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Chapada das Mesas – Experiences

Price starting at

$1.309,27

Departure on Sundays (Except Holidays and Promotional Dates)

Category:

Moderate, National Parks & Hiking, Northeast

Best time for the tour:

JAN, FEB, MAR, APR, MAY, JUN, JUL, AUG, SEP, OCT, NOV, DEC

Short description:

Chapada das Mesas (Maranhão) is a destination of breathtaking beauty.

Characterized by steep hills shaped like mesas, sculpted in sandstone by the action of wind and rain, Chapada offers attractions for those who enjoy observing and interacting with nature.

Among the main highlights are Encanto Azul, a limestone spring with crystal-clear blue waters. One of the most beautiful spots in the region, Poço Azul, features crystalline waters forming a natural pool. The Cachoeira do Santuário da Pedra Caída consists of a river plunging 50 meters into a waterfall, creating a stunning natural pool—one of the area’s most striking attractions.

Ideal for nature sports such as rafting, rappelling, zip-lining, and hiking, the region’s waterfalls, caves, and landscapes also bring visitors into contact with typical Cerrado vegetation and wildlife shared with the Amazon and Caatinga biomes.

Detailed itinerary:

Day 1 – Origin / Imperatriz – Carolina
Reception at Imperatriz airport – departure at 5:30 PM (earlier departure possible depending on flight schedules). Transfer from Imperatriz to Carolina (220 km via BR-010). Accommodation at Pousada Candeeiros, arrival around 8:30 PM. Free evening.

Day 2 – Mansinha, Dodô, Stand Up Paddle on Tocantins River
Departure at 8:30 AM after breakfast. Visit Mansinha Waterfall, a small waterfall with crystal-clear waters, traveling 25 km on asphalt and 3 km on sandy dirt road. A 4×4 vehicle and tour guide are required to access the site, which offers beautiful landscapes of the chapada and preserved cerrado. Visit Dodô Waterfall. Lunch with regional cuisine at the site (not included). Return to Carolina. Stand Up Paddle (SUP) on the reservoir of Estreito Hydroelectric Plant on the Tocantins River. Return to the pousada.

Day 3 – Morro do Chapéu, Sempre-Viva Chuveirinho, Recanto das Águas
Departure at 7:30 AM after breakfast. Morro do Chapéu, 378 m high, offers panoramic views of surrounding hills and the Tocantins River. The hike involves many sandstone steps; ropes may be needed for ascent and descent. From Carolina’s center, the main entrance is 4.4 km via asphalt (Trans-Amazonian Highway), then 10.5 km on dirt road. Maximum elevation: 516 m, minimum: 263 m. Stop to refresh at Balneário Recanto das Águas stream (João Martins). Lunch at the site (not included). Visit Bacuri dos Lajes spring at Sempre-Viva Chuveirinho. Return to Carolina for visit to the Historical Museum and city tour.

Day 4 – Encanto Azul, Poço Azul, Santa Bárbara Waterfall
Departure at 8:00 AM. Drive 114 km on asphalt plus 14 km on dirt road to Poço Azul Complex. Visit Poço Azul, Santa Paula Waterfall, Namorados Waterfall, Seu Zico Waterfall, D. Luiza Waterfall, Moreno Waterfall, and Santa Bárbara Waterfall. Lunch at Poço Azul Complex restaurant (not included). Trek 6.5 km on dirt and sand roads to Encanto Azul, a limestone spring with crystal-clear blue water, ideal for floating. Return to Carolina in the late afternoon. Estimated arrival 6:00 PM. Free evening.

Day 5 – Sunrise at Portal da Chapada and Pedra Caída Sanctuary
Departure at 4:45 AM to visit the Chapada’s most famous landmark, Portal da Chapada (20 km via BR, 2 km trail). After breakfast, visit Pedra Caída, including Caverna and Capelão Waterfalls, and Sanctuary Waterfall. Lunch at the site (not included). Optional visits: Pedra Furada, Garrote, and Porteira Waterfalls. Optional cable car or zipline. Sunset at the site. Return to the pousada.

Day 6 – Chapada das Mesas National Park – Prata and São Romão Waterfalls
Departure at 8:00 AM. Drive 30 km on BR-230 in a 4×4 to park entrance, then continue on dirt road to São Romão Waterfall (51 km) to meet the family of Mr. Geovane Espíndola. Stop for swimming and admire the state’s largest waterfall by volume. Lunch (not included). After lunch, visit Prata Waterfalls (28 km), formed by Farinha River, and meet the family of Mr. Deusivan Carneiro. Return to Carolina by 6:00 PM. Free evening.

Day 7 – Serra Torre da Lua Ecological Refuge – Tributo Trail with Boat Ride on Tocantins River
Experience pure contact with the cerrado and admire sedimentary rock formations shaped like “mesetas.” Departure from Carolina at 6:45 AM in a 4×4. Cross Tocantins River by ferry and drive 27 km on TO-222 to Vale do Matrinxã Farm. Start a 2.4 km trail to Descanso do Guerreiro stream, then ascend Serra do Justino. First stop: Miradouro Tributo. Visit Miradouro do Sol, known as “Grandes Mesas” for its proximity and abundance of plateaus. Trail snack included at Miradouro da Lua (halfway, 5 km). Serra Torre da Lua comprises four hills; the route crosses Serra do Justino and Serra do Landir. Stop to refresh at Fonte da Luiza before descending. End of trail includes a swim in Matrinxã stream. Boat ride from Canabrava village on Tocantins River with a stop at Pedra Encantada to admire the “mesetas” and sunset. Arrival in Carolina at 6:00 PM. Free evening.

Day 8 – Carolina – Imperatriz / Origin
Transfer to Imperatriz airport for return flight. Departure from the pousada scheduled for 11:30 AM. Depending on flight schedules, there may be a single departure.

Transfers:

  • Imperatriz – Carolina: departure until 5:30 PM

  • Carolina – Imperatriz: departure at 11:30 AM

“The order of excursions may not strictly follow the day-by-day itinerary and may be changed at the discretion of the local guide.”

INCLUDES: Transfers Imperatriz – Carolina – Imperatriz, accommodation with breakfast in Carolina, excursions as described in the itinerary on a shared basis with local guide and travel assistance.

NOT INCLUDED: Airfare, entrance fees to attractions, and items not mentioned in the itinerary.

Additional information:

GUARANTEED DEPARTURE FOR A MINIMUM OF TWO PEOPLE

Prices may change without prior notice.

Useful Information:

  • Please inform in advance if you have any dietary restrictions or prefer vegetarian options.

  • The local voltage is 220V.

  • In the city of Carolina, there is mobile coverage for Oi, Vivo, Claro, and Tim. However, in some areas, the signal may be weak.

  • Adventure tourism often involves risk activities. Therefore, the itinerary may change whenever the guide deems it necessary.

  • Rainfall occurs from December to May. During this period, excursion schedules may be adjusted to better enjoy the attractions, and the characteristics of the sites (water color and volume) may change due to weather conditions. The waters may become murkier, especially at Poço Azul, which will have darker water but will offer a completely different visual compared to the rest of the year, with the formation of temporary waterfalls.

  • In Carolina, temperatures range from 20°C to 38°C.

  • The city has the following banks: Bradesco, Banco do Brasil, Banco da Amazônia, and CEF (at the lottery office).

Hotel Category Used for Pricing:

  • Pousada Candeeiros: Superior

Take it on the trip:

What to Bring to Chapada das Mesas

  • Bath towels (for excursions)

  • Sneakers or sandals suitable for wet activities

  • Light, sporty clothing, preferably in light colors

  • Sunscreen and hat

  • Insect repellent

  • Thermal water bottle

  • Swimwear (swimsuit/trunks)

  • Sunglasses

  • Long-sleeve shirt and comfortable trekking pants (for sun protection)

  • Camera

  • Personal hygiene items (soap, shampoo, toothpaste, etc.)

  • Personal medications

  • Snorkeling mask or goggles (optional)

  • Walking stick

  • Trekking boots

  • Raincoat during the rainy season (November to April)

Luggage:
Passengers should bring luggage with maximum dimensions of 55 cm in height, 40 cm in width, and 25 cm in depth, weighing between 10 kg and 14 kg, which will be stored in the overhead or rear luggage compartment of the vehicle. The ideal type of luggage to avoid damage or inconvenience is a carry-on bag accepted on flights. A handbag or backpack can also be brought.

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