Chapada dos Guimarães National Park

We did Chapada dos Guimarães National Park since we were heading to the North Pantanal and had a few days to kill, so we figured it’d be worth checking out. Turned out to be a great call, definitely a place we’d recommend if you’re already in the area.

Getting There

The park is only about 40 minutes from Cuiabá, but you absolutely need a car to visit. There’s no public transport into the national park, and everything worth seeing is pretty spread out.

 

We stayed for 1.5 days, which was enough to do the highlights at a relaxed pace.

When to Visit

We went in mid-June, and it was a great time. The dry season is just starting, so trails are in good condition, and the pink flower trees (Physocalymma scaberrimum) are still in bloom, really pretty contrast against the green landscape. Not essential to plan around, but it was a nice surprise.

Where We Stayed

We stayed at Pousada Ceres Quarto do Camping 33 for 270 BRL for 2 nights (2 people). Honestly? Wouldn’t recommend.

  • It was far from the centre

  • Owners weren’t very welcoming

  • Facilities were a bit rundown

 

If you’re going, definitely look for somewhere else, ideally closer to town.

Day 1: Arrival + Sunset Views

Waterfall Marimbondo:

  • Entry: 10 BRL per person

  • Small, quiet, and perfect for a quick swim on arrival. Not overly crowded.

 

Sunset at Morro dos Ventos Lookout: 

  • Entry: 50 BRL per car

  • Great view over the park, and you might spot red macaws flying overhead.

  • There’s a restaurant/café, but we mostly came for the view and it was worth it.

Day 2: Full Hiking Day – Circuito das Cachoeiras

  • Entrance is free, but the park is only open from 8:30 AM to 4 PM, and last entry is at 12 PM.

  • There are three trails:

    • Two short ones (~1 km)

    • One longer loop (~4 km)

     

Route We Took:

We entered at 9 AM via the entrance closest to the city, which lets you visit the smaller waterfall (Cachoeira dos Namorados) first. It wasn’t great for swimming but completely empty.

From there, we walked to Cachoeira Véu de Noiva, the biggest waterfall in the park and a good photo/viewpoint stop (not for swimming). After that, we started the long trail.

Our Loop Tip (Less Crowds):

Most people go clockwise, ending at Cachoeira das Andorinhas, the most popular and crowded swimming spot.

 

Instead, we went counter-clockwise.

  • We entered the trail at 11 AM, and since entry closes at 12, barely anyone was behind us.

  • As a result, we had the first three (last 3 for us) waterfalls completely to ourselves. It made a huge difference: peaceful, clean water, no noise.

If you can time it right like this, it’s definitely worth it.

What to Skip

Complexo Turístico Balneário Salgadeira:

  • Just one waterfall, very small

  • Super crowded with families and tour groups

  • Not worth it when the park has much better options for free

Final Thoughts

Chapada dos Guimarães isn’t super famous outside Brazil, but it’s a solid nature stop if you’re already planning to visit Cuiabá or the North Pantanal. It’s easy to do in 1.5 days, and the waterfalls are actually nice to swim in, especially compared to many other “look but don’t touch” parks.

 

We were glad we took the time to go, it’s chill, scenic, and a good place to ease into the more intense nature you’ll get in the Pantanal.