Parque Nacional da Chapada dos Veadeiros, Alto Paraiso de Goias

Gorges that call to you with the sweet sound of a shallow river and eye-popping waterfalls that drown the river out with their powerful descent; all of it is at Parque Nacional da Chapada dos Veadeiros. This is also the home of Moon Valley with its scooped rock formations that create natural water slides. In fact, UNESCO declared the park a World Heritage Site in 2001, so the 1.8 billion year old forest will be protected for all time. The protected land hosts thousands of visitors each year, but the wilderness is expansive enough that you may never see them. Wear your best hiking shoes, a pair that handle both dirt paths and rocky passages, and bring snacks and water for the trek. Consider shacking up in nearby Sao Jorge where the inns are simple and clean, and the locals are friendly. Before you visit Alto Paraiso de Goias, use our trip planner to discover what you can do and see there.