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Goiás

Goiás is Brazil’s ‘road less traveled,’ though not for good reason: fiery red sunsets over the lush, rolling hills of the dramatic cerrado landscape set the stage for unparalleled views.

Agriculture is big business here, with soya, biodiesel and ethanol industries making this one of the wealthiest states in the country, albeit at the expense of the landscape in some parts. Fortunately, its unrelenting natural beauty is preserved in sensational highland areas, while handsome colonial towns are perfect places to try the much-lauded regional cuisine.

Major attractions include picturesque Cidade de Goiás and Pirenópolis, and the rivers, waterfalls and forest trails of Parque Nacional da Chapada dos Veadeiros.

Top attractions

These are our favorite local haunts, touristy spots, and hidden gems throughout Goiás.

  • See

    Parque Nacional da Chapada dos Veadeiros

    This spectacular national park in the highest area of the Central West showcases the unique landscape and flora of high-altitude cerrado across 650 sq km of pristine beauty. With high waterfalls, raging canyons, natural swimming pools and oasis-like stands of wine palms, the park is a popular destination. The visitor center at the park entrance is 1km from São Jorge. You must enter by noon, and it's wise to get started early: there's a maximum capacity, plus the sun gets hot.

  • See

    Vale da Lua

    Over millions of years, the rushing waters of the Rio São Miguel have sculpted rock formations in the landscape of Vale da Lua, a gorgeous valley whose blackish stone outcrops contrast with the green cerrado vegetation. In the river, a metaconglomerate of rocks containing quartz, sand and clay reflect a rainbow of colors; pools of chilly emerald waters give relief from the baking heat.

  • See

    Parque Estadual da Serra dos Pireneus

    Pireneus, 18km northeast of town, is the Brazilian form of the word ‘Pyrenees’ and the top spot in the state for bouldering and mountain climbing. There are waterfalls and interesting rock formations to see along the way, some dating back to Gondwanaland. You’ll need an accredited guide to enter; ask at a local agency. The tourist office displays a list of guides.

  • See

    Santuário de Vida Silvestre Vagafogo

    This 44-hectare private nature reserve is a great place to spot wildlife. Even if you don’t see much, the light hike is a welcome retreat from the heat, and there are two natural pools for swimming. It's 6km northwest of town; to walk here from town, head north along Rua do Carmo and follow the signs.

  • See

    Palácio Conde dos Arcos

    The restored colonial governor’s residence is a very handsome piece of work. The guided tour (English usually spoken) takes in antique furniture, a curious triangular courtyard and lots of information about the history of the town and the building. It still gets to be a seat of power when the state capital transfers back here every July.

  • See

    Museu do Divino

    The municipal Museu do Divino exhibits the masks and costumes used during the Festa do Divino Espírito Santo. These masks were made by local craftspeople using methods passed down from generation to generation.

  • See

    Museu das Cavalhadas

    The privately owned Museu das Cavalhadas is cluttered with bright and colorful artifacts associated with the town's major festival, Festa do Divino Espírito Santo, brought to life in a guided tour from the owner. Ring the bell.

  • See

    Museu das Bandeiras

    The fascinating Museu das Bandeiras is an old jail (1766–1950) that’s full of antiques and original furniture – the 1.5m-thick cell walls, originally made of weak taipa de pilão wood and reinforced with much stronger aroeira (pepper-tree) wood, are a museum piece in themselves. Upstairs is the former court; it is not open to the public. Outside in the square, the 1778 Chafariz de Cauda fountain is perfectly preserved, except no water flows.

  • See

    Reserva Ecológica Vargem Grande

    This 360-hectare park on private land contains two impressive waterfalls: Cachoeira Santa Maria and Cachoeira do Lázaro. There are small river beaches and natural pools for swimming. If you’re here for waterfalls, these are the ones to see. The reserve is 11km east of town on the road to Serra dos Pireneus.