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

    Safari in Parque Nacional da Chapada dos Veadeiros

    A UNESCO World Heritage site in the Cerrado biome, known for its ancient rock formations, stunning waterfalls, and diverse flora and fauna. Visitors can encounter giant anteaters, maned wolves, pumas, and a rich variety of birds amidst its dramatic landscapes.

    Best timeMay to September (dry season) for the Pantanal and Cerrado wildlife. Year-round for the Amazon.
    Species
    27
    Big Five
    0/5
    Lodges
    7
    Recommended stay
    1-2 days

    Parque Nacional da Chapada dos Veadeiros Map

    Park location and safari lodges

    Recent sightings at Parque Nacional da Chapada dos Veadeiros

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    27 species recorded in Parque Nacional da Chapada dos Veadeiros

    Book Safari Experiences in Parque Nacional da Chapada dos Veadeiros

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

    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

    We find the sheer scale of the waterfalls and the ancient quartz formations utterly captivating, giving the Chapada a truly unique, almost mystical energy. The air here feels charged with ancient power, a sensation unlike anywhere else in Brazil. We recommend dedicating at least three full days to truly explore its diverse trails and hidden natural pools, allowing yourself to fully absorb the profound peace and raw beauty of this extraordinary landscape.

    Gate Times

    The park generally opens at 8 AM and closes at 5 PM, but entry cut-off times for specific trails can be as early as 2 PM or 3 PM, particularly for longer routes. We strongly recommend checking the official Parque Nacional da Chapada dos Veadeiros website or contacting the visitor center directly for the most current information, as these times can vary seasonally or due to weather conditions. While not always mandatory, booking your entry and specific trail access online in advance is a wise move, especially during peak Brazilian holiday periods, to ensure your spot and avoid queues.

    Tipping

    Tipping in Chapada dos Veadeiros is not as ingrained as in some international safari destinations, but it is certainly appreciated for excellent service. For a dedicated private guide, we suggest around R$50-R$100 per day, depending on the length and complexity of the tour. For group guides, a smaller contribution of R$20-R$30 per person is a thoughtful gesture. We find that a sincere 'obrigado' and a modest tip go a long way in showing your appreciation for their local knowledge and efforts.

    Dress Code

    Chapada dos Veadeiros demands practical, comfortable attire suitable for hiking and swimming. We recommend lightweight, quick-drying fabrics for your main layers, as you'll likely be getting wet at the waterfalls. Sturdy, broken-in hiking boots with good grip are essential for navigating rocky and sometimes slippery trails. Pack swimwear, a wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses, and plenty of high-SPF sunscreen. Evenings can be cooler, so a light jacket or fleece is a good idea. We love neutral tones, but bright colors are fine here as wildlife viewing isn't the primary focus. Due to the moderate malaria risk in some areas, long sleeves and trousers for evenings are a sensible precaution, especially if you plan to be outside after dusk.

    Photography

    The landscapes of Chapada dos Veadeiros are incredibly photogenic, from the vast cerrado vistas to the powerful waterfalls and unique rock formations. We recommend a wide-angle lens to capture the scale of the scenery and a polarizing filter to reduce glare on water and enhance sky colors. A waterproof bag or cover for your camera is non-negotiable, given the numerous opportunities for waterfall photography. Drones are generally prohibited within the national park unless you have secured specific permits in advance, which are rarely granted for recreational use. Always respect other visitors' privacy and the natural environment when composing your shots.

    Etiquette

    Visiting Chapada dos Veadeiros is about immersing yourself in nature. We ask that you always stay on marked trails to protect the delicate ecosystem and for your own safety. Maintain a respectful distance from any wildlife you encounter, and never feed animals. Keep noise levels down to preserve the tranquility of the park for everyone. Pack out everything you pack in, leaving no trace behind. When swimming in the natural pools, avoid using chemical sunscreens or insect repellents that can contaminate the water; opt for natural alternatives or apply them well before entering the water. We believe in leaving these pristine environments exactly as we found them.

    What to Bring

    Sturdy hiking boots
    Swimwear and a quick-dry towel
    Wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses
    High-SPF sunscreen
    Insect repellent (preferably natural)
    Reusable water bottle or hydration pack
    Small backpack for day hikes
    Light rain jacket or poncho
    Camera with waterproof protection
    Headlamp or flashlight
    Basic first-aid kit
    Cash (Brazilian Reais) for small purchases or tips

    Temperature

    19.1°C

    66°F · Range: 16.37–22.71°C

    Rainfall

    298.2 mm

    Heavy rains · 25.6 rainy days

    Humidity

    81.5%

    Sunshine

    9.8 hrs/day

    Wind Speed

    3.36 m/s

    12.1 km/h

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

    Parque Nacional da Chapada dos Veadeiros Reviews