Jalapão State Park
A vast Brazilian savanna paradise with golden dunes, emerald waterfalls, and unique floating springs.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Clear skies, ideal for exploration
Jalapão State Park
Best Time
Clear skies, ideal for exploration
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A vast Brazilian savanna paradise with golden dunes, emerald waterfalls, and unique floating springs.
"Jalapão is a wonder that many places do not have access to!"
🚗 4x4 & Guide Essential
Navigating Jalapão requires a 4x4. Hiring a local guide is highly recommended for safety and access.
💧 Stay Hydrated!
The climate is hot and dry. Carry plenty of water and reapply sunscreen frequently.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Fervedouros: The Unique Natural Pools
Various locations across the park
Experience the magic of fervedouros, natural springs where the water pressure keeps you afloat. A truly unique phenomenon found nowhere else!
Cachoeira da Formiga
Near Mateiros
Swim in the emerald-green waters of this stunning waterfall, often hailed as one of Brazil's most beautiful. Pure bliss!
Dunas do Jalapão
Near Mateiros
Witness breathtaking sunsets over vast golden sand dunes, a surreal desert landscape in the heart of Brazil.
Lagoa da Japonês
Near Ponte Alta do Tocantins
A crystal-clear lagoon with unique rock formations, perfect for swimming and photography. Feels like a hidden paradise.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Adventure: Off-Road is Key
Book Ahead for Peace of Mind
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 4x4 & Guide Essential
Navigating Jalapão requires a 4x4. Hiring a local guide is highly recommended for safety and access.
💧 Stay Hydrated!
The climate is hot and dry. Carry plenty of water and reapply sunscreen frequently.
🥾 Comfortable Footwear
You'll be doing a lot of walking and exploring. Pack sturdy, comfortable shoes.
📸 Capture the Magic
Bring your camera! The landscapes are incredibly photogenic, especially during sunrise and sunset.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 4x4 & Guide Essential
Navigating Jalapão requires a 4x4. Hiring a local guide is highly recommended for safety and access.
💧 Stay Hydrated!
The climate is hot and dry. Carry plenty of water and reapply sunscreen frequently.
🥾 Comfortable Footwear
You'll be doing a lot of walking and exploring. Pack sturdy, comfortable shoes.
📸 Capture the Magic
Bring your camera! The landscapes are incredibly photogenic, especially during sunrise and sunset.
💰 Pack Cash
Many smaller vendors and some park entrances may not accept cards.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Jalapão State Park is overwhelmingly praised for its stunning, unique natural beauty, from the buoyant fervedouros to the majestic dunes and waterfalls. Visitors highlight the incredible landscapes and the feeling of being in a pristine, untouched paradise. However, the park's remoteness means challenging travel conditions and the necessity of organized tours or 4x4 vehicles are frequently mentioned drawbacks.
"The park is amazingly beautiful. You can see 360 degrees horizon in some places, see many "chapadas", swim in beautiful clear rivers and waterfalls, and visit the awesome Fervedouros (where rivers are born). I definitely recommend visiting Jalapão, but highly recommend hiring a touristic pack or agency to go there. Everything is far away and the routes are pure dirt and sand, so without proper 4x4 cars, food, water, lanterns and so on can be difficult to do everything!"
Taiguara Sugawara
"The food is always good, warm, and fast. They provide chips and salsa. Also some black bean dip. It's just a small nice place nothing fancy but you feel at home there"
our happy place
"M A G N Í F I C O"
Keyla Gomes
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The most common gateway is Palmas, Tocantins. From Palmas, you'll typically need to arrange a 4x4 tour with an agency, as public transport is limited and roads are challenging. The journey from Palmas to the park entrance can take several hours.
No, a regular car is not suitable for Jalapão. The park's roads are unpaved, sandy, and often require high clearance and four-wheel drive capabilities. Hiring a specialized 4x4 vehicle with a local guide is essential.
Travel within Jalapão is almost exclusively done via 4x4 vehicles. Most visitors book guided tours that include transportation, making it easy to access various attractions. +1
Jalapão State Park is located approximately 300 km from Palmas, the capital of Tocantins. However, due to the rough terrain, travel time can be significant, often taking a full day to reach the main attractions.
Palmas (PMW) is the main airport serving the region. There are no major airports directly within or very close to Jalapão State Park itself.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Entry to the park itself is generally free, but many individual attractions within the park, such as fervedouros and some waterfalls, have entrance fees. These are often included in tour packages.
Opening hours can vary for different attractions, especially fervedouros, which may have specific time slots. It's best to check with your tour operator or local guides for the most up-to-date information.
Costs vary widely depending on the duration of your stay and the type of tour. Packages for 3-7 days can range from R$2,350 to R$4,400 per person, excluding flights to Palmas. +2
Yes, you can usually pay entrance fees for fervedouros and other attractions directly at the site. However, having your tour package cover these fees simplifies the process.
Some tour agencies offer discount codes. For example, one user mentioned a R$100 discount with a specific code. It's worth checking with agencies directly for any promotions.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Don't miss the unique Fervedouros, the stunning Cachoeira da Formiga, the golden Dunas do Jalapão for sunset, and the crystal-clear Lagoa da Japonês. Cânion Sussuapara is also a popular spot.
A fervedouro is a natural spring where underground water pressure is so strong that it prevents you from sinking, allowing you to float effortlessly. It's a unique natural phenomenon found in Jalapão.
Activities include swimming in waterfalls and natural pools, floating in fervedouros, hiking, sandboarding on the dunes, and enjoying breathtaking sunsets.
Yes, many travelers visit Jalapão solo, often joining group tours for convenience and to meet others. The park's remote nature makes guided tours a popular choice for solo adventurers.
Pack light clothing, swimwear, a hat, sunglasses, high SPF sunscreen, insect repellent, comfortable walking shoes, a reusable water bottle, and a camera. A small backpack for day trips is also useful.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Food is generally good, warm, and served quickly. Many tours include meals, often featuring local cuisine. Expect hearty dishes suitable for active days.
Dining options are limited, especially within the park. Most visitors rely on meals provided by their tour agencies or eat at simple, rustic restaurants in the small towns.
It's advisable to inform your tour operator in advance about any dietary restrictions. While options might be limited, many agencies can accommodate special requests.
Look out for dishes featuring local ingredients. Capim dourado (golden grass) crafts are also a popular souvenir.
When meals are not included in tours, expect modest prices at local eateries. The focus is on simple, filling meals rather than fine dining.
📸 📸 Photography
The Dunas do Jalapão at sunset, the crystal-clear waters of Lagoa da Japonês and Cachoeira da Formiga, and the unique fervedouros offer incredible photo opportunities.
A versatile camera that can handle different lighting conditions is ideal. Consider a wide-angle lens for landscapes and a waterproof camera or case for water activities.
The natural beauty makes photography easy! The main challenges might be the dust and the intense sunlight. Protecting your gear is important.
Guides often know the best angles and times for photos, especially for sunsets at the dunes or capturing the unique floating effect in fervedouros. +1
Drone usage regulations can vary. It's best to check with park authorities or your tour operator beforehand to ensure compliance and avoid any issues.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider shorter tour durations (e.g., 3-4 days) to avoid overwhelming younger children with long travel times. Ensure your accommodation is comfortable and that meals are suitable for picky eaters. While Jalapão is rustic, the unique natural wonders provide an unforgettable educational and exciting experience for the whole family.
💰 Budget Travelers
Consider traveling during the shoulder seasons for potentially lower prices. Researching and comparing different tour operators is key. While self-driving is not feasible, joining a group tour can significantly reduce per-person costs compared to a private charter. Packing your own snacks and some essentials can also help save money on the go.
💑 Couples & Honeymooners
Consider a slightly longer stay (4-5 days) to fully immerse yourselves in the tranquility and explore at a relaxed pace. Many tour operators offer packages that can be tailored for couples, ensuring a comfortable and memorable experience. The rustic charm and the feeling of discovering a hidden paradise make Jalapão an ideal destination for a unique romantic getaway.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating Jalapão's Rugged Terrain
This ruggedness is part of Jalapão's allure, preserving its pristine beauty and limiting mass tourism. However, it means that self-driving without proper preparation and a suitable vehicle is highly discouraged. The distances between attractions can be significant, and getting stuck or lost is a real possibility. Therefore, planning your transportation, whether through a tour agency or by renting a properly equipped 4x4 with a local guide, is the most critical step in ensuring a successful trip.
The Enchantment of Fervedouros
There are numerous fervedouros scattered throughout the park, each with its own charm and characteristics. Some are small and intimate, while others are larger and more open. Popular ones include Fervedouro do Ceiça, Fervedouro Buritis, and Fervedouro Macaúbas. Due to their popularity and the desire to preserve the experience, many fervedouros have visitor limits and specific time slots. It's essential to respect these regulations to ensure the sustainability of these natural marvels.
Visiting a fervedouro is a must-do for any Jalapão itinerary. The sensation of weightlessness is unforgettable, and the crystal-clear waters offer a refreshing escape. Remember to wear your swimwear and be prepared for a truly magical encounter with nature.
Capturing Jalapão's Golden Hour
Beyond the dunes, the park's waterfalls, like the stunning Cachoeira da Formiga, with its emerald-green waters, and the serene Lagoa da Japonês, provide ample opportunities for capturing vibrant and tranquil shots. The unique geological formations and the stark contrast between the arid dunes and lush water sources make for visually striking compositions.
To make the most of your photography, consider visiting attractions during the 'golden hours' – shortly after sunrise and before sunset. This is when the light is softest and most dramatic, enhancing the natural colors and textures of the landscape. Protecting your gear from the fine sand and dust is also crucial for ensuring your equipment remains in good condition throughout your trip.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit