Question 1

What makes the Volta ao Parque (VAP) different from a regular Jalapão tour?

Accepted Answer

Unlike traditional Jalapão itineraries that focus mainly on 4×4 transfers between attractions, the VAP combines walking trails, cultural experiences, and outdoor activities, reducing time spent in vehicles and creating a more immersive experience. The route is often done in the opposite direction of conventional tours, which can mean visiting attractions at quieter times and experiencing parts of Jalapão from less common perspectives. The itinerary is designed around movement through the landscape, with regular stops at rivers, waterfalls, fervedouros, and communities.

Question 2

How difficult are the hikes on the VAP itinerary?

Accepted Answer

The VAP is generally considered a moderate-effort experience. Some trails are relatively easy and mostly flat, while others can become more demanding due to heat, sandy terrain, and longer distances, rather than steep elevation gain. You do not need advanced trekking experience, but travelers should feel comfortable with multi-hour walks outdoors and warm temperatures. Active travelers usually adapt well to the pace.

Question 3

How much hiking is included during the VAP?

Accepted Answer

Walking distances vary by departure length (4–7 days), but some routes include 4 km to 12 km+ hikes in a single day, often combined with swimming stops, waterfalls, rafting, or visits to communities. The goal of the itinerary is not long-distance trekking, but rather exploring Jalapão more slowly and with greater contact with nature.

Question 4

Are there interactions with local communities during the expedition?

Accepted Answer

Yes, depending on the route, the experience may include contact with quilombola communities and other local residents, offering opportunities to learn more about the region's history, traditions, and way of life. These interactions are often among the most memorable parts of the journey, adding a cultural dimension beyond landscapes and outdoor activities. Rather than being separate tourist attractions, communities are part of the living territory crossed during the expedition. Experiences vary by departure, but travelers may gain insight into local food, stories, traditions, and the relationship between communities and the Cerrado environment.

Question 5

I'm traveling alone, can I join a group departure?

Accepted Answer

Yes, solo travelers are welcome and commonly join shared departures. Many participants travel alone and join for the adventure, outdoor experience, and group atmosphere. Because you spend several days hiking, sharing meals, and exploring remote landscapes together, these expeditions often create a strong sense of connection between travelers. It's common for people to arrive alone and leave having formed new friendships. For independent travelers, joining a group departure can also be one of the easiest ways to experience Jalapão, as logistics, transfers, accommodation, and activities are already organized.

Question 6

Will I spend a lot of time in the car?

Accepted Answer

One of the main ideas behind the VAP is to reduce time spent driving compared to standard Jalapão tours. Trails are strategically planned with stops at rivers, waterfalls, beaches, and viewpoints to create a more active experience.

Question 7

How does drinking water work during the Jalapão tour?

Accepted Answer

Safe drinking water is generally available throughout the Jalapão tour, so you won't need to source or treat water independently. We recommend bringing a reusable bottle or canteen, which can be refilled during the trip when needed. Because Jalapão has a hot and dry climate, staying hydrated is important, especially during walks and outdoor activities. Keeping water with you throughout the day is strongly recommended.

Question 8

Should I bring cash for the Jalapão trip?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Bringing cash in Brazilian Reais (BRL) is recommended for Jalapão itineraries, especially in smaller communities and remote areas where card payments or internet connections may be unreliable. Cash can be useful for personal expenses, drinks, gratuities, or small local purchases during the trip. Carrying some smaller notes is also recommended.

Question 9

How many days should I spend in Jalapão?

Accepted Answer

We recommend spending at least 4 days in Jalapão to experience the region's main highlights. This is the most common duration for standard itineraries and is usually enough to visit places such as the Jalapão dunes, Cachoeira da Formiga, Pedra Furada, and some of the famous fervedouros, the natural springs where visitors float effortlessly due to water pressure. If you have 5 or 6 days, the experience becomes more relaxed and immersive. Extra time allows for additional activities, longer transfers at a slower pace, and visits to less-explored places such as Lagoa do Japonês, as well as opportunities for rafting, hikes, and cultural experiences with local communities. More days generally mean less time on the road each day and more time enjoying the destination, which can make a significant difference in a region as large and remote as Jalapão.

Question 10

What wildlife might I see in Jalapão?

Accepted Answer

Jalapão sits within the Brazilian Cerrado biome, one of the most biodiverse savanna ecosystems in the world. During the crossing, travelers may encounter macaws, parrots, toucans, rheas, monkeys, armadillos, foxes, reptiles, butterflies, and many bird species, although sightings always depend on season, time of day, and luck. The region is also rich in native vegetation and unique Cerrado landscapes, which are often as impressive as the wildlife itself. Unlike destinations such as the Pantanal, Jalapão is not primarily a wildlife-viewing destination. Encounters tend to be occasional and part of the broader immersion in nature.

Question 11

Who is this adventure for?

Accepted Answer

This tour is recommended for nature enthusiasts, couples, groups of friends and families.

Question 12

Who carries out the activities included in this tour?

Accepted Answer

The itinerary is led by our partner's highly qualified team, with local operators organizing transfers and providing bilingual guides (at an additional cost) for a smoother experience.

Question 13

Do I need a visa to travel to Brazil?

Accepted Answer

Citizens from certain countries require a visa to enter Brazil, while others are exempt under specific conditions.

Question 14

Do I need to be vaccinated to travel to Brazil?

Accepted Answer

The Brazilian government doesn't require foreign tourists to be vaccinated, but the Ministry of Health advises that visitors arrive in the country with a complete vaccination schedule for diphtheria, tetanus, polio, rubella, and measles. For extra safety, getting shots for yellow fever and hepatitis A/B is also recommended. 👉 Learn more: Entry Visas to Brazil – Ministry of External Affairs 👉 Learn more: Vaccination and Traveller's Health (Brazil) 👉 CDC Travelers' Health (USA) 👉 Foreign Travel Advice (UK)

5-day Jalapão Adventure in Brazil

Overview

Itinerary

Arrival in São Félix / Morro da Catedral

Seasonal route (Boa Esperança & rafting)

Rainy season (November–April)

Dry season (May–October)

Fervedouros / Formiga Waterfall / Mateiros

Serra do Espírito Santo / Jalapão Dunes / Ponte Alta

Encantado Canyon / Pedra Furada / Back to Palmas

What is Included

Not included

Pousada São Félix (São Félix do Tocantins)

Pousada Beira da Mata (Mateiros)

Pousada Águas do Jalapão (Ponte Alta do Tocantins)

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