rock formation · Alto Paraíso de Goiás, GO
Vale da Lua
A rocky riverbed sculpted by the Rio São Miguel into curves and craters that resemble the surface of the moon. In the dry season you can walk among the formations and swim in the pools.
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 Vale da Lua
The Vale da Lua is a stretch of the Rio São Miguel where the water has sculpted the rock into curves, pools and smooth craters. The stone is a very old conglomerate, from the Proterozoic era, rich in carbonate: the force of the current and the dissolving of the mineral opened the holes that resemble the surface of the moon. The formation runs along about 400 meters of the river. In the rainy season, the water covers much of the rock; in the dry season, it's exposed.
It's on private property next to the Parque Nacional da Chapada dos Veadeiros, between São Jorge and Alto Paraíso. Admission is charged at the farm itself, and the trail to the formations is short, easy and signposted, with no need for a guide. São Jorge, the village at the national park entrance, is nearby, and many people fit the Vale da Lua in on the way back from a hike.
There you walk over the rocks, photograph the craters and swim in the approved pools. The ground is uneven and slippery, and the edges are deceptive: there are deep pools and strong currents in some spots, even on sunny days. There are fire brigade staff on site.
The biggest risk is the cabeça d'água, the sudden rise of the river caused by rain at the headwaters, sometimes far away. In 2021, a guide filmed one at the Vale da Lua itself, and the site was closed off. With rain or heavy clouds, the advice is to move away from the river without waiting.
Before you go
Practical information
How much time to set aside
Half a day.
Best time
The dry season, from May to September, when the river is lower and the risk of flash floods is smaller. Avoid rainy days.
How to get there
Via GO-239, between Alto Paraíso and São Jorge, with the final stretch on a dirt road of about 4 km to the entrance. You can drive there on your own.
Tip
Only go into the water at the approved pools and get out of the river at the first sign of rain, even if the sky above you is clear.
A look at the place
Vale da Lua 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 Vale da Lua
Is the Vale da Lua inside the National Park?
No. It's on private property next to the park, between São Jorge and Alto Paraíso. Admission is charged at the farm.
Do I need a guide?
No. The trail to the formations is short, easy and signposted.
Can you swim there?
Only in the approved pools. There are deep pools and strong currents in some spots, and when it rains you must get out of the river.
What's the best time of year?
The dry season, from May to September, when the river is lower and the rocks are exposed.