Chapada dos Veadeiros National Park, National park and UNESCO World Heritage Site in Goiás, Brazil
Chapada dos Veadeiros National Park covers 240,000 hectares of Cerrado on a plateau of quartzite and metamorphic rock. The Rio Preto cuts a canyon with walls up to 40 metres high and forms the Rio Preto Falls, 120 metres tall and 80 metres wide at the base. Pale grey rock faces with dark mineral stains rise above forested slopes.
The park was established in 1961 and protects one of Earth's oldest geological formations. The rock layers formed about 1.8 billion years ago during the planet's early history.
Kalunga communities live in the surrounding area, descendants of people who fled slavery and built their own settlements centuries ago. Their way of life and traditions continue to shape the region today.
Most visitors explore the area on marked trails guided by experienced guides. Weather conditions vary greatly throughout the year, so it is wise to bring layers and adapt your clothing based on the season.
The park's quartz crystals were once exported to Japan and England, where they were used in industrial work for several decades. The 1,691-metre Serra da Santana, the highest point in Goiás, lies within the park.
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