waterfall · Mateiros, TO
Cachoeira da Velha
The largest waterfall in the region, about 100 meters wide and horseshoe-shaped, on the Rio Novo. You can hear the roar of the falls well before you reach the viewpoint.
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 Cachoeira da Velha
Cachoeira da Velha is the largest waterfall in Jalapão. It is on the Rio Novo, in the APA Jalapão, the region's state environmental protection area, in Mateiros (TO). The river pours a huge volume of water over a front about 100 meters wide.
The waterfall is horseshoe-shaped and splits into two falls, separated by a rock wall with a tree on top. Visits follow the rules of Naturatins, the Tocantins environmental agency, and are made with a registered guide.
This is a visit for taking in the view. A boardwalk with a viewpoint takes you very close to the falls, in the middle of the mist and the roar of the water. From the boardwalk you see only one of the two falls; the other is hidden behind the rock wall.
Swimming at the waterfall is not allowed because of the strong current. To get in the water, head to Prainha do Rio Novo, nearby. The boardwalk is short and flat and takes little effort; the hard part is the sand road to get there.
Before you go
Practical information
How much time to set aside
About an hour on the boardwalk and at the viewpoint; allow more time if you are combining it with Prainha do Rio Novo.
Best time
In the dry season, from May to September, the sand roads are easier; go during the day, in sunshine, when the mist from the falls is lit up.
How to get there
It is in the APA Jalapão, in Mateiros (TO), near Prainha do Rio Novo. Access is by sand roads, in a 4x4 vehicle. From Palmas, people usually take the TO-050 and TO-255 to Ponte Alta do Tocantins, the southern gateway to Jalapão, and continue from there to the waterfall.
Tip
Since swimming is not allowed at the waterfall, plan a stop at Prainha do Rio Novo right after to cool off.
A look at the place
Cachoeira da Velha 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 Cachoeira da Velha
Can you swim at Cachoeira da Velha?
No. Swimming is not allowed because of the force of the water. To swim, go to Prainha do Rio Novo, which is nearby.
Is Cachoeira da Velha in Mateiros or in Ponte Alta do Tocantins?
It is in Mateiros, in the APA Jalapão. Ponte Alta do Tocantins is the southern gateway to Jalapão if you are coming from Palmas.
Do I need a 4x4 to get to Cachoeira da Velha?
Yes. The route is on sand roads, and it is best to go in a 4x4 vehicle.
Do I need a guide to visit Cachoeira da Velha?
Yes. Under Naturatins rules for the region, visits are made with a registered guide, who usually also arranges the 4x4 transportation.
How big is Cachoeira da Velha?
It is the largest waterfall in Jalapão, about 100 meters wide, formed by the Rio Novo.