
Dunas do Jalapão Tocantins Brazil
A breathtaking natural paradise in Tocantins, Brazil, famed for its golden dunes, crystal-clear fervedouros, and stunning waterfalls.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Clear skies, ideal for exploration

Dunas do Jalapão Tocantins Brazil
Best Time
Clear skies, ideal for exploration

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A breathtaking natural paradise in Tocantins, Brazil, famed for its golden dunes, crystal-clear fervedouros, and stunning waterfalls.
"One of the most beautiful places in Brazil and the world, a true paradise. "

Book Guided Tours
Essential for navigating Jalapão's remote terrain. Agencies handle logistics and ensure safety. :car:
Stay Hydrated!
The climate is dry. Carry plenty of water, especially during excursions. :droplet:

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Dunas do Jalapão
Parque Estadual do Jalapão
Vast golden sand dunes meeting the cerrado landscape, offering breathtaking panoramic views.

Fervedouros
Various locations across Jalapão
Natural springs with crystal-clear water where you can float effortlessly due to strong underground currents.

Cachoeira da Velha
Rio Novo
A stunning waterfall with powerful cascades forming a natural swimming pool, perfect for a refreshing dip.

Pedra Furada
Near Mateiros
An iconic rock formation offering spectacular sunset views over the vast Jalapão landscape.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Your Jalapão Adventure
Pack Smart for the Savanna
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Book Guided Tours
Essential for navigating Jalapão's remote terrain. Agencies handle logistics and ensure safety. :car:
Stay Hydrated!
The climate is dry. Carry plenty of water, especially during excursions. :droplet:
Embrace the 4x4 Experience
Roads are rough. Enjoy the adventure; it's part of the Jalapão charm. :offroad:
Sunset at Pedra Furada
A must-do! The views are spectacular, though can get busy. :sunriseovermountains:
Tips
from all over the internet
Book Guided Tours
Essential for navigating Jalapão's remote terrain. Agencies handle logistics and ensure safety. :car:
Stay Hydrated!
The climate is dry. Carry plenty of water, especially during excursions. :droplet:
Embrace the 4x4 Experience
Roads are rough. Enjoy the adventure; it's part of the Jalapão charm. :offroad:
Sunset at Pedra Furada
A must-do! The views are spectacular, though can get busy. :sunriseovermountains:
Float in Fervedouros
Experience the unique sensation of floating effortlessly in these natural springs. :water_wave:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Jalapão is widely praised for its stunning, unique natural beauty, particularly its golden dunes and magical Fervedouros. Visitors highlight the spectacular sunsets and well-preserved landscapes. However, some find it extremely busy, and a few reviews mention less-than-ideal sunset views or a 'bad mountain' experience.
"The dunes are as advertised - golden and eye popping. The color is due to the iron and sandstone which is a product of erosion from the nearby plateau mountains. The views from atop the dunes are spectacular where you can see Serra do Espírito Santo and the vast Savannah that makes up Jalapão. Sunset is especially gratifying from the top of the dunes and we highly recommend a trip out here. Our tour - Cerrado Dourado Expedições was fantastic and planned everything better than we could have dreamed of."
Karol Gawrych
"You have to hire a tour guide to explore the dunes but it’s worth beautiful views."
George Araujo
"bad mountain, don't visit very bad place"
Supratman Adi Wijaya
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Accessing Jalapão from Palmas, the capital of Tocantins, requires a 4x4 vehicle and a guided tour. The journey involves rough dirt roads and takes several hours. Many visitors opt for organized tours that include transportation from Palmas to the main attractions within Jalapão.
No, a regular car is not suitable for Jalapão. The terrain is challenging, with sandy tracks and rocky paths. A 4x4 vehicle is mandatory for navigating the park safely and accessing most attractions.
The most common and recommended way to travel between attractions in Jalapão is with a guided tour that provides a 4x4 vehicle. This ensures you can reach all the key spots, including the dunes, fervedouros, and waterfalls, without getting lost or stuck.
Jalapão is located approximately 180 kilometers from Palmas, the state capital of Tocantins. However, due to the unpaved roads and the need for 4x4 vehicles, travel time can be significant, often taking several hours to reach the park's main areas.
Public transport is not a viable option for reaching or traveling within Jalapão. The region is remote and lacks infrastructure for regular bus services. Hiring a private 4x4 with a guide or joining an organized tour is essential.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
While there isn't a general entrance fee for the entire Parque Estadual do Jalapão, many individual attractions within the park, such as fervedouros and some waterfalls, do have entrance fees. These are typically paid locally.
There isn't a single park entrance fee for the entire Jalapão State Park. However, most popular sites like the fervedouros and some waterfalls charge a small admission fee per person, which varies by location.
Costs vary greatly depending on the duration and type of tour. Packages for 3-7 days can range from R$2,350 to R$4,400 per person, often including transport, accommodation, and tours. This typically excludes flights to Palmas and personal expenses.
It is highly recommended to visit Jalapão with a guided tour. The remote location, challenging roads, and lack of signage make it difficult and potentially unsafe to explore independently. Tours ensure you see the best spots and have a reliable 4x4.
Most tour packages include 4x4 transportation within Jalapão, accommodation in pousadas, guided visits to attractions like fervedouros, waterfalls, dunes, and canyons, and sometimes meals. Flights to Palmas and personal expenses are usually not included.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
Key attractions include the golden Dunas do Jalapão, the unique Fervedouros where you can float, the impressive Cachoeira da Velha, and the stunning sunset views from Pedra Furada. Other highlights are the Lagoa do Japonês and canyons.
A Fervedouro is a natural spring with such strong underground water pressure that it prevents you from sinking, allowing you to float effortlessly. They are a unique phenomenon found in Jalapão and offer a surreal swimming experience.
Jalapão features a diverse landscape including vast golden sand dunes, cerrado savanna, crystal-clear rivers, stunning waterfalls, and unique fervedouros. It's often described as a 'paradise' with breathtaking natural beauty.
Absolutely! Jalapão offers incredible photographic opportunities with its golden dunes, vibrant blue waters, unique rock formations, and dramatic sunsets. The clear skies and diverse landscapes make it a photographer's dream.
The Dunas do Jalapão are stunning at any time, but sunset is particularly magical, offering breathtaking views as the golden sands glow. Early morning is also beautiful with softer light and fewer crowds.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Food in Jalapão typically consists of regional Brazilian cuisine, often served buffet-style at pousadas or during tours. Expect dishes like rice, beans, grilled meats, chicken, fish, and local vegetables. Some tours include packed lunches for day trips.
Restaurant options are limited, especially outside the main towns like Mateiros and Ponte Alta. Most visitors rely on meals provided by their tour operators or at their accommodations (pousadas). It's advisable to confirm meal inclusions with your tour provider.
While traditional cuisine leans towards meat dishes, many pousadas and tour operators can accommodate dietary restrictions if notified in advance. It's best to communicate your needs when booking your tour to ensure options are available.
It's a good idea to pack some personal snacks like granola bars, nuts, or dried fruit, especially for longer excursions or if you have specific dietary needs. This ensures you have something readily available between meals.
Many comprehensive Jalapão tour packages include all meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) as part of the all-inclusive experience. Always check the specifics of your chosen package to confirm what is covered.
📸 📸 Photography
The Dunas do Jalapão, Fervedouros, Cachoeira da Velha, Pedra Furada, and Lagoa do Japonês offer incredible photographic opportunities. The golden dunes at sunset are particularly iconic.
A versatile camera with good low-light capabilities is recommended. A wide-angle lens is great for landscapes, and a telephoto lens can be useful for wildlife. A GoPro or action camera is also excellent for capturing activities like swimming and off-roading.
Head to Pedra Furada or the Dunas do Jalapão an hour before sunset. Use a tripod for stability, experiment with different angles, and capture the changing colors of the sky and landscape.
Yes, the transparent boat at Lagoa do Japonês offers a unique perspective for photos. The Fervedouros themselves, with their surreal floating effect, are also highly photogenic.
The 'golden hours' – shortly after sunrise and before sunset – offer the most beautiful light for landscape photography. Midday can be harsh, but is still good for capturing the vibrant blues of the water.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Choose tour operators that are experienced with families and can tailor the itinerary to include more relaxed stops and kid-friendly activities. Ensure your accommodation is comfortable and that meals are suitable for children. Packing plenty of snacks and ensuring everyone stays hydrated is crucial for a smooth family trip.
💰 Budget Travelers
While independent travel is difficult, if you can find other travelers to share a 4x4 rental and guide costs, it might reduce expenses. However, the convenience and safety of organized tours often make them a worthwhile investment, especially considering the remote nature of Jalapão.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Bring a wide-angle lens for sweeping vistas and a camera with good low-light performance for dawn and dusk. A GoPro or action camera is perfect for capturing the adventurous activities. Be prepared for dusty conditions and protect your gear accordingly.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Magic of Fervedouros
There are numerous Fervedouros scattered throughout Jalapão, each with its own charm and slightly different characteristics. Some are more secluded, while others are larger and can accommodate more people. Popular ones include Fervedouro Bela Vista, Fervedouro do Ceiça, and Fervedouro do Buriti. It's important to note that many Fervedouros have visitor limits to preserve their natural state and ensure a pleasant experience for everyone.
When visiting a Fervedouro, remember to be gentle with the water and avoid using sunscreen or lotions that can pollute the springs. The experience is about immersing yourself in nature's incredible power and tranquility.
Navigating Jalapão's Terrain
Driving in Jalapão is an adventure in itself. The roads are often unpaved and can be rough, especially during the rainy season. This is why hiring a local guide is not just recommended, but practically necessary. They ensure your safety, help you avoid getting stuck, and know the best times to visit certain locations to avoid crowds or experience them at their most beautiful.
For those who prefer to drive themselves, it's crucial to have a well-maintained 4x4, experience with off-road driving, and a reliable GPS or map. However, even with the right vehicle, the lack of signage and the vastness of the park can make independent exploration difficult. Most travelers find that the peace of mind and expertise offered by a guided tour far outweigh the perceived freedom of self-driving.
The Golden Dunes and Sunset Spectacle
The best time to experience the dunes is undoubtedly during sunset. As the sun dips below the horizon, the sands are bathed in a warm, golden light, creating a truly magical and unforgettable spectacle. Many visitors climb to the top of the dunes for panoramic views of the savannah and the Serra do Espírito Santo.
While the dunes are a highlight, it's worth noting that they can get quite busy, especially during peak sunset hours. Some reviews mention that the sunset isn't always 'great' as it can fall behind a hill, but the overall experience of being on the dunes at dusk is still highly recommended. For photographers, this is a prime location to capture stunning images of the unique Jalapão landscape.


Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit