Parque Nacional da Chapada dos Guimarães

Known for its impressive red sandstone cliffs, waterfalls, and diverse Cerrado vegetation, this park offers beautiful landscapes and wildlife viewing....

Parque Nacional da Chapada dos Guimarães at a Glance

Location
Central Cerrado & Highlands, Brazil, Central & South America
Coordinates
-15.344723, -55.882900
IUCN Category
II
Crowds
Very Quiet
Malaria Risk
Moderate

Getting to Parque Nacional da Chapada dos Guimarães

Nearest airport: Aeródromo Fazenda Mercedes Estância, 335 km away.

Weather & Climate in Parque Nacional da Chapada dos Guimarães

The warmest temperatures in Parque Nacional da Chapada dos Guimarães occur in September, averaging 29.7°C (up to 35.3°C). The coolest conditions are in June at 24.7°C.

The driest weather conditions are typically in July with average rainfall of 0.2mm. Average humidity: 49.4%.

Monthly Temperatures

  • January: 26.7°C (rainfall: 201.8mm)
  • February: 26.6°C (rainfall: 212.4mm)
  • March: 26.6°C (rainfall: 208.5mm)
  • April: 26.4°C (rainfall: 103.2mm)
  • May: 24.7°C (rainfall: 21.9mm)
  • June: 24.7°C (rainfall: 14.9mm)
  • July: 25.2°C (rainfall: 0.2mm)
  • August: 27.4°C (rainfall: 8.6mm)
  • September: 29.7°C (rainfall: 30.2mm)
  • October: 29.0°C (rainfall: 86.4mm)
  • November: 27.5°C (rainfall: 125.8mm)
  • December: 27.0°C (rainfall: 210.4mm)

Best Time to Visit Parque Nacional da Chapada dos Guimarães

The best months to visit Parque Nacional da Chapada dos Guimarães are June, July, August, based on temperature, rainfall, weather conditions, and wildlife viewing opportunities.

Month-by-Month Safari Conditions

  • January: Good, temperature 26.68°C, rainfall 201.8mm, sunshine 9.8 hrs, humidity 79.1%
  • February: Good, temperature 26.6°C, rainfall 212.4mm, sunshine 9.7 hrs, humidity 80.3%
  • March: Good, temperature 26.58°C, rainfall 208.5mm, sunshine 9.8 hrs, humidity 79.4%
  • April: Great, temperature 26.41°C, rainfall 103.2mm, sunshine 10.3 hrs, humidity 75.7%
  • May: Great, temperature 24.73°C, rainfall 21.9mm, sunshine 10 hrs, humidity 66.9%
  • June: Great, temperature 24.69°C, rainfall 14.9mm, sunshine 10.2 hrs, humidity 61.8%
  • July: Great, temperature 25.24°C, rainfall 0.2mm, sunshine 10.8 hrs, humidity 49.4%
  • August: Great, temperature 27.43°C, rainfall 8.6mm, sunshine 10.7 hrs, humidity 42.4%
  • September: Great, temperature 29.68°C, rainfall 30.2mm, sunshine 10.5 hrs, humidity 47.7%
  • October: Great, temperature 29.01°C, rainfall 86.4mm, sunshine 10.1 hrs, humidity 63.6%
  • November: Great, temperature 27.48°C, rainfall 125.8mm, sunshine 10.4 hrs, humidity 70.1%
  • December: Good, temperature 27.04°C, rainfall 210.4mm, sunshine 10 hrs, humidity 78.2%

Wildlife in Parque Nacional da Chapada dos Guimarães

Home to 52 recorded species including 18 birds of prey, 14 tropical birds, 11 iconic birds, 6 waterbirds, 1 reptiles, 1 small mammals.

Recommended Packing List for Parque Nacional da Chapada dos Guimarães

Based on average temperature of 26.8°C, typical conditions, humidity 66%.

  • Lightweight breathable clothing - warm 27°C weather calls for light fabrics
  • Binoculars - essential for every game drive
  • Sun hat & sunscreen - protection from the African sun
  • Sturdy walking shoes - for bush walks and uneven terrain
  • Neutral-coloured clothing - khaki, olive, and tan blend with the bush
  • Insect repellent - essential in most safari regions
  • First aid kit - basic medical supplies for remote areas
  • Torch / headlamp - useful for evenings at camp
  • Camera with telephoto lens - capture your safari memories

Notable Species

Safari Lodges in Parque Nacional da Chapada dos Guimarães

5 safari lodges available.

Other

luxury

Similar Parks in Central Cerrado & Highlands

Visitor Tips - Parque Nacional da Chapada dos Guimarães

Chapada dos Guimarães is a geological masterpiece, where the vibrant red cliffs meet the lush green of the Cerrado, creating a landscape unlike anywhere else in Brazil. We love the feeling of discovery as you hike to hidden waterfalls and panoramic viewpoints, often having these breathtaking vistas almost entirely to yourselves. It's a place where the power of nature truly feels both ancient and alive.

Gate Times

The park generally operates from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, though specific trail access times may vary. We always recommend checking the official park website or with your local guide for the most up-to-date information, especially regarding seasonal changes or public holidays. Access to many of the more remote trails, particularly those leading to waterfalls or viewpoints, requires an accredited guide, and permits should ideally be booked in advance, especially during peak Brazilian holiday periods, to ensure availability.

Tipping

Tipping in Brazil is less structured than in some other safari destinations, but for dedicated guides who enhance your experience, it is certainly appreciated. We suggest around R$50-100 per day for a knowledgeable guide who leads you through the trails and shares insights into the local flora and fauna. For other support staff, a small gratuity is a kind gesture, though not expected.

Health & Travel Info

Health & vaccination info for Brazil

Travel advisory for Brazil

Parque Nacional da Chapada dos Guimarães FAQs

When is the best time to visit Parque Nacional da Chapada dos Guimarães to fully experience its unique landscapes and waterfalls?

The dry season, from May to September, offers clearer skies and easier access to hiking trails, making it ideal for exploring the impressive red sandstone cliffs and viewpoints. However, the wet season, from October to April, brings the park's numerous waterfalls, including the Véu de Noiva, to their most spectacular flow, though some trails might be muddier.

Beyond the famous Véu de Noiva waterfall, what are the must-do activities or unique sights within Chapada dos Guimarães?

Visitors should explore the extensive hiking trails leading to stunning panoramic viewpoints like Mirante Morro dos Ventos, which offers breathtaking vistas of the vast Cerrado landscape and unique rock formations. Don't miss the fascinating Cidade de Pedra (Stone City) with its sculpted sandstone structures, and consider a refreshing dip in one of the park's natural pools.

What specific health and safety precautions should I take when visiting Chapada dos Guimarães, especially regarding its moderate malaria risk?

Given the moderate malaria risk, it's highly recommended to consult your doctor about antimalarial prophylaxis before your trip and consistently use insect repellent, especially during dawn and dusk. Additionally, always stay hydrated, protect yourself from the strong sun, and adhere to park guidelines regarding trails and wildlife for a safe and enjoyable visit.

What specific wildlife can I realistically hope to spot in Parque Nacional da Chapada dos Guimarães, given its Cerrado ecosystem?

While large predators are rare, the park is excellent for birdwatching, with species like toucans, macaws, and various raptors commonly seen. Keep an eye out for capuchin monkeys, marmosets, and the elusive Maned Wolf, an iconic Cerrado species, though sightings require patience and luck.

How accessible is Parque Nacional da Chapada dos Guimarães, and what are the typical costs and visitor experience like, considering its low crowding level?

The park is easily accessible from Cuiabá, and while some areas can be explored independently, hiring a local guide is recommended for deeper insights and navigating less-marked trails. Entry fees are generally affordable, and with its low crowding level (1/5), you can expect a tranquil and immersive experience, allowing for peaceful enjoyment of nature without large crowds.

Recommended Books

  • The Handbook of Bird Photography by Markus Varesvuo, Jari Peltomäki & Bence Máté - Excellent for birding photographers on safari - covers technique, equipment, fieldcraft, and post-processing with stunning example images.
  • Photographing Wildlife in Africa by Paolo Torchio - Practical guide specifically for African safari photography - camera settings, lens choices, composition techniques, and how to make the most of game drives.
  • Fodor's The Complete Guide to African Safaris by Fodor's Travel - Country-by-country planning guide with lodge reviews, practical logistics, packing lists, and insider tips. Often cited as the best all-in-one safari planning resource.
  • National Geographic Kids: Safari by National Geographic - Age-appropriate wildlife facts with stunning photographs. Great for getting children excited about the animals they'll see on safari.
  • The Last Elephants by Don Pinnock & Colin Bell - Conservation-focused book combining beautiful photography with urgent storytelling about the threats facing Africa's elephant populations.
  • Here Is the African Savanna by Madeleine Dunphy - Beautifully illustrated picture book about the savanna ecosystem. Teaches children about the interconnected web of life on an African plain.
  • Safari: A Photographic Journey by Art Wolfe - Large-format coffee-table book from one of the world's most celebrated nature photographers. Stunning images from across the African continent.
  • The Kingdon Field Guide to African Mammals by Jonathan Kingdon - The definitive mammal field guide for Africa covering over 1,150 species with detailed illustrations. Considered the gold standard for safari-goers and researchers alike.
  • The Behavior Guide to African Mammals by Richard Despard Estes - Goes beyond identification to explain why animals behave as they do. Essential reading for safari-goers who want to understand the wildlife they observe.
  • Remembering Lions by Various Photographers - Part of the acclaimed Remembering Wildlife conservation book series. Features contributions from world-class wildlife photographers, with proceeds supporting lion conservation.
  • African Animals ABC by Stella Blackstone & Petr Horacek - Simple alphabet book with bold, colourful animal illustrations. Perfect for toddlers and young children preparing for their first safari. Ages 2–5.
  • Beat About the Bush: Mammals by Trevor Carnaby - The single best book for understanding animal behaviour on safari. Explains why animals do what they do - feeding, mating, territory, predator-prey dynamics. Makes every game drive infinitely more rewarding.
  • Africa's Top Wildlife Countries by Mark W. Nolting - The most respected safari planning book in print. Detailed country-by-country guide covering parks, lodges, best times to visit, and what wildlife to expect. Updated regularly. The first book every safari planner should read.
  • The Safari Companion: A Guide to Watching African Mammals by Richard D. Estes - Part field guide, part planning tool. Explains mammal behaviour in a way that transforms game drives. Covers tracks, signs, social structures, and habitat preferences. A must-pack for serious safari-goers.
  • The Shadow of the Sun by Ryszard Kapuscinski - Widely considered the greatest book ever written about Africa. Kapuscinski spent 40 years reporting from across the continent. Vivid, poetic, and deeply insightful. Essential pre-safari reading for understanding the continent.
  • Elephant Company by Vicki Constantine Croke - The extraordinary true story of James Howard Williams and the elephants who helped him build bridges, extract teak, and ultimately rescue refugees across the Burmese jungle during WWII. Gripping and moving.
  • When the Last Lion Roars by Sara Evans - An urgent, accessible account of the African lion's decline from 200,000 to under 20,000 in a century. Covers the science, politics, and human stories behind lion conservation. Eye-opening pre-safari reading.
  • Ivory, Horn and Blood by Ronald Orenstein - The definitive book on the poaching crisis devastating African elephants and rhinos. Covers the criminal networks, the rangers fighting back, and what travellers can do. Important context for any safari visitor.
  • Last Chance to See by Douglas Adams & Mark Carwardine - Witty and heartbreaking tour of endangered species by the Hitchhiker's Guide author. Combines humour with urgent conservation messaging.
  • Owen and Mzee by Isabella Hatkoff, Craig Hatkoff & Paula Kahumbu - True story of an orphaned hippo befriending a 130-year-old tortoise in Kenya. A heartwarming tale of unlikely friendship that teaches empathy.
  • Remembering Elephants by Various Photographers - Stunning coffee-table book from the Remembering Wildlife series. All proceeds go to elephant conservation - beautiful photography with a purpose.
  • Whatever You Do, Don't Run by Peter Allison - Hilarious memoir from a Botswana safari guide - true stories from the bush that will have you laughing out loud. A favourite among safari enthusiasts.
  • Poached by Rachel Love Nuwer - Gripping investigation into the illegal wildlife trade - from African poaching networks to Asian markets. Essential reading for understanding the threats to safari wildlife.
  • Safari Nation by Jacob S. T. Dlamini - Fascinating history of South Africa's national parks and their complex colonial legacy. Academic but accessible - changes how you think about safari tourism.
  • Safari: A Photicular Book by Dan Kainen & Carol Kaufmann - Mesmerising book with moving photographic images of African animals. Kids and adults love the magical moving pictures - perfect pre-trip gift.