Audio Guide of Secret Waterfall

Chapada dos Veadeiros National Park, where the waterfall is located, is open every day from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. To get there, head to the town of Alto Paraíso de Goiás and from there take GO-239 toward the park; the waterfall requires a walk of about 20 minutes from the parking area, so we recommend wearing comfortable shoes. You can check routes on the park’s official map here: Official Park Website.

Park admission costs R$60.00 per person (updated prices for 2024), and tickets are purchased exclusively online through the ICMBio system. Booking your time slot in advance is mandatory, as visitor numbers are limited to preserve the ecosystem. You can buy your ticket directly here: Buy ICMBio Ticket.

Plan at least 3 to 4 hours to enjoy the full visit. This includes the round-trip drive to the visitor area, check-in, the 20-minute walk to the waterfall, and time to swim and take photos in the pool. If you plan to do other hikes in the park that day, allow a total of 5 to 6 hours.

Secret Waterfall owes its name to the fact that it remained hidden for years, protected by difficult access and the dense Cerrado forest vegetation. Culturally, it represents the water wealth of Chapada dos Veadeiros, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and it is an example of the region’s ancient geology dating back more than 1.8 billion years.

The best option is to arrive early, right when it opens at 8:00 a.m., to avoid crowds and enjoy the morning sun shining on the water. As for the time of year, the dry season (May to September) offers less water but greater safety and clearer pools; the rainy season (November to March) has the most impressive flow, although the water is colder.

Unfortunately, Secret Waterfall is not accessible for wheelchairs or people with reduced mobility. The route from the parking area to the waterfall follows a natural dirt-and-stone trail with uneven sections and natural steps that require physical effort. To learn about other inclusive trail options in the region, you can ask at the Alto Paraíso tourist office when you arrive.

The region is full of natural wonders. Nearby you can visit Moon Valley, João Vaz Viewpoint, and the famous hot springs of Caldas Novas, about 45 minutes away by car. If you stay for a few days, don’t miss the Waterfall Wall, a group of impressive waterfalls accessible from São Jorge Village.

Bring plenty of water, sunscreen, and insect repellent, as the Cerrado sun is intense and there are many mosquitoes. Wear closed shoes with good grip for walking on wet rocks, and strictly follow the rules against leaving trash or food behind, as this is an environmental preservation area with wild fauna. Keep in mind that your phone may not have signal along the entire route.