Vacation in Jalapão

JALAPÃO ADVENTURE

Road Expedition: an unforgettable 4-day, 3-night experience through Jalapão, exploring lush landscapes, golden dunes, crystal-clear natural springs (*fervedouros*), waterfalls, rivers, and canyons. The itinerary combines adventure, nature, *quilombola* culture, and quiet contemplation, featuring visits to the region’s main attractions alongside optional activities such as rafting, zip-lining, and river tubing.

About the route

A 4-day, 3-night expedition through the striking landscapes of Jalapão.
The itinerary features natural springs (*fervedouros*), waterfalls, sand dunes, canyons, and freshwater beaches.
It includes cultural experiences within the Rio Novo *Quilombola* community, as well as an introduction to regional handicrafts.
Each day offers an immersive connection with nature and the beauty of the *Cerrado* biome.
Visitors may also choose from optional activities, such as rafting, zip-lining, and river tubing.
A complete journey of adventure, contemplation, culture, and unforgettable experiences.

Technical information

  • Duration: 4 days and 3 nights
  • Departure points: Goiânia / Jaraguá / Goianésia, heading toward Palmas, Tocantins (TO)
  • Destination: Jalapão, Tocantins (TO)
  • Transport: 4x4 vehicle
  • Overnight stays: Ponte Alta, Mateiros, São Félix, and Taquaruçu
  • Activities: Visits to natural springs (*fervedouros*), waterfalls, a canyon, dunes, rivers, and a *quilombola* (maroon) community
  • Difficulty level: Easy to moderate
  • Participant profile: Individuals capable of taking short hikes and entering bodies of water
  • Optional activities: Rafting, zip-lining, river tubing, and sunrise viewing
  • Meals: Lunches during the trip and dinners as per the itinerary
  • Climate: Hot during the day, with the possibility of weather fluctuations
  • Recommendations: Bring lightweight clothing, comfortable footwear, swimwear, sunscreen, insect repellent, a hat, and a water bottle
  • Note: The order of the attractions may be subject to change based on weather, operational, or safety conditions.

Location and access

Jalapão is located in the eastern region of the state of Tocantins, encompassing municipalities such as Ponte Alta do Tocantins, Mateiros, and São Félix do Tocantins.
The trip begins with bus departures from Goiânia, Jaraguá, and Goianésia, heading to Palmas, Tocantins—the starting point for the expedition into Jalapão. Upon arrival in the state capital, the group will continue in 4x4 vehicles, which are well-suited for the region’s dirt and sandy roads.
Departure locations: Goiânia, Jaraguá, and Goianésia (Goiás)

Full itinerary

Jalapão Adventure – 4 days and 3 nights

An unforgettable experience through the landscapes of Jalapão, departing from Goiânia, Jaraguá, and Goianésia, with transfers to Palmas (Tocantins) and a tour via 4x4 vehicles.

Departure – Goiás → Palmas
Departure from Goiânia, with additional pickups in Jaraguá and Goianésia;
Travel toward Palmas, Tocantins;
Arrival and preparation for the start of the expedition.

Day 1 – Palmas → Ponte Alta do Tocantins
Departure from Palmas at 7:00 AM.

Visit to Pedra Furada (the "Pierced Rock");
Lunch stop;
Visit to Lagoa do Japonês (Japanese Lagoon);
Optional ziplining;
Dinner;
Overnight stay in Ponte Alta do Tocantins.

Day 2 – Ponte Alta → Mateiros
Departure from Ponte Alta at 7:00 AM.

Visit to the Sussuapara Canyon;
Lunch stop;
Visit to the Rio Novo Quilombola Community;
Swimming at the Rio Novo "Prainha" (small river beach);
Visit to Recanto das Dunas and the "Tree of Wishes";
Viewing of the Espírito Santo and Sacatrapo mountain ranges;
Visit to the Jalapão Dunes;
Dinner;
Overnight stay in Mateiros.

Day 3 – Mateiros → São Félix do Tocantins
Departure from Mateiros at 7:00 AM.

Visit to Fervedouro Buritis;
Visit to Formiga Waterfall;
Lunch stop;
Visit to a handicraft hut;
Visit to Fervedouro Beija-Flor;
Dinner;
Overnight stay in São Félix do Tocantins.

Day 4 – São Félix → Taquaruçu
Departure from São Félix at 7:00 AM.

Optional rafting;
Visit to Fervedouro Bela Vista;
Visit to Fervedouro Alecrim;
Lunch stop;
Viewing of the Serra da Catedral (Cathedral Mountain Range);
Return and overnight stay in Taquaruçu.
Optional activities
Sunrise viewing;
River tubing (boia-cross);
Rafting;
Ziplining.

Guiding and safety

The trip will be accompanied by experienced professionals qualified in ecotourism activities. The circuit through Jalapão will be conducted in 4×4 vehicles, suitable for the region’s dirt and sandy roads.

Before the expedition begins, the group will receive a briefing covering safety guidelines, the itinerary, travel logistics, proper conduct at the various sites, and environmental stewardship.

Throughout the journey, all visitation protocols, site capacity limits, and instructions from local authorities will be strictly observed. Optional activities—such as rafting, zip-lining, and river tubing—will be provided by specialized operators using appropriate safety equipment.

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

Participation requirements

  • * Be in good health and prepared for a trip that involves long periods of travel;
  • * Have the mobility required for short walks on natural, uneven, sandy, and—in some areas—slippery terrain;
  • * Be prepared for high temperatures, sun exposure, and changing weather conditions;
  • * Provide advance notice of any health conditions, allergies, dietary restrictions, mobility limitations, or the regular use of medication;
  • * Wear lightweight clothing and comfortable, appropriate footwear; bring sunscreen, insect repellent, and a hat or cap;
  • * Bring swimwear, a towel, a water bottle, and any personal medication;
  • * Adhere to the scheduled times and follow the instructions provided by guides and those in charge of the attractions;
  • * Respect safety rules, environmental conservation guidelines, and the norms for interacting with local communities;
  • * For optional activities—such as rafting, zip-lining, or river tubing—ensure you meet the age, weight, and health requirements established by the respective service providers.

Who cannot participate

  • Participation is not recommended for individuals who:
  • Have heart, respiratory, or blood pressure issues that are not under medical control;
  • Have severe mobility limitations or difficulty walking on natural, sandy, uneven, or slippery terrain;
  • Have health conditions that are incompatible with long periods of travel, high temperatures, or sun exposure;
  • Are in a post-operative period or have recent injuries;
  • Have severe allergies or medical conditions that could be exacerbated during the trip;
  • Are pregnant without express authorization from their attending physician;
  • Are unwilling to follow safety instructions, schedules, and environmental regulations.
  • Individuals with pre-existing health conditions should consult a physician before the trip and inform the organizers in advance. Optional activities—such as rafting, zip-lining, and river tubing—have specific age, weight, and health restrictions, as determined by the respective operators.

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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