Explore Jalapão’s dunes, crystal lagoons and buoyant fervedouros on a six-day trip that pairs geology with Quilombola culture. Expect long dirt-road drives, short hikes and immersive local experiences.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
You arrive at dawn in Palmas, the sky still edged with violet, and the convoy pulls east across red dirt that seems to drink the sun. By the second day the trees thin and the landscape opens: rust-colored dunes, quartz sand that sinks underfoot, and scattered cerrado shrubs that dare you to slow down and listen. The itinerary threads through Taquaruçu’s waterfalls, Lagoa do Japonês’s glassy lagoon, the surreal Dunas do Jalapão and a sequence of fervedouros — artesian springs whose upward pressure makes you float like a storybook figure.
Difficulty
moderate
Duration
6–8 days
Fitness Level
Suitable for travelers in good general health; able to handle full days in a vehicle, short hikes up to steep 750m ascents, and standing in springs.
Wildlife
History
Jalapão’s communities include Quilombola settlements founded by escaped enslaved people and generations of cerrado inhabitants who preserved craft traditions and river-based livelihoods.
Conservation
The region relies on sustainable tourism and responsible water use; visitors are asked to avoid contaminating springs and to support community-run services to keep economic benefits local.
Reserve your spot on the JALAPÃO 6 DAYS - Nature and Culture today and enjoy a trusted, highly rated experience designed to help you make the most of your adventure.
Hydration and electrolytes
Carry at least 2–3 liters of water per day and electrolyte packets — desert heat and dusty roads dehydrate quickly.
Footwear for sand and rock
Use closed-toe trail shoes or sandals with grippy soles for dunes, rocks and wet spring surfaces.
Respect fervedouros’ rules
Follow guide instructions and avoid soaps or sunscreens in springs — these fragile aquifer-fed sites are sensitive to contamination.
Charge and carry backups
Bring a small power bank and conserve battery for photos and emergency GPS — many pousadas have limited outlets.
Lightweight daypack (20–30L)
Keeps water, sun protection and camera accessible during short hikes and spring visits.
Closed-toe trail shoes
Provides traction on sand, wet rock and uneven trails.
High-SPF sunscreen and broad hat
Sun protection is crucial on exposed dunes and at the lagoons.
summer
Reusable water bottle with filter or electrolyte mix
Ensures reliable hydration across long drives and remote stops.