
Vale do Rio Claro
Discover the emerald waters and sandstone wonders of Vale do Rio Claro, a natural paradise in Chapada dos Guimarães National Park.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Clear skies, best for hiking

Vale do Rio Claro
Best Time
Clear skies, best for hiking
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Discover the emerald waters and sandstone wonders of Vale do Rio Claro, a natural paradise in Chapada dos Guimarães National Park.
"The best guided tour in Chapada dos Guimarães! Spectacular nature and refreshing waters. "
Book Guided 4x4 Tours
Essential for accessing the park. Book in advance to secure your spot! :car:
Pack Smart for the Day
Bring swimwear, sunblock, snacks, and water. No food stops inside the park. :water_wave:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Poço Verde
Vale do Rio Claro
Emerald green waters perfect for snorkeling and a serene escape. A true natural paradise.

Poço das Antas
Vale do Rio Claro
Another stunning spot for a refreshing dip amidst lush vegetation. Ideal for cooling off.
Flutuação no Rio Claro
Vale do Rio Claro
Float with the current using a mask and snorkel, observing aquatic life in clear waters. An unforgettable experience.

Crista do Galo Viewpoint
Vale do Rio Claro
Panoramic 360° views of the valley and impressive sandstone cliffs. A breathtaking vista.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Accessing Vale do Rio Claro
What to Pack for Your Adventure
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Book Guided 4x4 Tours
Essential for accessing the park. Book in advance to secure your spot! :car:
Pack Smart for the Day
Bring swimwear, sunblock, snacks, and water. No food stops inside the park. :water_wave:
Embrace the Flotation
Don't miss the chance to float down the river with a mask. It's spectacular! :snorkel:
Respect Nature
Carry out all your trash and preserve the natural beauty. :leafy_green:
Tips
from all over the internet
Book Guided 4x4 Tours
Essential for accessing the park. Book in advance to secure your spot! :car:
Pack Smart for the Day
Bring swimwear, sunblock, snacks, and water. No food stops inside the park. :water_wave:
Embrace the Flotation
Don't miss the chance to float down the river with a mask. It's spectacular! :snorkel:
Respect Nature
Carry out all your trash and preserve the natural beauty. :leafy_green:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the stunning emerald waters of Poço Verde and the unique flotation experience in Vale do Rio Claro. The guided 4x4 tours offer access to breathtaking viewpoints like Crista do Galo, making it a highly recommended ecotourism destination for its natural beauty and refreshing activities.
"O Poço Verde é uma das atrações mais fascinantes da Chapada dos Guimarães, em Mato Grosso. Localizado em uma passagem do Rio Claro, suas águas transparentes e de um verde esmeralda vibrante criam um cenário paradisíaco, rodeado por uma vegetação densa e exuberante. O trajeto até o poço é igualmente impressionante, com a vegetação fechada protegendo o local do sol forte e proporcionando um ambiente fresco e acolhedor. A caminhada até lá já é uma experiência, com paisagens deslumbrantes e o som da natureza ao redor.
Uma das principais atividades no Poço Verde é a flutuação de snorkel. Com as águas calmas e claras, é possível observar uma diversidade de peixes que habitam o local, nadando livremente entre as rochas e plantas submersas. A visibilidade da água é incrível, permitindo que os visitantes tenham uma verdadeira imersão na natureza aquática da região. É um passeio relaxante, mas também repleto de emoção, já que a experiência de flutuar em águas tão cristalinas, cercado por uma vegetação nativa, é única e inesquecível.
Além da flutuação, o Poço Verde é perfeito para quem deseja escapar da agitação do dia a dia. Sua tranquilidade, combinada com a beleza da água verde e a vegetação ao redor, faz dele um destino ideal para quem procura um lugar de paz, beleza natural e contato profundo com a natureza. A combinação do ambiente sereno com a possibilidade de explorar a vida aquática faz do Poço Verde um dos tesouros naturais da Chapada dos Guimarães, perfeito para quem quer vivenciar o melhor do ecoturismo na região."
Fabricio Holanda
"Melhor passeio guiado da Chapada dos Guimarães! Dura o dia todo. Levar roupa de banho e proteção contra o sol… levar comida tmb pois não há pausa para almoçar."
felipe aguiar severino
"Lugar ótimo para refrescar depois dos passeios na Cidade de Pedra e Morro Crista do Galo. Água tem torno de 24 graus e um banho para renovar as energias. Caminha tranquila até o local, mas o passeio tem que ser de 4x4 e com guia. O mais interessante é a flutuação no rio, cerca de 400 metros com máscara e deixando a correnteza te levar!!! Espetacular."
Paulo JC “Fiscal da Natureza” N
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Access to Vale do Rio Claro is exclusively via guided tours with 4x4 vehicles or a challenging 14km hike. Booking a certified guide is mandatory. The park is located within Chapada dos Guimarães National Park, approximately 70 km from Cuiabá.
No, personal vehicles are not permitted. Access is strictly controlled and requires a guided tour with a 4x4 vehicle or a guided hike.
Chapada dos Guimarães is about 65-70 km from Cuiabá, a drive that typically takes around 1 hour.
Yes, Vale do Rio Claro is often combined with visits to Cidade de Pedra and Crista do Galo for a full-day adventure.
Independent visits are not allowed. A certified guide is mandatory for all visitors entering the Vale do Rio Claro area within the National Park.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
While there isn't a specific entry ticket for Vale do Rio Claro itself, you will pay for the guided tour, which includes park access and the mandatory guide.
Tour prices vary depending on the agency and inclusions, but expect to pay for the 4x4 transport and guide. Some day-use options might be available with lunch included.
As it's part of a national park and requires guided tours, operating hours are typically during daylight, with tours usually lasting a full day. It's best to confirm with your chosen tour operator.
It's highly recommended to book your guided tour in advance, especially during peak season, to ensure availability.
Some establishments near Chapada dos Guimarães offer day-use packages that might include access to areas like Vale do Rio Claro, often with lunch.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
You can swim in the crystal-clear waters of Poço Verde and Poço das Antas, go snorkeling, and enjoy a unique flotation experience down the Rio Claro. The Crista do Galo viewpoint offers stunning panoramic views.
The hike is approximately 14 km round trip and can be challenging. The 4x4 guided tour is a more accessible option for most visitors.
The water temperature is around 24 degrees Celsius, making it a refreshing and pleasant place to swim and cool off.
Yes, swimming is permitted and highly encouraged in designated areas like Poço Verde and Poço das Antas.
Wear comfortable clothing and sturdy walking shoes for the trails. Bring swimwear, a towel, and a change of clothes for after swimming.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
There are no food services directly within the Vale do Rio Claro area of the national park. It's essential to bring your own snacks and water.
Yes, packing a picnic is a great idea. Remember to take all your trash with you to keep the area clean.
Some day-use packages or full-day tours might include lunch, but this varies by agency. Always confirm with your tour provider when booking.
You can find restaurants and eateries in the nearby town of Chapada dos Guimarães or in Cuiabá.
Local cuisine often features regional dishes, including freshwater fish and traditional Mato Grosso flavors.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture the emerald waters of Poço Verde, the unique rock formations, the panoramic views from Crista do Galo, and the vibrant flora and fauna.
The lighting can be challenging in some areas due to dense vegetation, but the natural beauty offers stunning shots. A good camera or smartphone with good low-light capabilities is recommended.
Drone usage is generally restricted in national parks to protect wildlife and maintain the natural environment. It's best to check park regulations or with your guide.
A wide-angle lens is great for landscapes, while a waterproof camera or phone case is useful for water activities.
Yes, the Crista do Galo viewpoint offers a spectacular 360-degree panorama, perfect for breathtaking landscape shots.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Opting for a 4x4 guided tour is generally more comfortable for families with younger children than the long hike. Pack plenty of snacks and drinks, as there are no facilities within the park. The opportunity to see fish while snorkeling can be a highlight for kids.
💰 Budget Travelers
Consider packing your own food and water to save on expenses. If you're on a tight budget, assess if the 14km hike is feasible for you, though it requires significant time and energy.
💑 Couples
Enjoy a peaceful day exploring the trails together, followed by a refreshing swim. The guided 4x4 tour can be a fun shared adventure, and the flotation experience offers a unique way to relax side-by-side.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Unique Ecosystem of Vale do Rio Claro
The aquatic life in the Rio Claro is a significant attraction. The clear, calm waters of Poço Verde, in particular, are teeming with various fish species, visible thanks to the exceptional water clarity. This makes it an ideal spot for snorkeling and observing the underwater world. The river's flow also creates opportunities for gentle flotation, allowing visitors to drift along and immerse themselves in the natural surroundings.
Conservation efforts are paramount in this area. Visitors are reminded to practice 'Leave No Trace' principles, ensuring that the natural beauty and ecological integrity of Vale do Rio Claro are preserved for future generations. This includes carrying out all waste and respecting the natural habitat.
Adventure and Relaxation: Experiencing the Waters
For those seeking a more passive water experience, the flotation activity is highly recommended. Equipped with a mask, you can simply let the gentle current of the Rio Claro carry you downstream for about 400 meters. This serene journey offers a unique perspective of the riverbed and the surrounding lush environment. It’s a truly tranquil way to connect with nature.
Poço das Antas is another beautiful spot for a dip, offering a chance to cool off after exploring the trails. The combination of these water activities with the scenic hikes and viewpoints makes Vale do Rio Claro a comprehensive ecotourism destination.
Navigating the Trails and Access
For the more adventurous, a 14 km hike is an option, though it requires good physical condition and preparation. This trail offers a more intimate experience with the park's landscape, but it's crucial to be accompanied by a certified guide.
Regardless of the chosen method of access, a certified guide is mandatory. This is not only for safety but also to ensure that visitors adhere to park regulations and gain a deeper understanding of the local flora, fauna, and geology. Guides enhance the overall experience, pointing out hidden details and sharing valuable insights.





Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit