archaeological site · Formosa, GO
Sítio Arqueológico Toca da Onça
A group of limestone rocks near the springs of the Rio Paranã (river), with prehistoric rock paintings on the walls. The visit includes trails and waterfalls, and Iphan (Brazil's national heritage institute) is in the process of listing the site.
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 Sítio Arqueológico Toca da Onça
The Sítio Arqueológico Toca da Onça is a group of limestone cliffs and caves in the countryside of Formosa, in Goiás, near the springs of the Rio Paranã (river). On the rock walls are prehistoric rock paintings, with figures of animals, simple human forms and other signs.
The site was studied by researchers from the Federal University of Goiás in the 1970s, as part of a project that surveyed the caves of the Paranã basin. The paintings are considered records of peoples who lived on the Central Plateau long before the arrival of Europeans.
The site is on private property, Fazenda Pedra (farm), and visits are accompanied. Two short, easy trails leave from the farmhouse: one leads to the cliffs and caves with the paintings, the other to a waterfall with pools where you can swim.
The outing combines archaeology and nature and works well for families. The path has dense vegetation in places, so long pants and sneakers make a difference.
Before you go
Practical information
How much time to set aside
Allow about half a day for the two trails, the caves and a swim at the waterfall.
Best time
In the dry season, from May to September, the trails are firmer; in the morning the light on the rock walls is softer and it is cooler.
How to get there
It is in the countryside of Formosa, just over an hour's drive from Brasília. Leave Formosa on the GO-116 toward Salto do Itiquira; the last stretch to Fazenda Pedra (farm) is a dirt road. You need a car.
Tip
The visit is on private property: book ahead with the owner and wear long pants, because of stinging nettles and insects on the trail.
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Sítio Arqueológico Toca da Onça
Is there a fee to visit Toca da Onça?
Yes. There is an entrance fee, and the visit must be booked in advance with the farm owner.
Do I need to book the visit?
Yes. The site is on private property with a locked gate, and visits are accompanied.
Is the trail hard?
No. The trails to the caves and the waterfall are short and easy, but there is dense vegetation in places: wear long pants and sneakers.
Can you swim at the waterfalls?
Yes. One of the trails leads to a waterfall with pools where you can swim.
How do I get to Toca da Onça?
By car. Leave Formosa on the GO-116 toward Salto do Itiquira; the final stretch to Fazenda Pedra (farm) is a dirt road.