waterfall / trail · Alto Paraíso de Goiás, GO
Saltos do Rio Preto
Two gigantic falls inside the national park, one about 120 meters high and the other 80. The trail passes viewpoints that frame both at once.
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 Saltos do Rio Preto
The Saltos do Rio Preto are the two great waterfalls of the Parque Nacional da Chapada dos Veadeiros, in Alto Paraíso de Goiás. The Rio Preto plunges down rock steps in the middle of the cerrado and continues through a canyon to the rapids farther down. It's the classic outing for anyone entering the park through the village of São Jorge.
The way there is the Trilha dos Saltos, a round-trip route, self-guided and marked with yellow arrows. The trail crosses cerrado grasslands and has rocky stretches and steeper descents near the waterfalls.
Along the way there's a detour to the viewpoint over the larger fall, with a view from the top of the drop and the valley. Farther on, the trail goes down to the pool at the foot of the smaller fall, where you can swim. On the way back, many people stop at the Corredeiras do Rio Preto, a series of small falls and natural pools.
It's not an athlete's trail, but it takes some fitness, especially on the climb back. If you have limited mobility, you can enjoy the Corredeiras, which have car access and a ramp down to the river.
Before you go
Practical information
How much time to set aside
Set aside a full day, or at least the morning and early afternoon, to do the trail at an easy pace and swim in the pools.
Best time
In the rainy season, from November to March, the falls are fuller; in the dry season, from May to September, the trail is safer and the sky clearer. Leave early, because there's a cutoff time to enter the trails.
How to get there
The trail starts at the National Park entrance by the village of São Jorge, on the GO-239 highway, about 36 km from Alto Paraíso de Goiás. You get there by car on a paved road; from the village to the entrance you can walk.
Tip
Bring plenty of water and a snack, because there's nowhere to buy anything on the trail, and respect the entry time: if you arrive late, you won't be able to do the full route.
A look at the place
Saltos do Rio Preto 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 Saltos do Rio Preto
Is there an entrance fee for the Saltos do Rio Preto?
The Saltos are inside the Parque Nacional da Chapada dos Veadeiros, which charges admission. Check rates and rules on the park's official channel before you go.
Do I need a guide for the Saltos Trail?
No. The trail is self-guided and marked with yellow arrows. Licensed guides are available if you'd like company.
Is the Saltos trail hard?
It's moderate. The route is long and has rocky stretches and steep descents near the waterfalls; it takes some fitness, especially on the way back.
Can you swim at the Saltos do Rio Preto?
Yes, in the pool at the foot of the smaller fall and at the Corredeiras do Rio Preto, on the way back.
Where does the Saltos trail start?
At the National Park entrance by the village of São Jorge, on GO-239, about 36 km from Alto Paraíso de Goiás.