trail · Mateiros, TO
Serra do Espírito Santo
An uphill trail that ends at the top of the mountain, with an open view of the dunes and the cerrado all the way to the horizon. It is the best panoramic view in all of 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 Serra do Espírito Santo
The Serra do Espírito Santo is the great sandstone wall that dominates the landscape in the Parque Estadual do Jalapão, in Mateiros (TO). It is a long, flat-topped plateau that ends in a higher, pointed tip, and it appears on the horizon of many outings in the region.
The mountain is linked to the formation of the Dunas do Jalapão. Over millions of years, wind and rain wore away the sandstone of the slopes, and the loose sand piled up at the foot of the mountain until it formed the dunes.
The outing is an uphill trail to the top of the plateau. From up there, the view opens over the flat cerrado stretching to the horizon, and from the edge you can see the cliffs, the dunes and the neighboring hills.
The first stretch is the hardest part: a steep climb, with loose rocks and rock steps. After that, the walk across the top is easier. It requires good fitness and is not recommended for people with limited mobility. Visits are allowed only with a licensed tour guide or local guide and with advance booking.
Before you go
Practical information
How much time to set aside
Allow a whole morning for the climb, the walk across the top and the return.
Best time
In the dry season, from May to September, when Jalapão's roads are easier; and very early, setting off while it is still dark, to see the sunrise from the top and come down before the strong heat.
How to get there
The mountain is inside the Parque Estadual do Jalapão, in the municipality of Mateiros (TO). The trailhead is reached by the region's sand and gravel roads, in a 4x4 vehicle, and visits are made with a licensed guide, who handles the booking.
Tip
Bring a flashlight to start the climb before dawn, plenty of water, a hat and sunscreen, and wear sneakers or hiking boots with good grip.
A look at the place
Serra do Espírito Santo 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 Serra do Espírito Santo
Do I need a guide to climb the Serra do Espírito Santo?
Yes. Visits to the Parque Estadual do Jalapão are allowed only with a licensed tour guide or local guide, and the Serra do Espírito Santo requires advance booking, made by the guide or the agency.
Is the Serra do Espírito Santo trail difficult?
It is moderate to tough. The start is a steep climb with loose rocks; after that, the walk across the top is easier. It requires good fitness.
How long does the trail take?
Plan on a whole morning to climb up, walk across the top and come down.
What is the best time to do the trail?
Very early, starting while it is still dark: that way you can see the sunrise from the top and come down before the strongest heat.
Can you see the dunes from the top of the Serra do Espírito Santo?
Yes. From the top you can see the Dunas do Jalapão, formed by sand that breaks away from the mountain itself, as well as the cerrado and the neighboring hills.