- Chapada dos Veadeiros
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Chapada dos Veadeiros National Park
Chapada dos Veadeiros is located in the state of Goias, in the Central West region of Brazil. It is a geographical area filled with breath taking mountains, rivers, and waterfalls. The area is known for the national park of Chapada dos Veadeiros. The national park was created in 1961, it has been named a World Natural Heritage site for being an outstanding source in the area. The 65,515 hectares park is also filled of over one hundred different types of plants and birds. According to NASA, Chapada dos Veadeiros is the earth’s brightest spot that is seen from space.
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Activities
The most popular activities that are most enjoyed in Chapada dos Veadeiros are: Trekking, Rappel, and camping. The most highly recommended attractions are: The Prata Expedition, The Rei do Prata Waterfall, and Trekking in Travessia Leste. The Prata Expedition includes camping and hiking, and a special opportunity to see and experience the local culture. Travessia Leste is one of the best trekking trails in Brazil. The trail begins in Alto Paraiso and heads to the east of the Chapada dos Veadeiros. What makes this trail very special is the beautiful landscape view of the region.
- Other Must See Attractions:
Bird watching in Chapada • Moon Valley-(Moonlike landscapes and glimmering rocks) • Almecegas Waterfalls • Raizama Waterfalls • Sao Bento Waterfalls • Andorinha Waterfalls • Segredo Waterfalls
Shopping
Because Chapada dos Veadeiros is located in a natural area, most of the objects that are sold are home made. Areas such as São Jorge focus more on selling crystals and rocks from the land.
Restaurants
There are many affordable restaurants in the region that serve traditional Brazilian dishes. The area has many upscale restaurants such as The Jambalaya and Amor a Gaia (vegetarian bistro). The Jambalaya restaurant is located on top of a hill and gives the costumers a breathtaking view of the city. The restaurant is also famous for its long wine list. Amor a Gaia (vegetarian bistro), is a well known restaurant in Cavalcante. The restaurant is loved for its charming ambient that includes a therapy space for meditation and access to a bonfire.
Hotels and accommodations
When traveling to Chapada dos Veadeiros, Alto Paraiso and São Jorge are two places that are very convenient for stay.
-Alto Paraiso is a small typical city (only 12.4 miles from the National Park). The city provides normal public illumination, roads and public transportation. Alto Paraiso provides a wide amount of hotels and restaurants.
-Unlike Alto Paraiso, São Jorge is a unique village that resides right in front of the national park. It lacks in providing public illumination, asphalt roads, and public transportation. The lack of modernization is what makes the village unique and special. It is in Sao Jorge where the tourists experience the real culture of Chapada dos Veadeiros.
Transportation
In order to get to the attractions, it is convenient and safe to travel with a tour bus company. It is highly recommended to travel with a tour guide since many of the attractions including the Chapada dos Veadeidos National Park only give access to tourist that are traveling with local tour guides. The area has over twenty different private bus companies making trips in and out of Chapada dos Veadeiros. If traveling by plane, it is required to land in Brasilia, Brazil, and take a bus to Chapada dos Veadeiros. Brasilia is 143 miles to Alto Paraiso (city in Chapada dos Veadeiros). The trip to Alto Paraiso is smooth and interesting. Between Brasilia and Alto Paraiso there are many unique villages.
Climate
Chapada enjoys tropical weather throughout the year (annual average is 77ºF). Between the months of December to February, certain attractions such as the National Park and Waterfalls are closed due to the high amount of rain the area gets, which leads to high rise of the water levels. The best time to visit Chapada dos Veadeiros is in the months of June and July, due to the low probability of rain.
Population
60,267 (2007) in a total area of 21,476 km²
References
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