Have you thought of a practically private paradise, completely accessible and with one of the largest areas of waterfalls and native trees in the world? Well … Open your eyes now and know that Chapada dos Veadeiros (GO) is one of the places that undoubtedly fits perfectly in all these qualities sought today by those who seek to disconnect from the chaos and recharge the Energies to face the day to day.

Unesco (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization) has defended the thesis, precisely in the declared International Year of Sustainable Tourism for Development. At the beginning of July, for example, it was guaranteed that the National Park of Chapada dos Veadeiros, located in Goiás, will continue with the title of Natural Patrimony of Humanity. The decision was announced at the 41st session of the entity’s World Heritage Committee held in Krakow, Poland.

The international resolution was only kept in one detail: one month before the meeting, the federal government ordered the expansion of the conservation unit from 65,000 to 240,000 hectares. Very far, of course, from the 625,000 hectares that it came to possess, but the UN regarded it as an initial advance, but extremely necessary.

Apart from this, it is a small detail that already gives a special tone to the region: the park houses 32 different species of fauna and 17 of the endangered flora that could disappear at any time if there was no guarantee of full protection Of the conservation unit. Some of the animals that are grateful for intervention are the Pantanal deer, the maned wolf, the mallard and the jaguar.

Tourism

To be able to witness the natural beauties of the region, the route is simple. Take the first transport to Brasília (DF). From the federal capital to Alto Paraiso (GO), considered the gateway to the Chapada National Park, a vehicle can finish the course by two hours of straight and good road.

Although modest and unpretentious, the municipality is considered the great city of the region. The place has stabilized power, comprehensive signal of cell phone and some inns and hotels. Some of the waterfalls praised for beauty are also nearby, such as Almécegas (9km), São Bento (8km) and Loquinhas (4km).

To stay, there are options of the most varied, from campings, inns to inns of high luxury. Another option is the village São Jorge, a small village that is about 26 minutes drive from Alto Paraíso. With a much more rustic structure, the citadel can not be missed. There are several options for walks and trails.

For the more demanding, Pousada Inácia is 17km from Alto Paraíso. With only 10 chalets, the property offers accommodations with super king-size bed, retro-style mini-bar, 400 thread count Egyptian cotton sheets, individualized solar heating, mini fireplace on the balconies, smart TV, L’occitane bath products, robe and cotton slippers , Plus high pressure shower. The windows have panoramic views of Morro da Baleia, one of the best known and visited postcards in the area.

The house has its own waterfalls, inside the property, and for the exclusive use of guests. In addition, the most well-prepared adventurers can reach Almécegas, one of the most voluminous in the region, with a 40-minute walk. The hostel offers sustainable bar service in the bathing areas, such as swimming pools (heated) and even in the two nearby waterfalls.

The on-site restaurant is L’Alcofa, which has a menu signed by the award-winning Italian chef Giacomo Campodônico, which is formed by the International School of Italian Food (Alma) in Parma, and experience the restaurants of the Hotel Splendido in Portofino and Zefferino , Of Genoa, before becoming chef of Ulivo, in Barassi.

WHERE TO GO:

1- The Valley of the Moon – It is one of the most visited points of the Chapada, located about 30 km from the city of Alto Paraíso (GO). The rock formations of the Valley refer to lunar craters, with waterfalls and even caves. Access to the Valley is made by a one kilometer trail (easy level), and there is no need to hire guide.

2 – Macaquinhos Waterfall – It is 43 km from Alto Paraíso and the ideal is to book all day to do the tour. After 30 km of dirt road, we arrive at the starting point to start the trail. We paid 20 reais for access to the waterfalls. In all, there are eight points of bathing (wells and waterfalls). It is an area that also has camping, if you are interested to spend the night there.

3- Leather Falls – The Falls are 57 km from Alto Paraíso and the trail is 2 km. Several waterfalls and wells form the Couros, and the trail is considered mid-level because of stretches of rock and, in some places, requiring a certain athletic ability of the visitor. A good place for adventurers because there is a place to hop in a pit of a height of 15 meters.

4. Almécegas – 9km from Alto Paraíso, the waterfall is formed by two falls. The first, of 50 meters, can be observed from above and below and is allowed to practice abseiling. The second fall is much smaller, with 15 meters and good for bathing and easy access. Both form natural pools and are accessible by footpaths. There are entrance options for the Fazenda São Bento, which offers up to zip lines on site, but charges a preservation fee, or also by inn Inácia, which does not charge tickets.

Photos: Reproduction