Recommendations: Bring lightweight clothing, non-slip footwear, sunscreen, insect repellent, a hat, swimwear, and a water bottle.

Location and access

Chapada das Mesas is located in the southern part of the state of Maranhão, primarily encompassing the municipalities of Carolina and Riachão.
The trip begins with bus departures from Goiânia, Jaraguá, and Goianésia, heading toward Palmas, Tocantins. Upon arrival in the capital of Tocantins, the group will travel by road to Carolina and Riachão—the gateway to the main attractions of Chapada das Mesas. Local transportation will be provided via vehicles suited to the region's road conditions and natural terrain.
Departure points: Goiânia, Jaraguá, and Goianésia (Goiás).

Full itinerary

An unforgettable experience in Chapada das Mesas, departing from Goiânia, Jaraguá, and Goianésia, with transfers to Palmas (Tocantins) and a 4x4 vehicle circuit from Palmas to Carolina (Maranhão).

Departure – Goiás → Palmas
Departure from Goiânia, with additional pickups in Jaraguá and Goianésia;
Travel toward Palmas (TO), followed by the journey from Palmas to Carolina (MA);
Arrival and preparation for the start of the expedition.

Day 1 – Palmas → Carolina → Riachão
8:00 AM – Departure from Palmas toward Maranhão;
Lunch en route;
Hike to the "Portal da Chapada das Mesas" (Gateway to Chapada das Mesas) in Carolina;
Dinner;
Overnight stay in Riachão (MA).

Day 2 – Riachão and the Pedra Caída Complex
8:00 AM – Departure from Riachão (MA);
Visit to Poço Azul;
Santa Bárbara Waterfall;
Santa Paula Waterfall;
Ziplining (optional activity);
Lunch;
Visit to the Pedra Caída Complex;
Santuário Waterfall and Setenário Waterfall;
Dinner;
Overnight stay at a guesthouse (pousada).

Day 3 – Chapada das Mesas National Park
8:00 AM – Departure for Chapada das Mesas National Park;
Visit to Prata Waterfall;
Lunch;
Visit to São Romão Waterfall;
Kayaking (optional activity);
Dinner;
Overnight stay at a guesthouse (pousada).

Day 4 – Itapecuru Waterfalls → Palmas
Visit to the Itapecuru Waterfalls, known as the "Twin Waterfalls" (Cachoeiras Gêmeas);
Lunch;
Return to Palmas (TO).

Guiding and safety

The trip will be accompanied by experienced professionals qualified in ecotourism activities. Transportation throughout the Chapada das Mesas region will be provided in vehicles suited to the road conditions and the access requirements for the area's attractions.

Before the activities begin, the group will receive a briefing covering safety guidelines, the itinerary, transportation, expected conduct at the sites, hiking, swimming in waterfalls, and environmental stewardship.

Throughout the trip, all visitation protocols, site capacity limits, and instructions from local authorities will be strictly observed. Optional activities—such as ziplining or kayaking—will be conducted by specialized providers using appropriate safety equipment.

The itinerary is subject to change based on weather conditions, road status, water levels, the condition of the attractions, or any other situation that might compromise the safety and well-being of the participants.

Participation requirements

  • Participants must be in physical condition suitable for light to moderate hiking, extended travel by road, and activities in natural environments. It is mandatory to follow the instructions provided by guides and local staff, adhere to the scheduled itinerary, and comply with all safety protocols and environmental preservation rules.
  • We recommend wearing lightweight clothing and closed-toe, non-slip footwear. Please also bring swimwear, sunscreen, insect repellent, a hat or cap, a water bottle, and any personal medication. Minors must be accompanied by a legal guardian. Individuals with medical restrictions must provide authorization from a healthcare professional and notify the organizers in advance.

Who cannot participate

  • Individuals with health conditions that are incompatible with activities such as hiking, swimming in waterfalls, navigating uneven terrain, or enduring long periods of travel by road—particularly those without medical clearance—may not participate. Participation is also not advised for individuals with significantly limited mobility, unmanaged heart or respiratory conditions, uncontrolled seizure disorders, or other limitations that could compromise their safety.
  • Pregnant individuals, the elderly, children, and those with specific medical conditions must consult a healthcare professional and inform the organizers in advance. Participants under the influence of alcohol or other substances will not be permitted to engage in the activities. Any specific restrictions regarding optional activities must adhere to the rules set by the local service providers.

Safety policy

Participant safety is the top priority throughout the expedition. The itinerary will be conducted under the supervision of qualified professionals, using vehicles suited to the road conditions in Jalapão, with prior guidance provided for each activity.

Before the circuit begins, a briefing will be held covering travel logistics, weather conditions, safety precautions at each attraction, and guidelines for environmental preservation. All participants are required to follow the instructions provided by the local guides and operators.

We provide "Adventure Insurance" (Seguro Aventura) through Roca, offering coverage specifically designed for ecotourism and adventure tourism activities, subject to the terms and limits set forth in the policy.

The itinerary may be modified, or specific activities suspended, whenever weather, environmental, operational, or health-related conditions pose a risk to participants. Optional activities—such as rafting, zip-lining, and river tubing—will be subject to the protocols and restrictions established by the respective operators.

Certification

At the end of the expedition, the group will head to Taquaruçu and subsequently return to Palmas, Tocantins, concluding four days of immersion in the landscapes, waters, culture, and communities of the Jalapão region.

This itinerary is for tourism purposes and does not include an official certificate of completion. Services will be provided by qualified local professionals and operators, in adherence to safety protocols applicable to ecotourism and adventure tourism. The trip will conclude with the certainty that we have shared an experience defined by adventure, contemplation, a connection with nature, and respect for the Cerrado.

Want to discuss this route?

Talk to the Pés no Cerrado team about availability, the best format and options for your group.

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