mountain · São Félix do Tocantins, TO
Serra da Catedral
A sandstone formation about 180 meters tall, whose face looks like the front of a cathedral and can be seen from the TO-030 highway. The climb to the top, on a trail with stairs, is allowed only with a licensed guide.
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 da Catedral
Serra da Catedral is a sandstone formation about 180 meters tall in São Félix do Tocantins, in Jalapão. The name comes from the rock face on one side, which seen from the front looks like the facade of a large church.
The formation stands by the TO-030 highway, on the way between Palmas and São Félix, and is an almost obligatory stop on itineraries into or out of Jalapão. Many people just get out of the car to look and take photos, which you can do from the road itself.
If you want to go further, you can climb to the top on a trail with stairs, with a guide. The area is a private nature reserve (RPPN), and the climb is accompanied by local guides. From the top, the view opens over the cerrado, with no sign of a town nearby, and the late afternoon is the most popular time.
The climb is tough, with many steps and strong sun, and requires good fitness. If you are only going to look from the road, the stop is short and suits anyone.
Before you go
Practical information
How much time to set aside
About 20 minutes to look and take photos from the road; allow about two hours to climb to the top and back.
Best time
In the dry season, from May to September, when Jalapão's roads are in better condition; late afternoon is the favorite time, for the light on the rock face and the sunset seen from the top.
How to get there
It is by the TO-030, between Novo Acordo and São Félix do Tocantins, about 30 km from the town of São Félix. The dirt and sand road calls for a 4x4, and most visitors arrive on an agency tour of Jalapão. The climb to the top is done with a guide.
Tip
If you want to climb, arrange the trail in advance with your agency or the local guides and bring water, a hat and a flashlight, in case you come down after sunset.
A look at the place
Serra da Catedral 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 da Catedral
Where is Serra da Catedral?
By the TO-030 highway, between Novo Acordo and São Félix do Tocantins, in Jalapão, about 30 km from the town of São Félix.
Do I need a guide to climb Serra da Catedral?
Yes. The climb to the top is done with a local guide. To look and take photos from the road, you do not need a guide.
Is there a fee to visit Serra da Catedral?
Viewing the mountain from the road is free. For the guided climb to the top, check conditions and prices with your agency or the local guides.
Is the Serra da Catedral trail difficult?
It is tough: there is a long staircase and strong sun, and it requires good fitness. Allow about two hours to climb up and back.
How tall is Serra da Catedral?
About 180 meters. The name comes from the rock face that, seen from the front, looks like the facade of a church.