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Chapada Guimaraes - Brazil |
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Destinations |
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One of the main attractions in the
Brazilian Cerrado, the Chapada dos Guimarães National Park was
created in 1989 with the objective of protecting the enormous
sandstone formations, outlooks that provide a broad view of the
swampland plains and many waterfalls, thanks to the rich hydrography
and sudden changes in altitude. The Véu de Noiva (Bride’s Veil)
waterfall, near the Visitors’ Center, is the Chapada do Guimarães
greeting card. In its 33 thousand hectares, the location is also
home to more than 50 archaeological sites with prehistoric cave
pictures and animal fossils. It is a natural Brazilian heritage.
It is located in the township of Chapada dos Guimarães, in the State
of Mato Grosso, and it represents one of the countless areas of
national preservation. During the walks through the brush it is
possible to discover still untouched areas. The twisted trees are
unique; flowers of all colours and exotic fruit exhibit a generous
and beautiful Cerrado. The Park is open for the public from 8AM to
5PM, and it can be visited all year long. But the best time to get
to know the location is between May and July, when the region is
filled with flowers and the waterfalls are full. During the rainy
season, between December and April, the trails are dangerous and
access to some attractions is blocked.
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Basic information
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Climate
The climate in the region is semi-humid, with average annual
temperatures of 24ºC, and highs of 30ºC and lows of 18ºC. The
rainy season is between the months of December and April. In the
winter, from June to September, the outlook points can be foggy,
jeopardising the view.
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Events
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Winter Festival
The event has workshops and art and music courses, as well as
shows by popular artists. It is held annually during the second
half of the month of June.
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City facts
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Chapada dos Guimarães
State: Mato Grosso
Region: Midwest
Population: 15.755 inhabitants
AREA CODE: (65)
Distances
Cuiabá: 55 km (34 miles)
Rondonópolis: 280 km (174 miles)
Campo Grande: 756 km (470 miles)
Goiânia: 1015 km (631 miles)
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Accommodation / Restaurants
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For some time now the city of
Chapada dos Guimarães has been one of the most sought after
destinations for visits by national as well as international
tourists. Because of this, it already has good infrastructure
and many options of accommodation and restaurants to satisfy the
most varied tastes.
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How to get there
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By Road: Take MT-251,
or the Emanuel Pinheiro Highway. The Park headquarters is 13 km
(8 miles) from the city of Chapada dos Guimarães and 55km (34
miles) from Cuiabá. It is important to remember that there is
still no petrol station between Cuiabá and Chapada.
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Services
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Chapada dos Guimarães City
Hall: +55 (65) 3301-2050/1570
Tourist information: +55 (65) 3301-2045
Bus Station: (65) 3301-1280
Hospital: (65) 3301-1116
Bank Agencies
The city of Chapada dos Guimarães has Bank of Brasil and
Bradesco agencies.
Attractions
Waterfalls
Véu de Noiva, Independência, Andorinhas, 19 de Novembro, Pedra
Furada, Sete de Setembro, Cachoeirinha, Salgadeira and dozens of
other waterfalls wash the soul of all those seeking an escape
from urban life. The transparent waters descend and form natural
pools in creeks and small pebble-filled rivers, where lambaris
(small fish) swim, indifferent to the company of bathers. It is
recommended to hire a guide to accompany you on this outing.
Mount São Jerônimo
One of the highest points in Mato Grosso at 1020 meters, it
provides a fabulous panoramic view. The difficult walk to the
top passes by curious sandstone formation, such as the Jacaré de
Pedra (Stone Alligator), the Pedra Furada (Hole in the Stone)
and the Mesa do Sacrifício (Sacrificial Table). The trail
finishes after a 30-minute steep, uphill climb – inaccessible on
rainy days.
House of Stone
This is a 70-square meter cavern with a stream and a light trail
from the Park’s Visitor’s Center. It also has cave pictures on
the inside.
City of Stone
It is possible to walk by rocky formations, sculptured by wind
and water and that formed along the cliffs of the Chapada, 350
meters high. The location is reminiscent of a city made of
stone, which gave it its name. Access is made along a road that
connects the Chapada dos Guimarães to the district of Água Fria,
24 km (15 mile) away.
Aroe Jari Cavern (Morada das Almas) (Home of the Souls)
The largest sandstone cavern in Brazil, Aroe Jari extends nearly
1550 meters and several pre-historic inscriptions can be found
on the inside. Access is achieved over a moderate trail – 4.5 km
(2.8 miles) long, an average 1 hour and 20 minute walk.
Lagoa Azul Cavern
This is a 30 minute walk from the Aroe Jari Cavern and it
includes a lagoon with crystal clear waters where bathing is
prohibited. Only 50 people are allowed to visit per day, and it
is obligatory to hire a guide.
Paredão do Eco (Echo Wall)
This is a natural outlook formed by a huge sandstone wall at the
top of the Chapada. Access is made along the road that leads to
Água Fria, and then a secondary road that enters the Park.
Portão do Inferno (Gateway to Hell)
This is an 85-meter deep canyon that can be seen from the road
that connect Cuiabá to Chapada (MT-251). It is possible to see
the Cidade de Pedra from there.
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