Chapada dos Guimarães Travel Guide: how to go & things to do
Welcome to your ultimate travel guide on how to visit Chapada dos Guimarães, a National Park and hiking destination in Brazil. I spent over a week exploring the best things to do in Chapada dos Guimarães destination and am excited to help you plan your trip to this amazing destination!
Whether you’re looking for a quick day trip from Cuiabá or planning to spend a few nights enjoying the area’s natural beauty, this guide has everything you need.
From transportation options to must-see attractions, dining spots, and safety tips, you’ll be well-prepared to explore this stunning destination.
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TLTR? Here are the highlights of Chapada dos Guimarães
🏩 Accommodation: budget, mid-range, luxury
🚶♀️➡️Best tour: Véu da Noiva waterfall & Circuito das Cachoeiras (this is free and self-guided!)
🍽️ Best restaurants: Alto do Céu, Pão da Praça, Margherita Pizzaria
How to go to Chapada dos Guimarães
Chapada dos Guimarães is both a National Park and a town! You can choose to visit the town and the National Park as a day trip from Cuiaba or spend the night there to enjoy the slow vibe of the city!
Driving to Chapada dos Guimaraẽs
The city of Chapada dos Guimarães is a ~1.5-hour drive from Cuiaba. The roads are completely paved and easy to drive on.
You can easily rent a car at Cuiaba International Airport and drive up to Chapada dos Guimaraẽs. In Brazil, I recommend renting cars with Localiza, Movida, or Unidas.
Driving is the by far best way to go to and enjoy Chapada dos Guimaraẽs! In fact, I do not think it is worth being in Chapada without a car.
Bus to Chapada dos Guimarães
There used to be a 2-hour bus going from Cuiaba to Chapada dos Guimarães. Recently, this bus stopped running because buses and vans are no longer allowed at a section of the road.
Going by bus is still an option, but the route goes on an alternative route that takes 3 hours and 40 minutes. Bus tickets cost about R$29 and can be purchased online at Buson.
In my opinion, it is not worth it to take the bus to Chapada dos Guimarães, as better alternatives are available.
Alternative ways to get to Chapada dos Guimarães
- Uber: You can use Uber to get to Chapada dos Guimarães from Cuiaba for about R$130. Be aware that there is no option to get an Uber from Chapada dos Guimarães back to Cuiaba.
- WhatsApp rideshare groups: The local community has WhatsApp groups of over 1K members to advertise seats on their cars for the Chapada dos Guimarães <> Cuiaba route. Typically, it costs ~R$35-R$60 to hop on a local’s car. They will pick you up and drop you off at your preferred locations in each town. To access these groups, request your hotel staff to add you!
Transportation within Chapada dos Guimaraes
There is no public transport, Uber, or taxis in the Chapada dos Guimaraẽs town and National Park. If you need on-demand ridesharing options, your best bet is to ask locals for the WhatsApp number of someone who typically does this kind of service.
Due to the challenges of getting transportation around the National Park, it is most recommended to have a rental car.
I went to Chapada dos Guimaraẽs without a car and very much regretted it. I had to pay tour guides exorbitant amounts of money (R$100+) for rides as short as 15 minutes. Don’t make the same mistake as me!
Important to note: Despite Chapada dos Guimarães being a beautiful destination, it does not attract too many tourists. I went there hoping to befriend other tourists who had cars but failed to meet anyone as both hostels I stayed at were empty!
What to do in Chapada dos Guimarães
There are many different activities in Chapada dos Guimarães National Park and its surroundings. The highlights of this region are the beautiful caves, landscapes, and the many waterfalls you can swim at.
Important to note: Be aware of what are the free and paid guided tours. I was charged a lot of money by guides who were taking me to free and self-guided attractions! Also, the best attractions in Chapada dos Guimarães are free, and I would avoid the guided tour altogether.
Self-guided tours and attractions
1. Véu da Noiva Waterfall and Waterfalls’ Track (Circuito das Cachoeiras)
📍Location: Rodovia Emanuel Pinheiro, MT-251, Km 50, Chapada dos Guimarães – MT, 78195-000
⏰ Hours: Entrance from 8:30 AM to 12:00 PM. Exit until 4:00 PM. Hours might be more flexible depending on which waterfalls you choose to visit.
💸 Cost: Free
🥾Trail length: 1.2 km roundtrip to Cachoeira Véu da Noiva, those with accessibility difficulties can reach the waterfall by car. 8 km roundtrip if doing the full Circuito das Cachoeiras
⛔️ Important to note: Only 150 people are allowed per day at Circuito das Cachoeiras. There is no option to book a spot in advance, so it is recommended to arrive early to guarantee a spot if you’re visiting Chapada dos Guimarães during a major holiday.
The Véu da Noiva Waterfall is the most impressive sight in Chapada dos Guimarães! This thin waterfall spills down a giant sandstone wall where many macaws nest, and you can often spot them flying around the waterfall!
One of the most incredible moments from my trip was watching a pair of macaws drinking water at the top of Véu da Noiva waterfall.
The Véu da Noiva waterfall also serves as the gateway to the Circuito das Cachoeiras, the best trail in Chapada dos Guimarães National Park! This 8 km (5 miles) loop takes you to seven distinct waterfalls where you can stop to bathe along the way.
Apart from the waterfalls, you can also pass by Casa de Pedra, a sandstone cave believed to have served as a shelter for ancient people.
My only issue with the Circuito das Cachoeiras trail was the lack of proper signage, which left me a bit lost! More experienced hikers had no trouble, but as a beginner with zero sense of direction, I struggled to stay on track.
Pro tip: Begin the Circuito das Cachoeiras loop on the side with the longer hike, saving all the waterfalls for the end. By the time you reach them, you’ll be ready to cool off in the refreshing water!
Additional stops: Cachoeirinha e Cachoeira dos Namorados
At the same entrance to Véu da Noiva, two additional waterfalls can be reached via a 2 km (1.2 miles) trail.
2. Cachoeira e Balneário da Salgadeira
📍Location: Coxipó da Ponte, Cuiabá – MT
⏰ Hours: 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM Tuesdays to Sundays. Closed on Mondays.
💸 Cost: Free
🥾Trail length: N/A
Balneário da Salgadeira is a government-owned space with amazing facilities and easy access to a 12-meter waterfall where you can bathe!
Important to note: As you can see in the image, man-made walls were added to the main waterfall at Balneário da Salgadeira to improve the structural stability of the falls.
In addition to the waterfall, the complex features a viewpoint, a small restaurant, and a mini dinosaur museum. You’ll also find free water fountains and well-maintained restrooms!
3. Cachoeira da Geladeira e Cachoeira Marimbondo
📍Location: Estr. do Garimpo – Chapada dos Guimarães, MT, 78195-000
⏰ Hours: 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM
💸 Cost: R$10 per person per waterfall
🥾Trail length: 1.2 km roundtrip
Only 7km away from downtown you can access two nice waterfalls for bathing! The trail to both waterfalls is relatively easy, making them accessible to most visitors.
4. Downtown Chapada dos Guimarães
📍Location: R. Cipriano Curvo – Chapada dos Guimarães, MT, 78195-000
⏰ Hours: N/A
💸 Cost: Free
🥾Trail length: N/A
Exploring downtown Chapada dos Guimarães is a great way to experience the town’s slow vibe. The town’s small center has charming streets, a few boutiques, and several ice cream shops!
The city’s highlight is the historic Church of Sant’Ana, and it is worth stopping there to enjoy the building’s Brazilian baroque architecture.
Pro tip: Head to the Delicias do Cerrado ice cream shop downtown to sample the unique flavors of the local fruits
5. Balneários
On the road between Cuiabá and Chapada dos Guimarães, you’ll find many “balneários.” These are privately owned areas with restaurants and river access geared toward tourists.
Here are some of the most popular balneários in the region:
- Restaurante e Balneário Vale Verde
- Balneário do Gaúcho
- Balneário Fenix
- Restaurante e Balneário do Paulão
My take: If you’re traveling without kids the purpose of your trip is ecotourism I’d avoid visiting the balneários as there are tons of amazing (and often better) free things to do in the region.
Guided tours and attractions
Important to note: Transportation from downtown to the attractions is not included in the guided tours. Tour guides often charge high fees for car rides to the attractions, with prices sometimes matching or exceeding the cost of the tour itself!
6. Cavernas Aroe-Jari
📍Location: MT-450, s/n – Zona Rural, Cuiabá – MT, 78195-000
⏰ Hours: Entrance from 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM, exit at 5:00 PM
💸 Cost: Starts at R$360 per person (R$210pp entrance + ~R$150-250pp for guide
🥾Trail length: Between 4 to 15km depending on whether internal transportation is purchased (transportation options available from R$5 to R$60)Just 52 km from downtown Chapada dos Guimarães, Cavernas Aroe-Jari is home to Brazil’s largest sandstone cave, stretching an impressive 1.5 kilometers (about 1 mile). Here, you can explore crystal-clear waters and enchanting river springs—it’s a must-see for any nature lover!
The trail at Cavernas Aroe-Jari features a variety of attractions, including:
- Aroe Jari Cave
- Ponte de Pedra (stone bridge)
- Pedra do Equilíbrio
- Gruta da Lagoa Azul (blue lagoon cave)
- Kiogo Brado Cave
- Pobe Jari Cave
While there are plenty of guided tours around the Chapada dos Guimarães National Park, I personally don’t find any of them worth it—except for this one! The sights at Cavernas Aroe-Jari are worth seeing.
7. Morro de São Jerônimo
📍Location: H43M+7R – Coxipó da Ponte, Cuiabá – MT
⏰ Hours: From 6:30 AM to 5:00 PM
💸 Cost: Entrance is free but a guide is required – A guide costs ~R$400 for the first person and ~R$250 per additional person
🥾Trail length: 16km (10 miles) roundtrip
Located about 15 kilometers from downtown Chapada dos Guimarães, Morro São Jerônimo offers a moderate 16-kilometer hike and beginner rock climbing sessions. While the views from the summit are nice, similar panoramic views can be enjoyed from easily accessible viewpoints along the road or scenic restaurants.
I found the trail through the Brazilian savannah, known as the cerrado, nearly unbearable due to the lack of shaded areas. The cerrado’s landscape is defined by short trees, leaving almost no cover from the sun along the hike.
Wildlife sightings were minimal during the hike, apart from the many vultures at the summit. As for plant life, the vegetation here closely resembles that of the much easier and more enjoyable Circuito das Cachoeiras, the #1 item on this list.
My take: This was the worst hike I’ve ever done in my life, so I recommend you skip it!
8. Cidade de Pedra and Vale do Rio Claro
⏰ Hours: 6:30 AM to 5:00 PM
💸 Cost: ~R$600 for the first person plus R$350 per additional person. The price includes the 4×4 transportation required for access.
🥾Trail length: ~3km (2 miles)
For those up for an adventure, Cidade de Pedra and Vale do Rio Claro offer unique experiences accessible only by 4×4. You can take a half-day tour to either Cidade de Pedra or Vale do Rio Claro, or opt for a full-day tour to explore both in one trip.
Cidade de Pedra features viewpoints of the many rock formations of Chapada dos Guimarães. While the landscape is beautiful, it’s not particularly impressive compared to other viewpoints on the roads or even scenic restaurants nearby.
Vale do Rio Claro offers the chance to snorkel along its clear waters surrounded by striking scenery. Although snorkeling here is fun, I’d recommend heading 2.5 hours north to Nobres for a much better experience. Nobres is famous for its crystal-clear waters and ideal snorkeling conditions, so spending a few nights there is well worth it.
9. Local waterfalls
The Chapada dos Guimarães region is home to stunning waterfalls, but some of them can only be accessed through guided tours.
The guided-tour-only waterfalls and their trails aren’t particularly special, so I recommend opting for the free Circuito das Cachoeiras, which is #1 on this list, instead of those that require a tour.
If you insist on visiting waterfalls beyond the self-guided trails, here is a selection of the waterfalls that require guided tours:
- Águas do Cerrado trail
- Cachoeira do Índio
- Jatobá
- Cachoeira do Paraíso
Where to stay in Chapada dos Guimarães?
📍 Budget option: Chapada Hostel Pub is centrally located and quite clean! They have both shared and private rooms, and I enjoyed staying with them.
Be aware: I recommend avoiding Hostel & Camping Jardim da Mata as had a very negative experience staying there.
📍 Mid-range option: Pousada São José is a centrally located cozy stay. This Pousada has Brazilian small-town vibes, and I wanted to get a room there every time I walked past it!
📍 Luxury option: Atmã Pousada for a modern and upscale stay. The views there are unmatched, and you’re sure to have the best meals in Chapada dos Guimarães in their in-house restaurant.
Where to eat in Chapada dos Guimarães?
Chapada dos Guimarães has a large offering of restaurants considering the size of the town! Unfortunately, prices there tend to be on the higher end for Brazil, with the most affordable meals being R$50-70 per person.
Best scenic restaurants
Restaurant and Viewpoint Alto do Céu
📍Location: Rod. Emanuel Pinheiro, s/n – km 8 – Zona Rural, Chapada dos Guimarães – MT
⏰ Hours: 11:00 AM to 8:00 PM
💸 Cost: R$30 per person to access the viewpoint. Price lowers to R$10 if dining in the restaurant.
Alto do Céu is considered to have the most stunning sunset in Chapada dos Guimarães.
They are also the home to the best meal I had there: ribs with fries and rice for ~R$70.
Their outdoor viewpoint features a bar with great vibes. On weekends, they typically host DJs and events that are the most hyped parties in Chapada dos Guimarães.
Restaurant Mirante Atmã
📍Location: Estrada do Atimã, Caminho Casa do Sonho, S/N Sítio Leivinha, Chapada dos Guimarães – MT, 78195-000, Brasil
⏰ Hours: 11 AM to 4:30 PM
💸 Cost: R$30 to access the viewpoint
Atmã Restaurante, the in-house restaurant of Chapada dos Guimarães’ most luxurious hotel, is renowned as the best dining spot in the area, offering modern amenities and stunning views.
Restaurant and Viewpoint Morro dos Ventos
📍Location: BR-251 – Chapada dos Guimarães, MT
⏰ Hours: 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM
💸 Cost: R$50 per car, discounted price available if dining in the restaurant
Morro dos Ventos is another well-known restaurant in town. It is the closest viewpoint to downtown and the vibes and landscape are similar to what you can find at Alto do Céu.
Best restaurants in downtown
Pão da Praça
📍Location: R. Cipriano Curvo, 484 – Centro, Chapada dos Guimarães – MT, 78195-000
⏰ Hours: Mondays to Saturdays from 6:30 to 12:00 PM and 3:00 PM to 7 PM. Open only from 6:30 to 12:00 PM on Sundays.
Pão da Praça is the #1 breakfast place downtown and a common meeting place for locals! They offer a range of Brazilian breakfast and afternoon snack options at an affordable cost (R$8 – R$12).
I had Breakfast at Pão da Praça every day while visiting Chapada dos Guimarães and highly recommend them.
Margherita Pizzaria
📍Location: R. Fernando Correa, 924 – Centro, Chapada dos Guimarães – MT, 78195-000
⏰ Hours: Mondays to Thursdays from 6:00 PM to 10:00 PM. Fridays and Sundays from 6:00 PM to 11 PM. Saturdays from 6:00 PM to midnight.
Marguerita Pizzaria is an amazing place to grab a Brazilian-style pizza.
They are a popular choice for solo travelers because they sell mini pizzas for R$50-65! Because food prices in Chapada dos Guimarães tend to be quite high, Margherita is one of the most affordable dinner options.
When to visit Chapada dos Guimarães?
In theory, Chapada dos Guimarães National Park is open year-round. However, during the dry season from July to October, the park may close due to wildfires.
From December to March, rainfall is common.
The transition months of April, May, and November, which fall between the wet and dry seasons, are generally considered the best times to visit the park.
How long to stay in Chapada dos Guimarães?
Chapada dos Guimarães can be visited as a day trip from Cuiaba! In just a day trip, you can enjoy the best that the region has to offer: the incredible Circuito das Cachoeiras and a scenic meal at Alto do Céu.
If you want to explore more of the park, I recommend staying no more than two nights! The Chapada dos Guimarães town is quite expensive and there isn’t much to do.
If you have more time on your hands, spend it visiting other amazing destinations in the State of Mato Grosso such as Porto Jofre, Nobres, and Barra do Garças.
What are the dangers of visiting Chapada dos Guimarães?
When it comes to crime, Chapada dos Guimarães is quite safe! I was able to walk alone at night multiple times as a solo female traveler with no issues. Although crime rates in Chapada dos Guimarães are quite low, you should still follow the general health & safety guidelines for traveling to Brazil!
The primary concern when visiting Chapada dos Guimarães is the elevated risk of wildfires during the dry season. To stay safe, check the wildfire risk indicator at the National Park entrance before going in!
What to bring to Chapada dos Guimarães?
Here are the items I used the most during my trip to Chapada dos Guimarães! For a full list of all my travel essentials, check out my travel resources page.
Microfiber towel: A lightweight quick-dry towel is essential for the waterfall hiking trails!
Bug repellent: There are so many mosquitoes in Chapada dos Guimarães! Don’t forget to pack a good bug spray.
UV Protective Clothing & sunscreen: Going on long hikes under the sun may really damage your skin. My wearing my UV jacket and a strong sunscreen saved me from painful sunburns.
Binoculars: Perfect for spotting macaws at Cachoeira Véu da Noiva!
What to do near Chapada dos Guimarães
The State of Mato Grosso has three other amazing destinations apart from Chapada dos Guimarães National Park. If have a rental car, you can easily drive to any of them!
Nobres
A beautiful destination where you can snorkel in crystal clear waters and swim in waterfalls.
Barra do Garças
Near the Amazon, this waterfall and canyon destination is one of Brazil’s hidden gems
The wrapup: how to go & what to do at Chapada dos Guimarães
There you have it, what to do and what to avoid while visiting Chapada dos Guimarães!
The National Park offers a unique blend of natural wonders and a relaxed atmosphere, making it an ideal day trip or weekend getaway. Unlike Chapada dos Veadeiros, I do not think that Chapada dos Guimarães is worth staying long or flying long distances to visit.
I wish you all the best as you explore one of the hiking destinations in Brazil!
Check out our dedicated page about traveling to Brazil for more helpful information!
