Serra da Catedral do Jalapão, Sandstone rock formation in São Félix do Tocantins, Brazil
The Serra da Catedral rises 180 meters above ground, displaying massive rock walls and natural formations that mirror cathedral architecture in structure and scale.
Natural erosion processes over millions of years carved this sandstone formation, creating deep crevices and towering spires that define its current appearance.
The rock formation stands as a natural monument within the Jalapão region, where local communities maintain traditional practices while supporting nature preservation efforts.
Visitors reach the formation through dirt roads from São Félix do Tocantins, with a journey time of 40 minutes and free access to hiking trails.
The rock structure contains multiple observation points that reveal different perspectives of the Brazilian cerrado ecosystem spreading across the surrounding landscape.
Location: São Félix do Tocantins
GPS coordinates: -10.13631,-46.89228
Latest update: March 10, 2025 23:50
Northern Brazil holds a range of natural areas and historical sites away from the usual tourist paths. The region stretches from the Amazon basin to the wide plateaus of the Cerrado, offering waterfalls, clear springs, sand dunes, canyons, and caves. Protected areas such as Jalapão State Park and Anavilhanas National Park shelter rare animals and native plants. Rivers wind through dense forests, and in some springs, mineral-rich water pushes swimmers to the surface. The landscape shifts between tropical rainforest, open grasslands, and rock formations shaped over thousands of years. Notable places include the golden sand dunes of Jalapão, the tall waterfalls of Cachoeira da Velha and Cachoeira do Lajeado, and the natural pools known as fervedouros, where visitors can float effortlessly. Pedra Furada, a natural stone arch, and Canyon Encantado show the geological variety of the region. Ilha do Bananal, one of the largest river islands in the world, sits in the Araguaia River and provides habitat for many bird species. Further north, the Amazon rainforest spreads out with its branching rivers and islands. The colonial Fort Príncipe da Beira, built in the 18th century, recalls early European settlement. In Natividade, the small church of Nossa Senhora do Rosário stands as a modest example of colonial architecture. These places combine nature and history, inviting travelers to discover a less familiar side of Brazil.
Jalapão
26.3 km
Nascentes do Rio Parnaíba National Park
70.1 km
Araguaia Palace
158 km
Serra Geral do Tocantins Ecological Station
91.1 km
Museu Histórico do Tocantins
154.9 km
Lajeado State Park
148.4 km
Cathedral of the Divine Holy Spirit in Palmas
157.9 km
Ilha do Bananal / Cantão Environmental Protection Area
293.9 km
Fervedouro dos Buritis
51.6 km
Canion Encantado
118 km
Prainha do Rio Novo
35.9 km
Cânion do Sussuapara
83.5 km
Fervedouro do Soninho
50.5 km
Igreja Matriz de Nossa Senhora da Natividade
197.3 km
Fervedouro Bela Vista
28.1 km
Fervedouro do Ceiça
48.2 km
Igreja de São Benedito
197.1 km
Cachoeira da Velha
13.9 km
Ruínas da Igreja de Nossa Senhora do Rosário dos Pretos
197.4 km
Cachoeira do Formiga
51.1 km
Igreja Matriz
311.3 km
Catedral Nossa Senhora das Mercês
178.6 km
Seminário São José
178.6 km
Cathedral of St John the Baptist in Barreiras
304.8 km
Historical center of Natividade
215.8 km
Praia do Rio Novo
13.9 km
Cachoeira do Lajeado
71.8 km
Cachoeira do Edilson
135.3 kmReviews
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