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.
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