canyon · Ponte Alta do Tocantins, TO
Cânion do Sussuapara
A narrow gap between sandstone walls where a trickle of water falls from above among ferns. The light coming through the opening creates a beam effect inside the rock corridor.
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 Cânion do Sussuapara
Cânion do Sussuapara is a narrow gap between rock walls in Ponte Alta do Tocantins, one of the gateways to Jalapão. Because it is close to town and on the way in from Palmas, it is usually the first stop on tours of the region.
The name comes from an Indigenous language and refers to the suçuapara, the old name for the marsh deer, an animal that lived in the region.
A short trail, with a steep final descent and rocky stretches, leads to the bottom of the canyon. Down there, the damp walls are covered with ferns, moss and plants hanging like curtains. A stream runs through the rock corridor, water drips from the walls and, at the end, there is a small fall of cold water.
Since the walls block much of the sun, the canyon is much cooler than the surrounding cerrado. The visit is quick and requires no special fitness, but the descent is not recommended for people with limited mobility. Your feet will get wet, so wear closed shoes that can go in the water.
Before you go
Practical information
How much time to set aside
30 minutes to 1 hour, including the round-trip trail.
Best time
In the hottest hours of the day, when the coolness of the rock corridor makes the biggest difference. For a trip to Jalapão, the dry season (May to September) is usually the easiest; the canyon has water all year round.
How to get there
It is near the town of Ponte Alta do Tocantins, by the highway, on the way in from Palmas. From the parking lot, you walk along a short trail to the bottom of the canyon. Many agencies include it on the first day of their Jalapão tours.
Tip
Wear sport sandals or sneakers that can get wet: the ground is slippery rock and a stream runs through the middle of the canyon.
A look at the place
Cânion do Sussuapara 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 Cânion do Sussuapara
Is there an entrance fee at Cânion do Sussuapara?
Yes, there is an admission fee charged per person on arrival. Check the price on site or with your agency.
Is the Cânion do Sussuapara trail difficult?
No. It is short and takes a few minutes, but the final descent is steep and has rocky stretches. It is not recommended for people with limited mobility.
How long does a visit to Cânion do Sussuapara take?
30 minutes to 1 hour is enough to go down, walk through the canyon to the small fall and come back.
Can you swim at Cânion do Sussuapara?
A cold-water stream runs through the canyon and there is a small fall at the end, where you can cool off.
What shoes should I wear at Cânion do Sussuapara?
Closed shoes that can get wet, like sport sandals or old sneakers. The ground is slippery rock and the stream runs through the middle of the corridor.