trail · Chapada dos Guimarães, MT
Morro de São Jerônimo
A long, demanding trail to the top of the highest hill in the park, with a 360-degree view over the plateau and the Pantanal in the distance. You need a guide and set out early.
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 Morro de São Jerônimo
Morro de São Jerônimo (hill) is one of the highest points in the Parque Nacional da Chapada dos Guimarães. Reaching its summit is the longest of the trails open to visitors in the park, and one of the most popular with hikers.
The trail starts at the park's main entrance and covers about 15 km round trip. The path crosses stretches of cerrado (Brazilian savanna), and the scenery changes little by little. The end has a scramble, where you need to use your hands to get over the rocks to the summit.
Up top, there is a panoramic view over the cliffs and valleys of the plateau. It is one of the best places in the park to understand the region's terrain.
The outing is for people who are in good shape and can handle hiking in the heat. Visits only take place with a visitor guide authorized by the park, who makes the booking, and the number of visitors per day is limited. Entry to the national park is free; the guide's service is paid separately.
Before you go
Practical information
How much time to set aside
The outing takes the whole day, counting the hike there and back and time at the top.
Best time
In the dry season, from May to September, when the trail is firm and the sky is usually clear; set out very early to hike before the worst of the heat.
How to get there
The trail starts at the main entrance of the Parque Nacional da Chapada dos Guimarães, on the MT-251 highway, between Cuiabá and the town of Chapada dos Guimarães. The guide picks up the permit at the entrance early in the morning.
Tip
Bring plenty of water, snacks, a hat and sunscreen, and wear hiking shoes with good grip for the final scramble.
Official website
A look at the place
Morro de São Jerônimo 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 Morro de São Jerônimo
Do I need a guide to climb Morro de São Jerônimo?
Yes. Visits are only allowed with a visitor guide authorized by the Parque Nacional da Chapada dos Guimarães, who also makes the booking. ICMBio (Brazil's federal parks agency) publishes the list of authorized guides.
Is there an entrance fee at Morro de São Jerônimo?
Entry to the national park is free. What you pay for is the guide's service, arranged directly with the guide.
How long is the Morro de São Jerônimo trail?
About 15 km round trip, starting at the park's main entrance.
Is the Morro de São Jerônimo trail difficult?
It is moderate to difficult: long, done in the heat of the cerrado and with a final scramble to the summit. It requires good fitness.
Do I need to book the visit?
Yes. The booking is made by the authorized guide, and there is a daily visitor limit. Departure is in the morning; check the times in ICMBio's visitor guidelines.