Jalapão Safari

6 days/5 nights

The Jalapão National Park covers about 20 percent of the state of Tocantins and shares its borders with three other Brazilian states: Maranhão, Piauí and Bahia. This remote region offers untouched savannahs, wonderful scenery of up to 1000 meters high sandstone plateaus, crisscrossed by year-round water-bearing rivers, with waterfalls, lakes and fine, reddish sand dunes amidst fascinating vegetation. Although the Jalapão is viewed as a dessert, it is home to an abundance of wildlife, including the maned wolf, pampa deer, rhea, giant anteater, jaguar, and other regional species. In the characteristic vegetation of the hinterland, these animals seek refuge from the strong solar radiation at a constant, dry 30 ° C.

The region impresses with its equally beautiful and wild charm. This unique ecosystem located in the heart of one of the largest nature reserves in the country spreads over 159,000 hectares and counts with 40 meters high dunes made of fine and golden sand. Without a doubt an outstanding natural heritage worth protecting.

The mountain ranges have naturally eroded throughout the millennia and, with their vast amount of sand, have covered the entire southeastern part of the state of Tocantins. The desert surprises with its numerous crystal-clear rivers, giving our adventurer the chance to cool down from the hit. Along with that, we offer exciting activities such as hikes, canoe trips, photo safaris, sunset and moonrise in the dunes, cozy evenings around the campfire and so on. In addition, you can take a lovely piece of handicraft made of “capim dourado” with you (gold grass is only found in Jalapão).

1st day Tuesday: 

Arrival in Palmas, reception and transfer for accommodation at the inn hotel

2nd day Wednesday:

This first part of the trip is done on paved roads and takes about 3.5 hours, this will be the last few hours before we enter the tracks and unpaved roads of Jalapão. After lunch, we will stop in the small town of Ponte Alta and will head towards the mysterious Serra Geral and leave civilization behind. Our first stop will be at Suçuapara Canyon, a refreshing place where water flows through rocks and the humidity contrasts with the dryness of the landscape. After a couple more hours on the road, Jalapão is finally at the site, revealing all its greatness. We will arrive at the end of the day at the Safari Camp, where our staff will welcome the guests, show the facilities and give some safety instructions and tips on how to deal with the wildlife. We will have dinner and stay overnight at the Safari Camp.

3rd day Thursday:

After breakfast, there will be instructions on how to use the kayaks. The river beach in front of the Safari Camp is where we will start going down the “Novo” River. Wild and pristine, the Novo River is one of the last drinkable water rivers in Brazil. Its sandy bottom forms beautiful beaches allowing us to stop to swim and probably see tracks of the many animals that live on its border. Lunch will take place at the Safari Camp. In the afternoon, we will go to the famous Jalapão Dunes. Formed by golden color sand, this natural sanctuary is surrounded by a huge “Chapada Mountain” that changes its colors when the sun goes down. And, by an incredible forest of Buritis, a big palm tree, found only in the Savanna, home to several kinds of birds, parrots and to the big Blue Macaw, almost extinct in nature. The sunset, moonrise and stars are simply unforgettable. We will have dinner and stay overnight at the Safari Camp.

4th day Friday:

Today we will be on the road all day long and will only return to the Safari Camp at night. First, we will visit Poço Fervedouro Soninho, a powerful spring pool surrounded by banana trees planted by the ancient Indians that lived in the region. Due to the water pressure flowing from the underground, it is impossible to sink, giving the incredible sensation of floating on air. After all the fun and surprises provided by this incredible spring, we will go to Formiga waterfall (30 min. from Fervedouro), a waterfall that forms a crystal-clear emerald green water natural pool. The mild temperature of the water is always an invitation for a relaxing swim and lots of fun. After lunch, we will head to Mateiros, a village where we can buy handicrafts made of capim dourado. Finally, we will return to the Safari Camp for dinner and stay again overnight at the Safari Camp.

5th day Sunday:

After breakfast, we will start our trip back to Palmas. On the way, we will visit Cachoeira da Velha, the biggest waterfall in Jalapão. Its shape reminds us of horseshoes and the water has amazing power. Between the water curtain and the stones, lives a group of big Swallow birds only found in this area. After some pictures of the waterfall (swimming is not allowed), we will head towards the “little beach”, an extremely pleasant place, with shallow waters, a perfect place to end our journey and relax. After lunch, we will go to Ponte Alta for 30 minutes stop and head to the inn hotel in Palmas for overnight

6th day Sunday:

Free morning. Transfer to the airport. End of Services.

Price: based on 2 persons sharing one room (another number of persons on request). * Single room: Individuals traveling alone have the option of sharing a twin room with another safari participant. If no other person traveling alone registers, the room can be used alone. With a supplement of 50%, the single room is guaranteed
Exceptions: separate prices for Christmas, New Year, Carnival, Easter and local holidays.
Departure days: Tuesday to Sunday

Included:
• 2 nights in Hotel or Pousada (inn). Standard Room
• 3 nights in the Safari Camp. Complete and fixed structure. The Safari Camp is located on the margin of a river of crystalline water. The participants don’t need to set up the tents or cook. Tents for 2 persons with individual beds
• Tours in small group
• Transfers Airport Palma – Hotel – Airport Palma (days according to above program)
• All transfers and tours with Portuguese-speaking guides. Surcharge for English-speaking guides: R$ 2000 totally for one or more persons
• All entrance fees
• All meals (Full board) Meals included are prepared on time and with fresh food. There is always a variety: salads, vegetables,
  meat, fish, pasta, fruit juice and trail snacks. There is beer, soft drinks, mineral water available for purchase at the Safari Camp
• All taxes and service charges

Not included:
• Personal expenses such as drinks, etc.
• Gratuities (optional for guides, drivers, etc.)
• Travel insurance (eg, luggage, cancellation, return extra)
• Flights

Distances:
Palmas – Ponte Alta (paved road) 180km
Ponte Alta – Canyon de Sussuapara 18km
Ponte Alta – Safári Camp (off road) – 120 km
Total Palmas – Safari Camp – 300 Km)
Safári Camp – Mateiros – 50 km
Safári Camp – Dunas – 18 km
Safári Camp – Fervedouro/Formiga – 68 km
Safári Camp – Mirante da Serra – 28 km
Safári Camp – Cachoeira da Velha – 78 km
Cachoeira da Velha – Palmas – 280 km

To bring:

Clothes:
• T-shirts
• Bermuda
• Jeans
• Long-sleeved shirts (light fabric)
• Lightweight pullover
• Rain protection
• Sports socks

Footwear:
• Sneakers
• Light hiking or trekking shoes
• Beach sandals

Useful items:
• Sunglasses
• Binoculars
• Flashlight
• Military knife
• Headgear
• Sunscreen (at least factor 30, you are very close to the equator!)
• Photo and video camera 

Prices and programs (due to operational, safety, or weather condition) are subject to change