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Multi Activity
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Palmas
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Palmas
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Hotel
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Portuguese, English
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10
- Hassle-Free Booking
- Handpicked Local Partners
- Sustainable Travel
- Book with Flexibility
About the adventure
Your Jalapão trip begins in Palmas, the capital of Tocantins, serving as the gateway to one of Brazil’s most stunning landscapes. Over the course of four days, you will embark on an adventure filled with diverse activities, including scenic hikes, refreshing swims in crystal-clear waterfalls, floating in the famous fervedouros (natural springs impossible to sink in), relaxing on serene river beaches, and an adrenaline-pumping rafting session on the Soninho River—depending on the time of year.
The journey also offers a cultural immersion into quilombola communities, allowing you to learn more about local traditions. Throughout the expedition, you will enjoy comfortable accommodations in cozy guesthouses located in São Félix do Tocantins and Mateiros, providing the perfect rest after a day of exploration.
We call this adventure Volta ao Parque (VAP), which means exploring the beauty of Jalapão State Park by hiking on carefully planned trails that go against the traditional tourism flow (off the beaten path). Walking around the park allows you to live real-life experiences with nature and the local culture—one step at a time.
⭐ Custom private tour: Looking for more adventure? Check out the 5-day Jalapão Adventure or extend your trip for 6 or 7 days (private groups only). Contact us for more information!
Highlights of the adventure
- Full itinerary: hiking, fervedouros, waterfalls, rafting, and river beaches.
- Deep dive into Jalapão State Park’s less visited areas (only reachable by 4x4 vehicles).
- Explore the area’s most stunning landmarks, such as Velha and Formiga waterfalls, Buritizinho and Encontro das Águas fervedouros, Serra do Espiríto Santo, the dunes of Jalapão, the Novo River, etc.
- Engage with local quilombola communities (Taboca, Boa Esperança, Mumbuca, Prata, and Rio Novo).
- Comfortable stay in different inns across São Félix do Tocantins and Mateiros.
- All-inclusive experience: round-trip transfer, accommodation, meals, and local guides.
Day by day
📍 Departure from Palmas, Tocantins: PlanetaEXO’s local partner will pick you up from the airport or your hotel in the city at 7:15 AM heading to São Félix do Tocantins, with multiple stops along the way.
Before reaching São Félix do Tocantins, enjoy a refreshing swim at the Peixinho River, followed by a stop in the inviting Taboca community for a tasty lunch at Dona Irani’s restaurant.
Afterwards, head to Morro da Catedral for a 2-hour trek. This 200-meter-high peak is one of Jalapão’s most iconic landmarks and provides a breathtaking view of the sunset.
The day ends in São Félix, where the group will settle in for the night at a lovely inn.
- Driving distance (total): 280 km (170 km of paved road and 110 km of dirt road), approx. 4.35 hours
- Hiking distance (total): 1.6 km (approx. 2 hours)
The second day of our Jalapão trip varies according to the time of year, with itineraries that perfectly align with the season.
Rainy Season (November to April)
After lunch around Fervedouro Jatobá, choose between visiting Araras Waterfall or rafting over 10 km down the Soninho River. Later, head to the Prata community for dinner and then go back to São Félix for the night.
- Driving distance (total): 47 km on dirt road (approx. 1.5 hours)
- Hiking distance (total): 9.5 km (approx. 3.5 hours)
Dry Season (May to October)
Hike for 12 km along the Travessia da Velha, the trail that leads to the fantastic Cachoeira da Velha, one of the most beloved waterfalls of the Jalapão State Park. Then, enjoy a picnic on a small beach along the Novo River.
Afterwards, join a thrilling 4-hour Class IV rafting trip down the river. As the sun sets, the group walks on a trail of 3.5 km to reach the ecolodge where we’ll spend the night.
- Driving distance (total): 80 km on dirt road (approx. 2 hours)
- Hiking distance (total): 15.5 km (approx. 4.5 hours)
The time has come to enjoy one of the most incredible attractions of any Jalapão trip: the fervedouros, natural springs with water pressure so strong it’s impossible to sink in.
Swim and relax in the blue-green waters of Buritizinho before hiking for 4 km until you reach Encontro das Águas, the fervedouro where the Formiga and Soninho rivers meet.
After a lovely lunch in the Mumbuca community, we’ll head to Formiga Waterfall, one of the most iconic sites in Tocantins. In the late afternoon, the group arrives in Mateiros to rest.
- Driving distance (total): 95 km on dirt road (approx. 3 hours)
- Hiking distance (total): 4 km (approx. 1.5 hours)
At 4 AM, when the sky is still dark, trek up the Serra do Espírito Santo, a 200-meter sandstone plateau that offers jaw-dropping views of Jalapão State Park. At the top, you’ll watch a beautiful sunrise.
Down the hill, visit the golden dunes of Jalapão—surrounded by mountain ranges and typical vegetation of the Cerrado—and then enjoy a moment of relaxation at one of the beaches of the Novo River.
In the Rio Novo community, savor the last meal of your Jalapão trip before it’s time to return to Palmas.
What is included?
- Round-trip transfer (Palmas ⇌ Jalapão) on a 4x4 vehicle
- Accommodation in São Félix do Tocantins (2 nights)
- Accommodation in Mateiros (1 night)
- Meals (full board)
- Mineral water during all activities
- Entrance fees for all activities
- Guided tours (hiking, fervedouros, waterfalls, rafting, river beaches)
- Interaction with local communities
- Expert local guides
What is not included?
- Flight tickets
- Travel insurance
- Breakfast on the first day and dinner on the last day
- English-speaking guides (can be arranged upon request; subject to availability)
- Optional tours
- Personal expenses (e.g., laundry service, phone calls, etc.)
- Accommodation in Palmas
Accommodation
The stay experience in the 4-day Jalapão trip includes the following:
- 2 nights in São Félix do Tocantins
- 1 night in Mateiros
Pousada São Félix (São Félix do Tocantins)
Pousada São Félix stands out as a modern and comfortable base for those exploring the Jalapão region. The accommodation features spacious apartments, all equipped with air conditioning, a minibar, and Wi-Fi. Common areas are designed for relaxation, including a manicured garden and a deck where a rich, regional breakfast is served daily.
Pousada Beira da Mata (Mateiros)
Offering an authentic and sophisticated experience through its 12 individual chalets, Pousada Beira da Mata is designed to ensure total privacy for guests, with climate-controlled accommodations featuring private balconies and catering to everyone—from solo travelers to families. The infrastructure includes a restaurant renowned for its traditional local cuisine, a bar, and free Wi-Fi.
Food
This tour features meals at hotels in each region (São Félix do Tocantins and Mateiros) and at local restaurants in the quilombola communities of Taboca, Boa Esperança, Mumbuca, Prata, and Rio Novo.
The meals (buffet-style) include classic Brazilian recipes and dishes typical of the Cerrado region, such as chambari (ossobuco), chicken stew, fish (such as tilapia and tambaqui), barbecue, and other dishes cooked on a wood-burning stove, as well as menus for travelers with dietary restrictions (vegans, vegetarians, lactose-intolerant, etc).
Breakfast usually includes bread, cheese, cold meats, fresh fruit, cake, Brazilian-style tapioca, eggs, coffee, milk, juice, etc. For lunch and dinner, enjoy delicious meals with white rice, beans, meat or chicken/pork, fish, pasta, and vegetables.
Frequently Asked Questions
This tour is recommended for nature enthusiasts, couples, and friend groups.
The itinerary is led by our partner’s highly qualified team of professionals.
We also rely on local operators to organize transfers and provide bilingual guides (at an additional cost), ensuring a more comfortable and seamless experience throughout the trip.
This tour operates year-round. Contact us to check availability.
- Starts at (first day): Palmas, Tocantins (airport or hotel) – Departure at 7:15 AM.
- Ends at (last day): Palmas, Tocantins (airport or hotel) – Arrival 7:30 PM.
- Palmas ⇌ São Félix: 308 km (approximately 3-hour drive).
Land at Palmas Airport – Brigadeiro Lysias Rodrigues (PMW), then head to your accommodation. This tour includes round-trip transfers.
Traveling in comfortable vehicles, PlanetaEXO’s local partner will take care of transporting you to Jalapão and back to Palmas—whether to the airport or a hotel in the city.
Yes, our local partner can easily accommodate specific dietary needs (such as vegetarian meals or food allergies). Just make sure to note these details on your registration form prior to your trip so they can prepare accordingly.
Regardless of the time of year, the temperature variation in Jalapão, Tocantins, is small, with a maximum average of 30°C (86°F) to 34°C (93.2°F) and a minimum between 15°C (59°F) and 20°C (68°F).
While Jalapão is a year-round destination, the best time to visit is during the dry season (May to September), when the sky is clearer and the chances of rainfall are low.
Yes, one checked bag weighing up to 10 kg or a 50 L backpack is allowed per person—excess baggage may incur a charge. Hard-sided suitcases are not recommended. PlanetaEXO and the local operators are not responsible for any damage to luggage.
Don’t forget to pack the following items for your Jalapão adventure:
- Cotton t-shirts
- Long-sleeved shirts (UV-resistant)
- Light pants for trekking
- Shorts
- Swimwear
- Jacket or windbreaker
- Sneakers/Hiking boots
- Hiking socks
- Flip-flops
- Water shoes
- Hats or caps
- Reusable water bottle
- High-absorption towel
- Flashlight/Headlamp
- Raincoat
- Documents
- Medication
- Sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher)
- Insect repellent
- Sunglasses
- Universal power adapter
Citizens from certain countries require a visa to enter Brazil, while others are exempt under specific conditions.
👉 Learn more: Entry Visas to Brazil – Ministry of External Relations
The Brazilian government doesn’t require foreign tourists to be vaccinated, but the Ministry of Health advises that visitors arrive in the country with a complete vaccination schedule for diphtheria, tetanus, polio, rubella, and measles.
For extra safety, getting shots for yellow fever and hepatitis A/B is also recommended.
👉 Learn more: Vaccination and Traveller’s Health (Brazil) / CDC Travelers’ Health (USA) / Foreign Travel Advice (UK)
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Everything was organized perfect
By Matteofrom SwitzerlandOctober 21, 2025Everything was organized perfect, we hade follow up Adventures and it worked great. At any time someone frome planeta was available and the tour guides were very nice. Good communication frome booking until the end Everything was organized perfect, we hade follow up Adventures and it worked great. At any time someone frome planeta was available and the tour guides were very nice. Good communication frome booking until the end of the trip. Big Love to the Team <3 …read more read lessDate of Experience: October 21, 2025 -
Everything was organized perfect By Matteofrom SwitzerlandOctober 21, 2025Everything was organized perfect, we hade follow up Adventures and it worked great. At any time someone frome planeta was available and the tour guides were very nice. Good communication frome booking until the end Everything was organized perfect, we hade follow up Adventures and it worked great. At any time someone frome planeta was available and the tour guides were very nice. Good communication frome booking until the end of the trip. Big Love to the Team <3 …read more read lessDate of Experience: October 21, 2025
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A wonderful experience!!
By Tonyfrom United StatesAugust 22, 2025A wonderful experience!! The guides were great! They provided a friendly and safe experience for everyone. The landscape was incredible along with the trip itself . I would book again with the agencyDate of Experience: August 22, 2025 -
A wonderful experience!! By Tonyfrom United StatesAugust 22, 2025A wonderful experience!! The guides were great! They provided a friendly and safe experience for everyone. The landscape was incredible along with the trip itself . I would book again with the agencyDate of Experience: August 22, 2025
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Sensational
By Sarafrom FranceJuly 28, 2025Jalapão is breathtaking. Behind the savannah vegetation lie geological treasures and lush greenery that the team helped us discover and appreciate. Their knowledge of the area and their approach to this fragile environment really added Jalapão is breathtaking. Behind the savannah vegetation lie geological treasures and lush greenery that the team helped us discover and appreciate. Their knowledge of the area and their approach to this fragile environment really added value to our trip. …read more read lessDate of Experience: August 03, 2025 -
Sensational By Sarafrom FranceJuly 28, 2025Jalapão is breathtaking. Behind the savannah vegetation lie geological treasures and lush greenery that the team helped us discover and appreciate. Their knowledge of the area and their approach to this fragile environment really added Jalapão is breathtaking. Behind the savannah vegetation lie geological treasures and lush greenery that the team helped us discover and appreciate. Their knowledge of the area and their approach to this fragile environment really added value to our trip. …read more read lessDate of Experience: August 03, 2025
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looking for a personalized, well-organized, and comfortable tour experience By Petrafrom GermanyMarch 20, 2025I had a good experience with this tour provider, and a huge part of it was thanks to Beatriz, our agent. From start to finish, Beatriz was incredibly helpful and attentive. She took the time I had a good experience with this tour provider, and a huge part of it was thanks to Beatriz, our agent. From start to finish, Beatriz was incredibly helpful and attentive. She took the time to tailor a tour offer (for 4-days Jalapaõ) that suited our individual needs perfectly, ensuring that every aspect was designed with our preferences in mind. Additionally, before the tour even began, we received a detailed itinerary outlining the day's schedule, which helped us feel well-prepared. A special mention goes to our tour guide, who went above and beyond. Noticing that my friend had a cough, he took the initiative to show us a shop where she could buy medicine. This thoughtful gesture truly made a difference in our experience. Furthermore, the accommodations provided were spotless and very comfortable, making our stay even more enjoyable. Throughout the entire tour, Beatriz and the team’s care and attention to detail made it all the more memorable. I highly recommend this provider for anyone looking for a personalized, well-organized, and comfortable tour experience! …read more read lessDate of Experience: March 20, 2025
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looking for a personalized, well-organized, and comfortable tour experience By Petrafrom GermanyMarch 20, 2025I had a good experience with this tour provider, and a huge part of it was thanks to Beatriz, our agent. From start to finish, Beatriz was incredibly helpful and attentive. She took the time I had a good experience with this tour provider, and a huge part of it was thanks to Beatriz, our agent. From start to finish, Beatriz was incredibly helpful and attentive. She took the time to tailor a tour offer (for 4-days Jalapaõ) that suited our individual needs perfectly, ensuring that every aspect was designed with our preferences in mind. Additionally, before the tour even began, we received a detailed itinerary outlining the day's schedule, which helped us feel well-prepared. A special mention goes to our tour guide, who went above and beyond. Noticing that my friend had a cough, he took the initiative to show us a shop where she could buy medicine. This thoughtful gesture truly made a difference in our experience. Furthermore, the accommodations provided were spotless and very comfortable, making our stay even more enjoyable. Throughout the entire tour, Beatriz and the team’s care and attention to detail made it all the more memorable. I highly recommend this provider for anyone looking for a personalized, well-organized, and comfortable tour experience! …read more read lessDate of Experience: March 20, 2025
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Wonderful 4 days in Jalapão
By Etiennefrom BrazilNovember 8, 2024This was a wonderful and extraordinary adventure and trip. Everything was very well organized and our guide was excellent. The company organized a custom trip for just the two of us. Every day, every activity This was a wonderful and extraordinary adventure and trip. Everything was very well organized and our guide was excellent. The company organized a custom trip for just the two of us. Every day, every activity and place were incredible. We will remember these 4 days !! …read more read lessDate of Experience: October 06, 2024 -
Wonderful 4 days in Jalapão By Etiennefrom BrazilNovember 8, 2024This was a wonderful and extraordinary adventure and trip. Everything was very well organized and our guide was excellent. The company organized a custom trip for just the two of us. Every day, every activity This was a wonderful and extraordinary adventure and trip. Everything was very well organized and our guide was excellent. The company organized a custom trip for just the two of us. Every day, every activity and place were incredible. We will remember these 4 days !! …read more read lessDate of Experience: October 06, 2024
Terms and Conditions
We understand that your travel plans may need to be adjusted, and we aim to be as helpful as possible in those instances. We ask that you review the details of our cancellation policy below:- Free Cancellation Period: You may cancel your reservation at no cost up to 35 days before your departure date.
- Partial Refund Period: If you cancel between 34 and 8 days prior to your departure, a cancellation fee of 35% of the total trip cost will be charged.
- Non-Refundable Period: No refunds will be provided for cancellations made 7 days or fewer before departure.
