Jalapão: Tocantins's Desert Paradise of Crystalline Springs
The Jalapão region — 300 km from Palmas — is one of Brazil's most extraordinary natural landscapes: orange dunes, crystal springs (fervedouros), and the cerrado wilderness of central Brazil
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Fervedouros (Artesian Springs)
Fervedouros are artesian springs of such force that swimmers cannot sink — the upward water pressure keeps people afloat effortlessly; the crystal clear springs emerging from the cerrado sands are unlike anything else in Brazil
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Jalapão Dunes
The orange dunes of Jalapão – covering hundreds of hectares – rise above the cerrado landscape; the dune system, fed by the sands of the Sono River, is one of Brazil's most photogenic landscapes
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Rio Novo Falls
Rio Novo falls through Jalapão State Park over quartzite cliffs — the waterfalls and riverside swimming holes, surrounded by cerrado vegetation, are accessible on foot from park roads
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Cachoeira da Velha
Cachoeira da Velha - the largest natural waterfall in the Tocantins River system before the dams - plunges over rock ledges in a canyon; the swimming in the pools below is exceptionally beautiful
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Buritis Palm Landscape
The buritis palm – the iconic cerrado palm that marks water in the landscape – forms gallery forests along the Jalapão rivers; the reflections of the palm trees in the clear river water create a typical central Brazil image
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Capim Dourado (Golden Grass) Craft
Capim dourado – a golden grass unique to Jalapão – is handwoven by the local quilombo communities into exquisitely beautiful baskets, bags and accessories; the craft is certified sustainable and UNESCO-recognized