Jalapão, State park in Tocantins, Brazil
Jalapão is a protected area in Tocantins state covering more than 158,000 hectares of cerrado scrubland, golden sand formations, and natural springs. The landscape alternates between flat grasslands and dunes rising up to 30 meters, broken by palm groves and clear-water rivers.
The region became an official state park in January 2001 to establish the largest continuous protected zone in Tocantins. Before that, the area remained known only to indigenous groups and occasional gold prospectors for centuries until scientists and travelers began arriving in the 1990s.
Local residents harvest capim-dourado grass and buriti palm fibers during specific seasons to weave baskets, bowls, and jewelry following techniques handed down through generations. Visitors can watch artisans at work in nearby villages where these crafts support entire families and preserve traditional methods.
Unpaved sand tracks throughout the area require a four-wheel drive vehicle and drivers experienced with loose surfaces. Warm conditions year-round mean visitors should bring plenty of water and sun protection.
The so-called fervedouros are shallow pools where underground springs push upward with such force that people float on the surface and cannot sink. This natural phenomenon occurs when groundwater rises through porous rock, creating an unusual swimming sensation.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
Brazil has natural areas and local sites away from major cities. The landscape ranges from waterfalls and caves to coastal regions and mountains. National parks hold sand formations, lagoons, and coral reefs. Cultural places include traditional villages and historical sites. Visitors can explore...
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...
Nascentes do Rio Parnaíba National Park
96 km
Araguaia Palace
136.6 km
Serra Geral do Tocantins Ecological Station
87.8 km
Museu Histórico do Tocantins
133.5 km
Lajeado State Park
128 km
Cathedral of the Divine Holy Spirit in Palmas
136.4 km
Ilha do Bananal / Cantão Environmental Protection Area
275.9 km
Fervedouro dos Buritis
64.9 km
Canion Encantado
98.4 km
Prainha do Rio Novo
47 km
Cânion do Sussuapara
57.6 km
Fervedouro do Soninho
63.8 km
Fervedouro Bela Vista
49.9 km
Igreja Matriz de Nossa Senhora da Natividade
174.5 km
Igreja de São Benedito
174.3 km
Fervedouro do Ceiça
63.1 km
Cachoeira da Velha
22.6 km
Ruínas da Igreja de Nossa Senhora do Rosário dos Pretos
174.6 km
Serra da Catedral do Jalapão
26.3 km
Igreja Matriz
296.8 km
Catedral Nossa Senhora das Mercês
153.2 km
Cachoeira do Formiga
68.2 km
Seminário São José
153.1 km
Cathedral of St John the Baptist in Barreiras
309.5 km
Historical center of Natividade
194.5 km
Praia do Rio Novo
22.6 km
Cachoeira do Lajeado
47.7 km
Cachoeira do Edilson
113.2 kmDiscover hidden gems everywhere you go!
From secret cafés to breathtaking viewpoints, skip the crowded tourist spots and find places that match your style. Our app makes it easy with voice search, smart filtering, route optimization, and insider tips from travelers worldwide. Download now for the complete mobile experience.
A unique approach to discovering new places❞
— Le Figaro
All the places worth exploring❞
— France Info
A tailor-made excursion in just a few clicks❞
— 20 Minutes