Cachoeira Sertão Zen
A remote waterfall in Chapada dos Veadeiros with warm waters, offering a challenging trek through stunning Cerrado landscapes for a peaceful escape.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Beat the intense sun
Cachoeira Sertão Zen
Best Time
Beat the intense sun
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A remote waterfall in Chapada dos Veadeiros with warm waters, offering a challenging trek through stunning Cerrado landscapes for a peaceful escape.
"The trail is difficult, but the reward is immense with a breathtaking landscape and warm waters."
🎒 Pack Smart for the Hike
Bring 2L+ water, hat, sunscreen, and sturdy shoes. A headlamp is wise if hiking back after dark.
🗺️ Use Navigation Aids
Google Maps can be inaccurate. Maps.me or a reliable guide is recommended to avoid getting lost.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Main Waterfall
End of the trail
A spectacular waterfall with warm waters, offering a refreshing reward after a strenuous hike. The surrounding landscape is breathtaking.
Cerrado Landscape
Along the trail
Experience the well-preserved Cerrado biome, with diverse flora resembling a beautiful garden and stunning viewpoints.
Mirante da Cachoeira
Near the waterfall
A viewpoint offering a different perspective of the waterfall and its surroundings. Don't miss this elevated vista.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Prepare for a Challenging Trek
Embrace the Solitude
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎒 Pack Smart for the Hike
Bring 2L+ water, hat, sunscreen, and sturdy shoes. A headlamp is wise if hiking back after dark. +1
🗺️ Use Navigation Aids
Google Maps can be inaccurate. Maps.me or a reliable guide is recommended to avoid getting lost.
🚶 Hire a Local Guide
Guides like @bixosoltonasmata, Zubu, or Carioca na Chapada enhance the experience and ensure safety. +1
📸 Capture the Scenery
The Cerrado flora and the waterfall offer incredible photo opportunities. Take your time at viewpoints.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎒 Pack Smart for the Hike
Bring 2L+ water, hat, sunscreen, and sturdy shoes. A headlamp is wise if hiking back after dark. +1
🗺️ Use Navigation Aids
Google Maps can be inaccurate. Maps.me or a reliable guide is recommended to avoid getting lost.
🚶 Hire a Local Guide
Guides like @bixosoltonasmata, Zubu, or Carioca na Chapada enhance the experience and ensure safety. +1
📸 Capture the Scenery
The Cerrado flora and the waterfall offer incredible photo opportunities. Take your time at viewpoints.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the spectacular waterfall and the serene, uncrowded natural environment. The warm waters are a highlight after a challenging trek. However, the trail is long, demanding, and lacks shade, requiring significant physical preparation and careful navigation. +2
"Long but nice trail, some scrambling involved. Beautiful nature, no people and no artificial noise. If you start in Alto Paraíso it‘s more than seven hours there and back without breaks."
Peffan Brown
"Spectacular waterfall. Easy-medium trail should take you 2.5hr-4hr each way (depends where u start). Maps.me would help with the trail as you might get lost otherwise. Route shown on Google Maps is wrong!!! Some people do it as overnight camping but we went there and back the same day."
Amir Colnect
"Oh Cerrado Bonito Gente. A trilha é difícil, exige preparo. Joelhos bons e fôlego em dia. Mas compensa muito. O Cerrado está bem conservado. Várias espécies da Flora lembrando um Jardim. Vá com tempo para cada parada. Cada mirante. Muitas fotos e cuidado com os locais que encharcam as bacias dos rios.
Dica: Comece o mais cedo possível. Começamos já tarde e a trilha acabou a noite que foi maravilhoso também. Leve lanternas por precaução.
Fomos com os guias @bixosoltonasmata e o Zubu. Super indico."
Viviane Januario
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
From Alto Paraíso de Goiás, it's approximately 48 km, with 12 km of paved road and 36 km of dirt road. The trail itself is long, around 10-13 km round trip depending on your starting point.
Yes, the trail can be confusing. Google Maps is reportedly inaccurate. Using an app like Maps.me or hiring a local guide is highly recommended to navigate the route safely.
The road is primarily a dirt track for a significant portion (around 36 km from Alto Paraíso). It can be rough, so a vehicle suitable for unpaved roads is advisable.
Public transport options are limited for reaching remote trailheads like this. It's best to arrange private transport or join a tour that includes transportation.
Cachoeira Sertão Zen is located in the municipality of São João d'Aliança, Goiás. The distance from Alto Paraíso is about 48 km.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Information regarding specific entrance fees is not widely available in the provided content. It's advisable to check locally or with tour operators for any associated costs.
There are no official opening hours mentioned, as it's a natural attraction. However, due to the long and challenging trail, visiting during daylight hours is essential.
As a natural attraction with a challenging trail, advance ticket booking is generally not required. However, booking a guide in advance is highly recommended. +1
No specific restrictions are mentioned, but visitors should be prepared for a strenuous hike and respect the natural environment.
Some visitors do camp overnight, which can make the trek more manageable. However, ensure you have the necessary gear and are prepared for the conditions.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
The hike is long and can take 2.5 to 4 hours each way, depending on your starting point and pace. Some reviews mention over 7 hours round trip without breaks. +1
The trail is considered difficult due to its length and lack of shade. It requires good physical condition, including strong knees and stamina. +1
There is very little shade on the trail, making it particularly challenging under the intense sun. Starting early is crucial to mitigate this.
Wear sturdy hiking boots, comfortable clothing, a hat for sun protection, and sunscreen. Consider bringing a light jacket if you plan to stay until dusk.
Yes, the waterfall is known for its warm waters, providing a pleasant and refreshing experience after the long hike.
📸 📸 Photography
The main waterfall itself is a prime subject. Also, explore the various viewpoints along the trail and the unique flora of the Cerrado landscape. +1
Absolutely. The natural beauty of the waterfall and the surrounding Cerrado offers stunning photographic opportunities, especially during the golden hours.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive landscapes and the waterfall. A sturdy tripod can be useful for long exposures if you plan to capture water movement.
Early morning and late afternoon offer softer light and fewer harsh shadows, making them ideal for photography. The sunset light can be particularly magical.
Drone regulations can vary. It's best to check local rules and regulations before flying a drone to ensure compliance and respect for other visitors and the environment.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
If your family is exceptionally adventurous and experienced with long-distance hiking, ensure you have a guide, ample water (at least 2L per person), and start very early. However, for most families seeking a more accessible natural experience, other waterfalls in the Chapada dos Veadeiros region might be more suitable.
💰 Budget Travelers
Packing your own food and plenty of water is essential, as there are no facilities along the trail. This significantly cuts down on expenses. While hiring a guide adds to the cost, it can be a worthwhile investment for safety and navigation, especially if you're on a tight budget and want to avoid getting lost or facing unexpected issues.
🚶 Solo Adventurers
Ensure you have a reliable way to communicate your plans and expected return time to someone. Carry a fully charged phone, a power bank, and consider a personal locator beacon if venturing very remotely. The peace and quiet are a major draw, but preparedness is key for a safe and enjoyable solo adventure.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Challenging Trail to Sertão Zen
Navigating the trail can also be tricky. Several travelers have noted that Google Maps can be inaccurate for this specific route. To avoid getting lost, it's strongly recommended to use offline map applications like Maps.me or, even better, to hire a local guide. Guides not only ensure you stay on the right path but can also help manage your pace and share insights about the local environment.
Despite the challenges, the reward is immense. The trail winds through the beautiful and well-preserved Cerrado landscape, often described as resembling a garden with its diverse flora. The journey itself, with its various viewpoints, is part of the experience, allowing for appreciation of the natural beauty before reaching the main attraction.
Embracing the Natural Serenity
While a day trip is possible, some visitors choose to make it an overnight camping trip. This allows for a more relaxed pace and the opportunity to fully immerse oneself in the environment. If you opt for camping, be prepared for the weight of your gear, especially under the hot sun. Carrying at least 2 liters of water per person is non-negotiable, along with sun protection like hats and long-sleeved clothing.
The waterfall itself is a significant draw, not only for its visual splendor but also for its warm waters. This unique feature provides a delightful contrast to the strenuous hike, offering a perfect way to cool down and relax. The surrounding scenery, with its unique Cerrado vegetation, adds to the overall magical atmosphere of the place.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit