national park · Brasília, DF
Parque Nacional de Brasília
Known as Água Mineral, it has spring-fed pools of running water, cerrado trails and a real chance of seeing maned wolves and deer. It is a few minutes from downtown.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
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About Parque Nacional de Brasília
The Parque Nacional de Brasília is a large protected area of cerrado (Brazilian savanna) created in 1961, just after the capital's inauguration. Locals call it by another name: Água Mineral, after the springs and running-water pools that are its most visited spot. The park also protects the streams that feed the Santa Maria reservoir, one of the Federal District's water sources.
The two pools, Pedreira (the older one) and Areal (the newer one), were created from old sand pits dug when Brasília was being built. The water flows constantly, is clean and is usually very cold. Around them are lawns, trees and shaded areas.
If you prefer to walk, there are signposted trails through the cerrado. The Trilha da Capivara is short and easy, good for families. The Cristal Água is longer, but still not very difficult. There are also long routes used by mountain bikers and fitter hikers.
The park is home to typical cerrado animals, such as the maned wolf, giant anteater and red-legged seriema, but seeing wildlife is a matter of luck. It is an outing for all ages: the pools and the short trail take little physical effort, while the long trails require fitness and water in your backpack.
Before you go
Practical information
How much time to set aside
Half a day is enough to enjoy the pools and do the short trail; if you want the long trails, set aside the whole day.
Best time
Early in the morning on weekdays, when the pools are less crowded and it is still not too hot; in the dry season (May to September) the trails are firm, but the pool water gets even colder in the winter months.
How to get there
The main entrance is on the Via EPIA (DF-003), about 10 km from the Rodoviária do Plano Piloto (central bus station). The easiest way is by car or ride-hailing app; there is parking inside the park.
Tip
Bring snacks in non-glass containers: food is allowed, but alcohol, glass, barbecues and pets are not.
Official website
A look at the place
Parque Nacional de Brasília in pictures
These pictures are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs. They may differ from the place.
Click the picture to enlarge it.
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Parque Nacional de Brasília
Is there an entrance fee at Água Mineral?
Yes, there is an entrance fee. Children and seniors get in free, and residents of the Federal District and surrounding area pay a reduced price. Check prices and hours on the ICMBio website.
Can I bring my dog to the Parque Nacional de Brasília?
No. Pets are not allowed; only service dogs, with documentation and up-to-date vaccinations.
Can I bring food and drinks?
You can bring snacks, but alcohol, glass containers and barbecues are prohibited.
Are the Água Mineral pools natural?
They are running-water pools, formed in old sand pits. The water is clean and usually cold.
Can I get there by bus?
The park is on the Via EPIA, about 10 km from the Rodoviária do Plano Piloto (central bus station). The easiest way to get there is by car or ride-hailing app.