dune · Mateiros, TO
Dunas do Jalapão
A wind-formed mountain of orange sand up to 40 meters tall at the foot of the Serra do Espírito Santo. It is where everyone waits for the sunset in Jalapão.
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 Dunas do Jalapão
The Dunas do Jalapão are a group of orange sand dunes inside the Parque Estadual do Jalapão (state park), in Mateiros (TO). They lie at the foot of the Serra do Espírito Santo and are among the most visited places in the park, especially in the late afternoon.
The sand comes from the mountains themselves. Erosion wears away the sandstone of the Serra do Espírito Santo, and the wind piles the grains on the plain, forming dunes in the middle of the cerrado, far from the coast. The state park that protects the area was created in 2001 and is managed by Naturatins.
From the parking lot, a walk of about 20 minutes across the sand leads to the top of the main dune. You climb by the side trail: climbing up the dune's steep face is not allowed, to preserve the formation. From the top, the view opens over the cerrado, the buriti palms and the mountains in the background.
At dusk, the sand takes on a deeper color and most visitors arrive to watch the sunset. Visits are allowed only with a guide authorized by Naturatins. You may not spend the night on the dunes, light fires, smoke, bring alcoholic drinks or bring pets (guide dogs are the exception).
Before you go
Practical information
How much time to set aside
Allow about two hours, including the walk on the sand and waiting for the sunset.
Best time
In the late afternoon, when the evening light brings out the color of the sand; in the dry season, from May to September, the sky is usually clear for the sunset.
How to get there
The dunes are in the Parque Estadual do Jalapão (state park), reached by the TO-255 highway, in Mateiros (TO). The road is dirt and sand, suitable for 4x4 vehicles, and visits are made with an authorized guide. From the parking lot, you walk across the sand to the top of the main dune.
Tip
Bring water and light shoes for the soft sand, and arrive early enough to pick a spot at the top of the dune before sunset.
A look at the place
Dunas do Jalapão 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 Dunas do Jalapão
Do I need a guide to visit the Dunas do Jalapão?
Yes. Visits are allowed only with a guide authorized by Naturatins, the agency that manages the Parque Estadual do Jalapão.
Can you climb the Dunas do Jalapão?
Yes, but only by the side trail. Climbing up the steep face of the dune is not allowed, to preserve the sand formation.
What is the best time to visit the Dunas do Jalapão?
Late afternoon. The sand takes on a deeper color in the evening light, and sunset is the most popular time.
Can I get to the Dunas do Jalapão without a 4x4?
It is not recommended. Roads in the region are dirt and sand, and a 4x4 vehicle is best. Most visitors go with an agency or a local guide.
Can you camp or stay overnight on the dunes?
No. You may not spend the night on the dunes or light fires.