viewpoint / cerrado grassland · Alto Paraíso de Goiás, GO
Jardim de Maytrea
An open cerrado plain dotted with buriti palms and the Serra da Baleia in the background, by the road to São Jorge. It's the classic spot to watch the sunset in the chapada.
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 Jardim de Maytrea
The Jardim de Maytrea is a large cerrado plain by the road between Alto Paraíso de Goiás and the village of São Jorge, in Chapada dos Veadeiros. It's a landscape to see from the highway: open fields, veredas (palm-lined wetlands) and century-old buriti palms scattered through the grass, with hills in the background.
The fields are dotted with chuveirinhos, small cerrado plants with white pom-pom flowers. In the background stand the region's hills, such as the Morro da Baleia, named for its whale-like shape.
The area is part of the Parque Nacional da Chapada dos Veadeiros, and entering the Jardim itself is not allowed, to protect the vegetation and wildlife. You pull over on the shoulder and enjoy the view from the fence, where a short trail leads to a lookout point.
The place became famous as a sunset spot. In the late afternoon it's common to see a line of cars parked by the road. It's a quick, effortless stop, good for any age.
Before you go
Practical information
How much time to set aside
Half an hour is enough to take in the scenery; those who come for the sunset usually stay an hour.
Best time
Late afternoon, for the sunset behind the buriti palms. In the rainy season the fields are greener; in the dry season the sky is usually clear and the sunset more colorful.
How to get there
It's along the GO-239 highway, about 20 km from Alto Paraíso de Goiás and 16 km from the village of São Jorge. Go by car and pull over on the shoulder; there's a discreet sign on the road.
Tip
Fit the stop in on the way back from São Jorge to Alto Paraíso at the end of the day and park well off the road, with your hazard lights on, because the highway has traffic and the shoulder fills up at sunset.
A look at the place
Jardim de Maytrea 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 Jardim de Maytrea
Is there a fee to see the Jardim de Maytrea?
No. You see the landscape from the roadside, free of charge.
Can I go into the Jardim de Maytrea?
No. The area is part of the Parque Nacional da Chapada dos Veadeiros and entry is prohibited to protect the vegetation. You view it from the fence, by the highway.
Where is the Jardim de Maytrea?
On GO-239, between Alto Paraíso de Goiás and the village of São Jorge, about 20 km from Alto Paraíso.
What's the best time to visit the Jardim de Maytrea?
Late afternoon, to see the sunset over the buriti palms and the hills.
Do I need a guide for the Jardim de Maytrea?
No. It's a roadside stop you can make on your own by car.