lake · Colinas do Sul, GO
Lago de Serra da Mesa
Formed by the Serra da Mesa power plant dam on the Rio Tocantins, it's the largest reservoir in Brazil by volume of water. In its arms near town there are boat trips, sport fishing, kayaking and small beaches where the São Miguel and Tocantinzinho rivers meet.
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 Lago de Serra da Mesa
The Lago de Serra da Mesa was created by the dam of the Serra da Mesa hydroelectric plant, on the Rio Tocantins, in northern Goiás. According to Furnas, which operates the plant, it's the reservoir with the largest volume of water in Brazil, with an area of about 1,784 km² spread across several Goiás municipalities.
Colinas do Sul is the only town in the Chapada dos Veadeiros region on the lake. Nearby are the arms formed by the Tocantinzinho and São Miguel rivers. Where the two rivers meet, small freshwater beaches form, popular for swimming.
Boat and speedboat trips on the lake lead to canyons, islands and waterfalls that drop straight into the reservoir, with stops at pools for swimming. There are also outrigger canoe outings. The lake is known for sport fishing, especially for tucunaré (peacock bass).
The lake pairs well with the waterfalls and trails of Colinas do Sul. Many outings are run with local guides and operators, and some places require advance booking.
Before you go
Practical information
How much time to set aside
The boat trip on the lake takes about 3 hours; with swims at the small beaches, set aside half a day.
Best time
In the dry season, which is best for swimming and lake outings.
How to get there
Colinas do Sul is in northern Goiás, in the Chapada dos Veadeiros region. The boat trips and the small beaches where the Tocantinzinho and São Miguel rivers meet are in the arms of the lake near town; arrange the departure point with your guide or operator.
Tip
Book your boat trip in advance with a local operator and bring swimwear, sunscreen and water.
A look at the place
Lago de Serra da Mesa 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 Lago de Serra da Mesa
Is the Lago de Serra da Mesa the largest in Brazil?
It's the reservoir with the largest volume of water in the country, according to Furnas, which operates the plant. By area, there are larger reservoirs.
Can you swim in the lake in Colinas do Sul?
Yes. The small beaches where the Tocantinzinho and São Miguel rivers meet and the pools visited on the boat trip are used for swimming.
How long is the boat trip?
About 3 hours, with swimming stops.
Do I need a guide?
For boat trips, yes: they're run by local guides and operators, and some places in the region require advance booking.
When is the best time to go?
The dry season is best for swimming and lake outings.