National Park
Parque Nacional da Chapada dos VeadeirosThis 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…
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.
Explore Goiás
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Top attractions
These are our favorite local haunts, touristy spots, and hidden gems throughout Goiás.
Palace
Palácio Conde dos ArcosThe restored colonial governor’s residence is a very handsome piece of work. The guided tour (English usually spoken) takes in antique furniture, a…
Museum
Museu do DivinoThe municipal Museu do Divino exhibits the masks and costumes used during the Festa do Divino Espírito Santo. These masks were made by local craftspeople…
Museum
Museu das CavalhadasThe privately owned Museu das Cavalhadas is cluttered with bright and colorful artifacts associated with the town's major festival, Festa do Divino…
Area
Vale da LuaOver 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…
Park
Parque Estadual da Serra dos PireneusPireneus, 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…
Wildlife Reserve
Santuário de Vida Silvestre VagafogoThis 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,…
Museum
Museu das BandeirasThe 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das Bandeiras is an old jail (1766–1950) that’s full of antiques and original furniture – the 1.5m-thick cell walls, originally made…
Waterfall
Reserva Ecológica Vargem GrandeThis 360-hectare park on private land contains two impressive waterfalls: Cachoeira Santa Maria and Cachoeira do Lázaro. There are small river beaches and…
Church
Igreja NS do Rosário Matriz & Museu da MatrizThe oldest church in Goiás, the 1728 Igreja NS do Rosário Matriz was tragically gutted by fire in 2002. Inside, the Museu da Matriz explains the history…
Museum
Museu de Arte SacraIn the old baroque Igreja da Boa Morte, this appealing museum has a good selection of 19th-century religious sculptures by renowned local artist José…
Church
Igreja São Francisco de PaulaThe most impressive of the town’s seven churches is the oldest, built in 1761. It's worth visiting for its beautiful painted ceiling as well as original…
Church
Igreja NS do BonfimFull of charisma, the Portuguese-built Igreja NS do Bonfim (1750) is a simple adobe church with wooden floor and ceiling, flanked by two lateral chapels…
Museum
Casa de Cora CoralinaThis handsome house is the birthplace of the area’s renowned poet, Cora Coralina (1889–1985). It contains period furniture and a small display on her life…
Church
Igreja NS do Carmo & Museu de Arte SacraThe town’s most famous church, Igreja NS do Carmo (1750), has attractive colonial features. It houses a museum of religious art.
Historic Building
Quartel Do XXThis 18th-century barracks has been modified over the years, but parts still date from its construction in 1747, making it the oldest building in town…
Fountain
Chafariz de CaudaThis restored yellow baroque fountain dates from 1778, though no water flows.