5 safari lodges
    Central Cerrado & Highlands, Brazil
    Very Quiet
    Malaria: Moderate

    Safari in 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. Visitors can spot various bird species, monkeys, and small mammals, with the Véu de Noiva waterfall being a major highlight.

    Best timeMay to September (dry season) for the Pantanal and Cerrado wildlife. Year-round for the Amazon.
    Species
    52
    Big Five
    0/5
    Lodges
    5
    Recommended stay
    1-2 days

    Parque Nacional da Chapada dos Guimarães Map

    Park location and safari lodges

    The South American Big 5

    2 of 5 found in Parque Nacional da Chapada dos Guimarães

    Jaguar
    Giant Anteater
    Giant Otter
    Tapir
    Capybara

    Recent sightings at Parque Nacional da Chapada dos Guimarães

    Sign in to report

    52 species recorded in Parque Nacional da Chapada dos Guimarães3 threatened

    Book Safari Experiences in Parque Nacional da Chapada dos Guimarães

    Game drives, guided tours, and unique experiences in Parque Nacional da Chapada dos Guimarães

    When planning your Brazilian safari, we always advise considering the Pantanal for its unparalleled jaguar sightings, especially from April through August during the dry season. The Amazon basin,...

    January

    Now
    low

    Green Season

    Expect heavy rainfall, especially in the Amazon, leading to lush landscapes. Temperatures are warm and humid across the country.

    The Amazon is vibrant with migratory birds and abundant insect life. The Pantanal's waters are high, making boat safaris excellent for spotting caiman and river otters.

    We love the dramatic, verdant scenery of the Amazon at this time, perfect for boat-based exploration.

    Amazon Rainforest
    Pantanal

    February

    low

    Green Season

    Rain continues, particularly in the north and Amazon. Southern Brazil experiences slightly less rain but remains warm and humid.

    Birding is exceptional in the Amazon with resident species at their most active. The Pantanal's flooded plains offer great opportunities for spotting large mammals from boats.

    For dedicated birdwatchers, the Amazon's biodiversity is simply unparalleled this month.

    Amazon Rainforest
    Pantanal

    March

    low

    Green Season / Shoulder Season

    Rainfall begins to decrease in the Amazon, while the Pantanal starts to see receding waters. Temperatures remain high.

    The transition period offers a mix of experiences. The Amazon's rivers are still high for boat trips, and the Pantanal's drying areas concentrate wildlife.

    We find March offers a sweet spot in the Pantanal as wildlife begins to gather near remaining water sources.

    Pantanal
    Amazon Rainforest

    April

    moderate

    Dry Season

    The dry season begins in the Pantanal, with sunny days and cooler nights. The Amazon remains humid but sees less intense rain.

    This is the start of prime jaguar viewing in the Pantanal as water levels drop. The Amazon still offers good birding and primate sightings.

    We recommend heading to the Pantanal now for the best chance to spot jaguars along the riverbanks.

    Pantanal
    Serra da Capivara National Park

    May

    moderate

    Dry Season

    Dry and sunny conditions prevail in the Pantanal, ideal for wildlife viewing. The Amazon is still green but less wet.

    Jaguar sightings are excellent in the Pantanal. Giant river otters are often seen playing. Birding remains strong across both regions.

    May is a fantastic month for jaguar photography in the Pantanal; the light is superb.

    Pantanal
    Amazon Rainforest

    June

    high

    Dry Season

    Cooler temperatures and dry weather characterize the Pantanal. The Amazon experiences its driest period.

    The Pantanal is at its peak for jaguar and capybara sightings. The Amazon's receding waters expose more land, making wildlife easier to spot.

    We absolutely love June in the Pantanal for the sheer abundance of wildlife concentrated along the rivers.

    Pantanal
    Chapada Diamantina National Park

    July

    high

    Dry Season

    Dry and pleasant conditions continue in the Pantanal. The Amazon is also dry, with lower river levels.

    This is prime time for spotting jaguars, caiman, and capybaras in the Pantanal. The Amazon offers excellent opportunities for spotting monkeys and sloths.

    If seeing a jaguar is your top priority, July in the Pantanal is almost guaranteed success.

    Pantanal
    Amazon Rainforest

    August

    high

    Dry Season

    Dry weather persists in the Pantanal, though temperatures start to rise. The Amazon remains dry.

    The Pantanal continues to offer superb jaguar viewing. Giant river otters are very active. Birding is excellent as resident species are visible.

    We find the Pantanal in August offers a truly wild experience with predators actively hunting.

    Pantanal
    Emas National Park

    September

    moderate

    Dry Season / Shoulder Season

    The end of the dry season in the Pantanal brings warmer temperatures. The Amazon begins to see an increase in rainfall.

    Jaguar sightings remain good in the Pantanal as water sources dwindle. The Amazon's wildlife becomes more active with the returning rains.

    We enjoy the late dry season in the Pantanal for its dramatic landscapes and continued wildlife activity.

    Pantanal
    Amazon Rainforest

    October

    moderate

    Short Rains

    The 'short rains' begin in the Amazon, bringing humidity and afternoon showers. The Pantanal starts to experience higher water levels.

    The Amazon's biodiversity is in full swing with migratory birds returning. The Pantanal's rising waters start to spread out, creating new feeding grounds.

    We love the renewed energy in the Amazon during the short rains, making for incredible birding.

    Amazon Rainforest
    Pantanal

    November

    low

    Short Rains / Green Season

    Rainfall increases across the Amazon, leading to lush vegetation. The Pantanal's wet season begins with rising water levels.

    The Amazon is teeming with life, and birding is spectacular. The Pantanal's flooded areas are ideal for spotting aquatic life and water birds.

    For a truly immersive jungle experience with abundant birdlife, the Amazon in November is hard to beat.

    Amazon Rainforest
    Pantanal

    December

    low

    Green Season

    Heavy rains are common, especially in the Amazon, creating a vibrant, green landscape. The Pantanal is significantly flooded.

    The Amazon's rivers are high, perfect for boat safaris and spotting pink river dolphins. The Pantanal's flooded plains are excellent for observing caiman and water birds.

    We recommend boat-based safaris in the Amazon in December to explore flooded forests and spot unique riverine wildlife.

    Amazon Rainforest
    Pantanal

    January

    Now
    low

    Green Season

    Expect heavy rainfall, especially in the Amazon, leading to lush landscapes. Temperatures are warm and humid across the country.

    The Amazon is vibrant with migratory birds and abundant insect life. The Pantanal's waters are high, making boat safaris excellent for spotting caiman and river otters.

    We love the dramatic, verdant scenery of the Amazon at this time, perfect for boat-based exploration.

    Amazon Rainforest
    Pantanal

    February

    low

    Green Season

    Rain continues, particularly in the north and Amazon. Southern Brazil experiences slightly less rain but remains warm and humid.

    Birding is exceptional in the Amazon with resident species at their most active. The Pantanal's flooded plains offer great opportunities for spotting large mammals from boats.

    For dedicated birdwatchers, the Amazon's biodiversity is simply unparalleled this month.

    Amazon Rainforest
    Pantanal

    March

    low

    Green Season / Shoulder Season

    Rainfall begins to decrease in the Amazon, while the Pantanal starts to see receding waters. Temperatures remain high.

    The transition period offers a mix of experiences. The Amazon's rivers are still high for boat trips, and the Pantanal's drying areas concentrate wildlife.

    We find March offers a sweet spot in the Pantanal as wildlife begins to gather near remaining water sources.

    Pantanal
    Amazon Rainforest

    April

    moderate

    Dry Season

    The dry season begins in the Pantanal, with sunny days and cooler nights. The Amazon remains humid but sees less intense rain.

    This is the start of prime jaguar viewing in the Pantanal as water levels drop. The Amazon still offers good birding and primate sightings.

    We recommend heading to the Pantanal now for the best chance to spot jaguars along the riverbanks.

    Pantanal
    Serra da Capivara National Park

    May

    moderate

    Dry Season

    Dry and sunny conditions prevail in the Pantanal, ideal for wildlife viewing. The Amazon is still green but less wet.

    Jaguar sightings are excellent in the Pantanal. Giant river otters are often seen playing. Birding remains strong across both regions.

    May is a fantastic month for jaguar photography in the Pantanal; the light is superb.

    Pantanal
    Amazon Rainforest

    June

    high

    Dry Season

    Cooler temperatures and dry weather characterize the Pantanal. The Amazon experiences its driest period.

    The Pantanal is at its peak for jaguar and capybara sightings. The Amazon's receding waters expose more land, making wildlife easier to spot.

    We absolutely love June in the Pantanal for the sheer abundance of wildlife concentrated along the rivers.

    Pantanal
    Chapada Diamantina National Park

    July

    high

    Dry Season

    Dry and pleasant conditions continue in the Pantanal. The Amazon is also dry, with lower river levels.

    This is prime time for spotting jaguars, caiman, and capybaras in the Pantanal. The Amazon offers excellent opportunities for spotting monkeys and sloths.

    If seeing a jaguar is your top priority, July in the Pantanal is almost guaranteed success.

    Pantanal
    Amazon Rainforest

    August

    high

    Dry Season

    Dry weather persists in the Pantanal, though temperatures start to rise. The Amazon remains dry.

    The Pantanal continues to offer superb jaguar viewing. Giant river otters are very active. Birding is excellent as resident species are visible.

    We find the Pantanal in August offers a truly wild experience with predators actively hunting.

    Pantanal
    Emas National Park

    September

    moderate

    Dry Season / Shoulder Season

    The end of the dry season in the Pantanal brings warmer temperatures. The Amazon begins to see an increase in rainfall.

    Jaguar sightings remain good in the Pantanal as water sources dwindle. The Amazon's wildlife becomes more active with the returning rains.

    We enjoy the late dry season in the Pantanal for its dramatic landscapes and continued wildlife activity.

    Pantanal
    Amazon Rainforest

    October

    moderate

    Short Rains

    The 'short rains' begin in the Amazon, bringing humidity and afternoon showers. The Pantanal starts to experience higher water levels.

    The Amazon's biodiversity is in full swing with migratory birds returning. The Pantanal's rising waters start to spread out, creating new feeding grounds.

    We love the renewed energy in the Amazon during the short rains, making for incredible birding.

    Amazon Rainforest
    Pantanal

    November

    low

    Short Rains / Green Season

    Rainfall increases across the Amazon, leading to lush vegetation. The Pantanal's wet season begins with rising water levels.

    The Amazon is teeming with life, and birding is spectacular. The Pantanal's flooded areas are ideal for spotting aquatic life and water birds.

    For a truly immersive jungle experience with abundant birdlife, the Amazon in November is hard to beat.

    Amazon Rainforest
    Pantanal

    December

    low

    Green Season

    Heavy rains are common, especially in the Amazon, creating a vibrant, green landscape. The Pantanal is significantly flooded.

    The Amazon's rivers are high, perfect for boat safaris and spotting pink river dolphins. The Pantanal's flooded plains are excellent for observing caiman and water birds.

    We recommend boat-based safaris in the Amazon in December to explore flooded forests and spot unique riverine wildlife.

    Amazon Rainforest
    Pantanal

    January

    Now
    low

    Green Season

    Expect heavy rainfall, especially in the Amazon, leading to lush landscapes. Temperatures are warm and humid across the country.

    The Amazon is vibrant with migratory birds and abundant insect life. The Pantanal's waters are high, making boat safaris excellent for spotting caiman and river otters.

    We love the dramatic, verdant scenery of the Amazon at this time, perfect for boat-based exploration.

    Amazon Rainforest
    Pantanal

    February

    low

    Green Season

    Rain continues, particularly in the north and Amazon. Southern Brazil experiences slightly less rain but remains warm and humid.

    Birding is exceptional in the Amazon with resident species at their most active. The Pantanal's flooded plains offer great opportunities for spotting large mammals from boats.

    For dedicated birdwatchers, the Amazon's biodiversity is simply unparalleled this month.

    Amazon Rainforest
    Pantanal

    March

    low

    Green Season / Shoulder Season

    Rainfall begins to decrease in the Amazon, while the Pantanal starts to see receding waters. Temperatures remain high.

    The transition period offers a mix of experiences. The Amazon's rivers are still high for boat trips, and the Pantanal's drying areas concentrate wildlife.

    We find March offers a sweet spot in the Pantanal as wildlife begins to gather near remaining water sources.

    Pantanal
    Amazon Rainforest

    April

    moderate

    Dry Season

    The dry season begins in the Pantanal, with sunny days and cooler nights. The Amazon remains humid but sees less intense rain.

    This is the start of prime jaguar viewing in the Pantanal as water levels drop. The Amazon still offers good birding and primate sightings.

    We recommend heading to the Pantanal now for the best chance to spot jaguars along the riverbanks.

    Pantanal
    Serra da Capivara National Park

    May

    moderate

    Dry Season

    Dry and sunny conditions prevail in the Pantanal, ideal for wildlife viewing. The Amazon is still green but less wet.

    Jaguar sightings are excellent in the Pantanal. Giant river otters are often seen playing. Birding remains strong across both regions.

    May is a fantastic month for jaguar photography in the Pantanal; the light is superb.

    Pantanal
    Amazon Rainforest

    June

    high

    Dry Season

    Cooler temperatures and dry weather characterize the Pantanal. The Amazon experiences its driest period.

    The Pantanal is at its peak for jaguar and capybara sightings. The Amazon's receding waters expose more land, making wildlife easier to spot.

    We absolutely love June in the Pantanal for the sheer abundance of wildlife concentrated along the rivers.

    Pantanal
    Chapada Diamantina National Park

    July

    high

    Dry Season

    Dry and pleasant conditions continue in the Pantanal. The Amazon is also dry, with lower river levels.

    This is prime time for spotting jaguars, caiman, and capybaras in the Pantanal. The Amazon offers excellent opportunities for spotting monkeys and sloths.

    If seeing a jaguar is your top priority, July in the Pantanal is almost guaranteed success.

    Pantanal
    Amazon Rainforest

    August

    high

    Dry Season

    Dry weather persists in the Pantanal, though temperatures start to rise. The Amazon remains dry.

    The Pantanal continues to offer superb jaguar viewing. Giant river otters are very active. Birding is excellent as resident species are visible.

    We find the Pantanal in August offers a truly wild experience with predators actively hunting.

    Pantanal
    Emas National Park

    September

    moderate

    Dry Season / Shoulder Season

    The end of the dry season in the Pantanal brings warmer temperatures. The Amazon begins to see an increase in rainfall.

    Jaguar sightings remain good in the Pantanal as water sources dwindle. The Amazon's wildlife becomes more active with the returning rains.

    We enjoy the late dry season in the Pantanal for its dramatic landscapes and continued wildlife activity.

    Pantanal
    Amazon Rainforest

    October

    moderate

    Short Rains

    The 'short rains' begin in the Amazon, bringing humidity and afternoon showers. The Pantanal starts to experience higher water levels.

    The Amazon's biodiversity is in full swing with migratory birds returning. The Pantanal's rising waters start to spread out, creating new feeding grounds.

    We love the renewed energy in the Amazon during the short rains, making for incredible birding.

    Amazon Rainforest
    Pantanal

    November

    low

    Short Rains / Green Season

    Rainfall increases across the Amazon, leading to lush vegetation. The Pantanal's wet season begins with rising water levels.

    The Amazon is teeming with life, and birding is spectacular. The Pantanal's flooded areas are ideal for spotting aquatic life and water birds.

    For a truly immersive jungle experience with abundant birdlife, the Amazon in November is hard to beat.

    Amazon Rainforest
    Pantanal

    December

    low

    Green Season

    Heavy rains are common, especially in the Amazon, creating a vibrant, green landscape. The Pantanal is significantly flooded.

    The Amazon's rivers are high, perfect for boat safaris and spotting pink river dolphins. The Pantanal's flooded plains are excellent for observing caiman and water birds.

    We recommend boat-based safaris in the Amazon in December to explore flooded forests and spot unique riverine wildlife.

    Amazon Rainforest
    Pantanal
    Planning & reference

    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.

    Dress Code

    Given the park's focus on hiking, waterfalls, and viewpoints, practical and comfortable attire is paramount. We recommend lightweight, quick-drying clothing in neutral colours that blend with nature. Sturdy, closed-toe hiking shoes with good grip are essential for navigating the trails, which can be uneven or slippery. Don't forget your swimwear for a refreshing dip in the waterfalls, and a light rain jacket is a wise addition, as tropical showers can occur unexpectedly. Layers are always a good idea, as mornings can be cool before the midday sun warms things up.

    Photography

    Chapada dos Guimarães offers sensational photographic opportunities, from vast panoramas of the red rock formations to intimate shots of cascading waterfalls and unique Cerrado flora. We encourage you to capture the beauty responsibly. Drones are generally restricted within national parks unless explicit permission is obtained from the park authorities, which is rare. Always respect wildlife by maintaining a safe distance and never disturbing their natural behaviour. For the best landscape shots, we recommend a wide-angle lens, and a polarizing filter can work wonders on the vibrant skies and water reflections.

    Etiquette

    As visitors to a protected natural area, we must always adhere to strict etiquette. Stay on marked trails to protect the delicate ecosystem and for your own safety. Noise levels should be kept to a minimum to avoid disturbing wildlife and to allow fellow visitors to enjoy the tranquility. Never feed animals or leave any litter behind – pack out everything you pack in. While wildlife encounters are possible, particularly with birds and smaller mammals, always observe from a respectful distance and never attempt to interact with or touch them. The park's uncrowded nature (a delightful 1/5 crowding level) means you can often find moments of profound peace, so let's preserve that for everyone.

    What to Bring

    Sturdy hiking boots or shoes
    Swimwear and a quick-dry towel
    Wide-brimmed hat for sun protection
    High-factor sunscreen
    Insect repellent (due to moderate malaria risk)
    Reusable water bottle (hydration is key)
    Lightweight rain jacket or poncho
    Small backpack for day trips
    Camera with extra batteries and memory card
    Binoculars for birdwatching
    Light, long-sleeved shirts and trousers for sun and insect protection
    Personal first-aid kit

    Temperature

    26.68°C

    80°F · Range: 23.83–30.78°C

    Rainfall

    201.8 mm

    Heavy rains · 22.8 rainy days

    Humidity

    79.1%

    Sunshine

    9.8 hrs/day

    Wind Speed

    3.63 m/s

    13.1 km/h

    Based on 5 years of weather data · Data source: Open-Meteo Archive API

    Parque Nacional da Chapada dos Guimarães Reviews