Chapada dos Guimarães hosts a rich diversity of wildlife, including numerous endemic and endangered species. The park is home to jaguars, pumas, maned wolves, and giant anteaters, though these larger mammals are rarely seen. Bird enthusiasts can spot over 300 species, including the red-and-green macaw, king vulture, and endemic blue-winged macaw. The region also supports diverse reptile populations, including several species of snakes and lizards, plus numerous butterfly species.
The park's vegetation represents a unique transition zone between the Cerrado (Brazilian savanna) and Amazon rainforest ecosystems. The landscape features a diverse array of plant species adapted to both wet and dry conditions, including endemic orchids, bromeliads, and medicinal plants. Notable species include the distinctive buriti palm, pequi trees, and various cacti. The vegetation varies from gallery forests along waterways to open grasslands and rocky outcrops supporting specialized plant communities.
Formed over 600 million years ago, Chapada dos Guimarães showcases dramatic sandstone cliffs, canyons, and plateaus shaped by centuries of erosion. The region sits on the Brazilian Shield, an ancient geological formation, and features distinctive red sandstone formations created during the Devonian period. Notable geological highlights include the 86-meter Véu de Noiva waterfall, numerous caves, and striking rock formations that reveal layers of geological history through exposed strata.
The region's human history dates back thousands of years, evidenced by ancient rock paintings and archaeological sites left by indigenous peoples. Portuguese colonizers arrived in the 18th century during the gold rush, establishing settlements and mining operations. The area gained protected status in 1989 with the creation of Chapada dos Guimarães National Park, covering 33,000 hectares. Today, the park preserves both natural wonders and cultural heritage, including historic buildings from the colonial period and sacred sites of indigenous cultures.
The park's most iconic attractions include the Véu de Noiva waterfall, the City of Stone with its impressive rock formations, and the Geodesic Center of South America. Visitors can explore numerous hiking trails, scenic viewpoints offering spectacular sunsets, and crystal-clear swimming holes. The region is also famous for its archaeological sites featuring ancient rock art, mysterious cave systems, and the impressive Cidade de Pedra (Stone City) complex with its towering rock formations and deep canyons.
Chapada dos Guimarães experiences a tropical savanna climate with distinct wet and dry seasons. The dry season runs from May to September, offering ideal conditions for hiking and outdoor activities, with pleasant temperatures averaging 25°C (77°F). The wet season, from October to April, brings dramatic afternoon thunderstorms and higher humidity, with temperatures reaching 35°C (95°F). Visitors should note that the elevated plateau location creates microclimates, with cooler temperatures than surrounding lowlands and refreshing breezes year-round.
Brazil
-15.4000°, -55.8330°
1989
326.3
Chapada dos Guimarães National Park is known for its red sandstone cliffs and dramatic canyons. The park features numerous waterfalls and important archaeological sites with rock paintings. It protects significant cerrado ecosystems and offers spectacular views of the surrounding landscape.