Cachoeira da Velha, Horseshoe waterfall in Jalapão State Park, Mateiros, Brazil.
Cachoeira da Velha is a horseshoe-shaped waterfall in Jalapão State Park where water plunges down through powerful cascades from the Rio Novo river. The formation extends across a wide opening with multiple tiers creating different levels of water flow throughout the descent.
The site received its name from a local tale about a widow who visited regularly, hoping to see her deceased husband near the waters. This story reflects deep roots in the region's oral traditions and remains part of local identity today.
The waterfall holds meaning for local communities who gather here during seasonal celebrations and maintain traditional practices tied to the river and its waters.
Access requires travel with authorized guides in four-wheel-drive vehicles along unpaved roads that can be challenging in rainy seasons. Plan to start early and consult local guides about current road conditions before heading out.
Wooden walkways guide visitors to observation points at the main falls, while a second section of the cascade remains accessible only through rafting expeditions. This hidden portion creates an element of discovery for those willing to explore further.
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