
Cachoeira da Formiga Jalapão
A breathtaking oasis in Jalapão, featuring surreal emerald-green waters perfect for a refreshing swim.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more serene

Cachoeira da Formiga Jalapão
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more serene

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A breathtaking oasis in Jalapão, featuring surreal emerald-green waters perfect for a refreshing swim.
"Unbelievable, unforgettable, beautiful, amazing – a true paradise! "

📸 Capture the Emerald Hue
The water's vibrant green is best captured with good lighting. Consider a waterproof phone case for underwater shots!
🤿 Don't Miss the Swim
The water is inviting and perfect for a refreshing swim. It's cooler than many fervedouros.

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Emerald Green Pool
Main waterfall basin
Immerse yourself in the surreal, crystal-clear emerald waters. It's a natural pool perfect for swimming and relaxation.

Refreshing Swim
Waterfall basin
Enjoy a cool dip in the waterfall's basin, a welcome respite from the Jalapão sun. The water's temperature is pleasant for swimming.

Unique Water Flow
River leading to the waterfall
Experience the gentle current of the Rio Formiga, allowing for a unique 'jogging' experience against the flow.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Emerald Waters
Jalapão Travel Essentials
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
📸 Capture the Emerald Hue
The water's vibrant green is best captured with good lighting. Consider a waterproof phone case for underwater shots!
🤿 Don't Miss the Swim
The water is inviting and perfect for a refreshing swim. It's cooler than many fervedouros.
💧 Stay Hydrated
Jalapão is hot! Carry plenty of water, especially if you're not on a tour with provisions.
🚗 Tour is Recommended
Accessing Cachoeira da Formiga often requires a 4x4 vehicle. Most visitors opt for organized tours.
Tips
from all over the internet
📸 Capture the Emerald Hue
The water's vibrant green is best captured with good lighting. Consider a waterproof phone case for underwater shots!
🤿 Don't Miss the Swim
The water is inviting and perfect for a refreshing swim. It's cooler than many fervedouros.
💧 Stay Hydrated
Jalapão is hot! Carry plenty of water, especially if you're not on a tour with provisions.
🚗 Tour is Recommended
Accessing Cachoeira da Formiga often requires a 4x4 vehicle. Most visitors opt for organized tours.
💰 Check Tour Inclusions
Many tours cover entrance fees, but confirm this when booking to avoid surprises.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently rave about the surreal beauty and refreshing emerald waters of Cachoeira da Formiga, calling it unforgettable and a top highlight of Jalapão. While some note it can be crowded, the unique swimming experience and stunning visuals make it a must-visit.
"This waterfall provides a great break from all of the Fervedouros likely visited in the last two days. Yes, it is still a body of water, but it offers different properties such as being cooler and providing a current where one can swim against it and get a little exercise in while lounging. A neat video trick is to have your partner hold onto a rock and “jog” across the floor of the water."
Karol Gawrych
"Good but very busy when we were there, more like a public pool but everyone was having fun"
Max Miller
"Top!"
RODOLFOPRATEANDO Rodolfolino
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Cachoeira da Formiga is located in Mateiros, within the Jalapão State Park. Access typically requires a 4x4 vehicle due to the sandy terrain. Most visitors book organized tours from Palmas, Tocantins, which include transportation and guided access to the waterfall.
While technically possible with a capable 4x4 vehicle, it's generally recommended to go with a tour agency. They have experienced guides who know the best routes and conditions, ensuring a safer and more enjoyable trip.
The distance from Palmas to Cachoeira da Formiga is approximately 300 km, but the journey takes around 5-6 hours due to the off-road conditions and the need to navigate through the Jalapão landscape.
Public transport is not a viable option for reaching Cachoeira da Formiga. The remote location and unpaved roads necessitate specialized vehicles, making organized tours the most practical choice.
A robust 4x4 vehicle is essential for navigating the sandy tracks and rough terrain of Jalapão. Tour agencies provide these vehicles as part of their packages.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Yes, there is an entrance fee for Cachoeira da Formiga. This fee helps with the maintenance and preservation of the natural site. It's often included in tour packages, but it's wise to confirm.
Cachoeira da Formiga is generally accessible during daylight hours. Specific opening and closing times can vary, so it's best to check with your tour operator or local guides.
The entrance fee is typically around R$ 30-50 per person, but this can change. It's advisable to confirm the current price with your tour agency or at the entrance.
While some parts of Jalapão can be explored independently, having a guide for Cachoeira da Formiga is highly recommended due to the challenging access roads and to ensure you get the most out of your visit. Many tours include guides.
Visitors are expected to respect the natural environment. Avoid leaving trash, and do not use harsh chemicals like sunscreen or insect repellent directly in the water, as it can harm the ecosystem.
🎫 🏊 Onsite Experience
The water is famous for its stunning emerald-green color and crystal clarity. It's also refreshingly cool, providing a pleasant contrast to the Jalapão heat, and is slightly less warm than the fervedouros.
Absolutely! Swimming in the natural pool formed by the waterfall is one of the main attractions. The water is clear and inviting.
It can get quite busy, especially during peak tourist seasons and on weekends, sometimes feeling like a public pool. Visiting on a weekday morning can offer a more tranquil experience.
The primary activity is swimming and relaxing in the beautiful emerald pool. You can also enjoy the gentle current for a light workout or simply soak in the natural beauty.
Yes, there is a gentle current from the Rio Formiga, which some visitors enjoy using for a light exercise by swimming against it.
📸 📸 Photography
The emerald water is incredibly photogenic. Consider using a polarizing filter to enhance the colors. Underwater shots can be spectacular if you have a waterproof camera or case.
Yes, the crystal-clear water allows for unique shots, including seeing the sandy bottom and the large rock that gives some areas a blue hue. Some visitors also enjoy creative shots playing with the water's current.
Drone usage regulations can vary within national parks. It's best to check with your tour operator or park authorities beforehand to ensure compliance with local rules.
Mid-morning to early afternoon offers good light, but the golden hour light in the late afternoon can also create beautiful, warm tones.
The main viewpoint is from the edge of the pool, looking towards the waterfall. Exploring slightly upstream can offer different perspectives of the river and surrounding nature.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Most families visit as part of an organized tour, which takes care of the transportation and ensures safety. The ease of access and the beautiful scenery make it a memorable experience for all ages. Remember to pack essentials like sunscreen, hats, and swimwear for everyone.
💰 Budget Travelers
Consider traveling during the shoulder seasons or looking for deals on multi-day packages. Bringing your own snacks and water can also save a little, though most tours include meals.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Bring a good camera and consider waterproof accessories. The natural light is beautiful, especially in the late afternoon, but be mindful of the crowds which can sometimes interfere with capturing pristine shots.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Magic of the Emerald Waters
The clarity of the water is so remarkable that you can easily see the sandy bottom, and even observe the large rocks that contribute to the mesmerizing color variations. This makes it an ideal spot for swimming and enjoying the natural beauty. The gentle current also adds to the experience, allowing for a unique way to exercise or simply float and relax.
Many visitors describe the experience as surreal and unforgettable, a true highlight of any Jalapão itinerary. The visual impact of the emerald pool against the backdrop of the cerrado vegetation is truly spectacular.
Planning Your Jalapão Adventure
When choosing a tour, consider what's included. Most comprehensive packages cover entrance fees to attractions, meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks), and lodging in pousadas. This all-inclusive approach simplifies planning and allows you to focus on enjoying the natural wonders.
Budgeting for a Jalapão trip can vary significantly based on the tour operator, duration, and accommodation level. While some tours might seem expensive upfront, they often provide excellent value by handling all the logistics and ensuring access to remote locations like Cachoeira da Formiga.


Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit