Brasília & Chapada dos Veadeiros Tour
See Niemeyer's modernist architecture first, then take a self-drive highland hiking trip to canyons, waterfalls, and the blue falls of the Kalunga community.
Spend the first two days exploring the Monumental Axis architecture in Brasília, then enter the Cerrado highlands, staying in São Jorge and Cavalcante to minimize driving. Most hikes are around 10 km, and visiting Santa Bárbara Falls requires hiring a local guide. This itinerary involves one more hotel change than a single-base approach, but it allows you to explore both the northern and southern areas. Perfect for self-drive travelers who love hiking and architecture.
The rainy season runs from November to January, during which Vale da Lua and other sites may close temporarily.
Day by day
Day 1 · Arrival, Sanctuary & TV Tower
Brasília（Cathedral of Brasília、Dom Bosco Sanctuary、Brasília TV Tower）
After arriving in the afternoon, take a taxi or pick up your car. Take short drives along both sides of the city's main axis.
The TV Tower market is mainly open on weekends, with fewer stalls on weekdays.
Stay: South Hotel Sector
Day 2 · Three Powers Plaza Architectural Complex
Brasília（Itamaraty Palace、National Congress of Brazil、Praça dos Três Poderes、Juscelino Kubitschek Bridge）
Walk east from the hotel sector along the Monumental Axis for about 15 minutes, and head to the JK Bridge in the evening.
Visits to the Itamaraty Palace and Congress have fixed time slots; check them before setting off.
Stay: South Hotel Sector
Day 3 · North to the Highlands & Vale da Lua
Alto Paraíso (Chapada dos Veadeiros)（Vale da Lua、São Jorge Village）
Drive north in the morning for about 230 km to Alto Paraíso (about 3 hours), then head west to São Jorge.
Vale da Lua is dangerous on rainy days or when it rains upstream; do not enter the water.
Stay: São Jorge Village
Day 4 · National Park Waterfall Hiking
Alto Paraíso (Chapada dos Veadeiros)（Chapada dos Veadeiros National Park、Saltos do Rio Preto）
Walk from the village to the park entrance. The round-trip hike takes most of the day and is about 11 km.
The park has daily visitor limits; book your tickets in advance.
Stay: São Jorge Village
Day 5 · Janela Viewpoint & Hot Springs
Alto Paraíso (Chapada dos Veadeiros)（Mirante da Janela、Águas Termais Morro Vermelho）
Take a short drive from the village entrance to the trailhead for a hike in the morning, then drive west for about half an hour to the hot springs in the afternoon.
The viewpoint is on private land and requires a guide after 14:00; it is best to start early.
Stay: São Jorge Village
Day 6 · Waterfalls en Route North to Cavalcante
Alto Paraíso (Chapada dos Veadeiros)（Almécegas & São Bento Waterfalls、Cachoeira Loquinhas）
Drive east for about 1 hour to São Bento, then head north along GO-118 for about 1.5 hours in the afternoon.
You will change accommodations today. Cavalcante has limited options, so book in advance.
Stay: Cavalcante
Day 7 · Santa Bárbara Falls
Alto Paraíso (Chapada dos Veadeiros)（Cachoeira Santa Bárbara、Cachoeira da Capivara）
Drive about 30 km on unpaved roads from the town to the Kalunga community. You can switch to a local 4WD vehicle for the final stretch.
You must hire a community guide. Queues can be long, so arrive early. The water can turn muddy after rain.
Stay: Cavalcante
Day 8 · Return to Brasília
Alto Paraíso (Chapada dos Veadeiros)（Alto Paraíso de Goiás Town） → Brasília
Drive south via Alto Paraíso back to Brasília, about 320 km and taking 4 to 5 hours.
It is recommended to book flights departing after 18:00. Have lunch in a small town along the way.