Major city · Brazil
Cavalcante
Base in Cavalcante for 2–3 nights only if you have a car or hire a guide: the waterfalls sit 25–63 km (16–39 mi) out on dirt roads with no phone signal.Base in Cavalcante for 2–3 nights only if you have a car or hire a guide: the waterfalls sit 16–39 mi (25–63 km) out on dirt roads with no phone signal.
Cavalcante is the oldest town in the Chapada dos Veadeiros, 320 km north of Brasília, and it holds more than 60% of the national park's area. The town itself is small and walkable; the reason to come is the waterfalls and the Kalunga settlements around it, which need a car or a guide and a full day each. Two nights is the minimum, three is comfortable.
More ways in
Local time, weather, currency, airports
- Weather
- see forecast
- Currency
- BRL
- Best months
- May–Sep (dry season, clear trails)
- avoid Dec–Mar (heavy rain, dirt roads and river crossings turn bad)
- Airport
- BSB
- Nights
- 2–3
Rules in force · 7Above 2,500 m (Bogotá, Quito, Cusco, La Paz) keep the fir…
- South America ↗Above 2,500 m (Bogotá, Quito, Cusco, La Paz) keep the first day light; sleep lower where you can (Sacred Valley before Cusco) and descend if headache comes with vomiting or confusion.
- South America ↗A yellow fever certificate is required on arrival in French Guiana, and asked for on some routes into Bolivia, Paraguay, Suriname and Guyana, or when arriving from Amazon areas — vaccinate at least 10 days before travel and carry the card.
- South America ↗Overnight buses are the norm in Argentina, Chile and Peru, but pick top-tier companies and keep valuables on your body; on-board thefts from overhead racks are the common loss.
- Brazil ↗US, Canadian and Australian citizens need an e-visa (about US$81 — check) applied for online at the official VFS portal before travel; EU and UK citizens do not. Check your passport with Brazil's Ministry of Foreign Affairs before booking.
- Brazil ↗Yellow fever vaccination is recommended for many areas, including the Amazon and Pantanal; check with a travel clinic at least 10 days before travel.
- Brazil ↗Keep your phone out of sight in the street and on beaches; phone theft is the most common crime against visitors in big cities.
- Brazil ↗Carnival 2027 runs about 5–10 February (Tuesday 9 February; Salvador from 4 February): book Rio, Salvador and Recife/Olinda months ahead or avoid those dates.
What is in this basic guide9 covered · 4 not yet ▾
In this guide
Not in this guide yet
- Walking areas with bag rules
- Day plans checked against opening hours
- Airport-to-bed timings and the last safe connection
- Field-checked times and prices
Official sites
Emergency numbers for Cavalcante190 ▾
Tap a number to call from your phone. These are the numbers listed in this guide; a row marked check has not been verified.
EssentialsQuick answers and what things cost
Essentials
Quick answers and what things cost
Quick answers
The questions people ask first about Cavalcante, one line each. Tap a card for the full answer.
- Cash or card?Currency is the Brazilian real (BRL, R$).Brazil-wide
- SIM or eSIMVivo, Claro and TIM cover the country; buying a prepaid SIM needs a passport and sometimes a CPF — an eSIM before you fly is easier.Brazil-wide
- Tap waterDo not drink tap water; filtered water is provided in most homes and hotels.Brazil-wide
- TippingRestaurant: 10% service (serviço) usually on the bill; optional but normal.Brazil-wide
- Plugs & powerSockets C/N. US/Canada (A/B): adapter · UK/Ireland (G): adapter · Australia/NZ (I): adapter. 127 V: UK and AU 230 V-only devices need a converter; most chargers are dual-voltage.Brazil-wide
- SafetyCavalcante is a small, quiet town and street crime is not the issue; the real risks are remote trails with no phone signal…
Show all 12 answers
- RestroomsPut toilet paper in the bin, not the toilet, in most places.Brazil-wide
- Emergency numbers190 police · 192 ambulance · 193 fire (not 911, 999 or 000)
- Sundays & holidaysCarnival shuts many businesses for several days; museums often close on Mondays.Brazil-wide
- Your embassyFind your embassy's 24-hour line before you fly.
- AirportBSB Brasília–Presidente Juscelino Kubitschek (The practical gateway: about 320 km (199 mi) by road, roughly 5–6 h by car; no airport at Cavalcante.).BSB Brasília–Presidente Juscelino Kubitschek (The practical gateway: about 199 mi (320 km) by road, roughly 5–6 h by car; no airport at Cavalcante.).
- Getting aroundThe town centre is flat and walkable in 15–20 minutes end to end; bikes work for short hops.
Cost cheat-sheet
Typical prices for the everyday things, as ranges. Your currency is shown next to the local price.
- CoffeeCoffee or a snack in the centreR$8–20 (≈ US$2–4)
- Beerdraught in town / can from a shopR$10–18 (≈ US$2–4)R$5–9 (≈ US$1–2)
- Budget bedCamping pitch (own tent), a night, per personR$30 (≈ US$6)
- Mid-range bedPousada double room, a night, per roomR$320 (≈ US$60)
- High-end bedPousada double room, a night, per roomR$600 (≈ US$120)
A day, not counting the bed: Budget R$180 (≈ US$35) · Mid R$320 (≈ US$60) · High R$600 (≈ US$120)
Local prices, with USD next to them (rates 2026-09 (approximate); change it in the header). Ranges are desk estimates: check locally. Every price and the budget calculator →
DecideWhat it is known for, and when the weather works
Decide
What it is known for, and when the weather works
At a glance
What the city is known for, how you fly in, and where to find the phrases.
- Airports
- BSB Brasília–Presidente Juscelino Kubitschek (The practical gateway: about 320 km (199 mi) by road, roughly 5–6 h by car; no airport at Cavalcante.)BSB Brasília–Presidente Juscelino Kubitschek (The practical gateway: about 199 mi (320 km) by road, roughly 5–6 h by car; no airport at Cavalcante.)
Best months at a glance
From the guide's best and avoid lists
Jan
Avoid
30°C (86°F)86°F (30°C)
Feb
Avoid
30°C (86°F)86°F (30°C)
Mar
Avoid
30°C (86°F)86°F (30°C)
Apr
not flagged
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
May
Best
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
Jun
Best
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
Jul
Best
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
Aug
Best
33°C (91°F)91°F (33°C)
Sep
Best
34°C (93°F)93°F (34°C)
Oct
not flagged
32°C (90°F)90°F (32°C)
Nov
not flagged
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
Dec
Avoid
30°C (86°F)86°F (30°C)
Best: May–Sep. Avoid: Dec–Mar. Month by month →
Warmest Sep (34°C (93°F)93°F (34°C)), coolest Jun (15°C (59°F)59°F (15°C) low), wettest Dec (20 rain days), driest Jun (1). Averages, not a forecast.
Weather and climate
Cavalcante: next 7 days
Loading forecast…
Forecast: Open-Meteo (CC BY 4.0), model data for this point.
Air quality
Loading…
Model estimate (CAMS via Open-Meteo), not a street-level station; readings near busy roads run higher.
Jan
30°C (86°F)86°F (30°C)
20°C (68°F)68°F (20°C)
19 rd
Feb
30°C (86°F)86°F (30°C)
20°C (68°F)68°F (20°C)
17 rd
Mar
30°C (86°F)86°F (30°C)
20°C (68°F)68°F (20°C)
16 rd
Apr
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
19°C (66°F)66°F (19°C)
10 rd
May
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
17°C (63°F)63°F (17°C)
4 rd
Jun
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
15°C (59°F)59°F (15°C)
1 rd
Jul
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
15°C (59°F)59°F (15°C)
1 rd
Aug
33°C (91°F)91°F (33°C)
17°C (63°F)63°F (17°C)
2 rd
Sep
34°C (93°F)93°F (34°C)
19°C (66°F)66°F (19°C)
5 rd
Oct
32°C (90°F)90°F (32°C)
20°C (68°F)68°F (20°C)
13 rd
Nov
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
20°C (68°F)68°F (20°C)
18 rd
Dec
30°C (86°F)86°F (30°C)
20°C (68°F)68°F (20°C)
20 rd
High / low, both scales · rd = rain days
Arrive & moveAirports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Arrive & move
Airports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Getting around
The town centre is flat and walkable in 15–20 minutes end to end; bikes work for short hops. Every waterfall and the Kalunga settlements are outside town on dirt roads, so a car (ideally high-clearance) or a hired guide with transport is the real answer. There is no useful local bus network for visitors.
See & doDay-trips, door to door
See & do
Day-trips, door to door
Day-trips
Santa Bárbara waterfall, Engenho II
goDoor to door: Half day from town, 1 h each way by car
Drive 25 km (16 mi) to the Engenho II Kalunga settlement, then a 5 km (3.1 mi) flat trail; guides hire at the settlementDrive 16 mi (25 km) to the Engenho II Kalunga settlement, then a 3.1 mi (5 km) flat trail; guides hire at the settlement
Go at opening and stay until about 15:00 for the best light and swimming; easy trail.Go at opening and stay until about 3:00 PM for the best light and swimming; easy trail.
Cachoeiras do Prata
overnightDoor to door: 1.5–2 h each way by car
Cavalcante–Minaçu road to km 60–63 (miles 37–39), then trail; 4WD reaches about a third of the way to Rei do PrataCavalcante–Minaçu road to miles 37–39 (km 60–63), then trail; 4WD reaches about a third of the way to Rei do Prata
Nine waterfalls; the King is about 7 km (4.3 mi) from the entrance. Two days is the honest plan, camping at the entrance or near the falls. Entrance R$5.Nine waterfalls; the King is about 4.3 mi (7 km) from the entrance. Two days is the honest plan, camping at the entrance or near the falls. Entrance R$5.
Chapada dos Veadeiros National Park (northern sector)
goDoor to door: Full day
Guided access from Cavalcante side; check current park entry rules and guide requirement
Cavalcante covers most of the park area; the famous southern trails are reached from São Jorge instead.
Alto Paraíso de Goiás and São Jorge
goDoor to door: 2–3 h
Road via Colinas do Sul, roughly 100 km (62 mi) of paved and dirt roadRoad via Colinas do Sul, roughly 62 mi (100 km) of paved and dirt road
Useful if you are combining the north and south sides of the Chapada.
Eat & sleepWhich area to sleep in
Eat & sleep
Which area to sleep in
Where to sleep
Areas, not hotels: pick the one that fits your arrival time and plans.
Centro (around Praça Diogo Teles Cavalcante)
Hotels, pousadas and restaurants within walking distance; best if you have no car and eat out every night.
Cavalcantinho and the Colinas do Sul road (km 1–5)
Pousadas and campings with gardens, pools and river access; you need a car or a taxi for dinner in town.
Camping and riverside sites (km 1–9, plus Engenho II)
Cheapest beds; camping is the norm at the waterfalls and at some pousadas. Bring a headlamp and check showers.
PracticalWhat a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Practical
What a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Cost per day
- Budget
- R$150–250 (≈ US$30–50) excl. bed
- Mid
- R$250–450 (≈ US$50–85) excl. bed
- High
- R$450 (≈ US$85)+ excl. bed
Trip budget
| Pousada double room1 × 2 nights × R$320 | R$640 |
| Food, local transport, entries2 × 2 days × R$320 | R$1,280 |
| Guided day with transport, per person2 × R$250 | R$500 |
| Waterfall entrance fees, per person per day2 × R$25 | R$50 |
| Car hire, per day1 × R$220 · high-clearance preferred | R$220 |
| Buffer 10%Price creep, a taxi you did not plan, one splurge | R$269 |
| Trip total≈ R$740 per person per day, bed included | R$2,959≈ US$550 |
2026 estimate in reais; long-distance travel to Brasília excluded. Your choices stay in this browser.
Prices of common things
| Coffee or a snack in the centre | R$8–20 (≈ US$2–4) |
| Lunch plate (rice, beans, meat) at a town restaurant | R$25–50 (≈ US$5–10) |
| Wood-oven pizza | R$50–90 (≈ US$10–17) |
| Beer: draught in town / can from a shop | R$10–18 (≈ US$2–4) / R$5–9 (≈ US$1–2) |
| Waterfall entrance feevaries by site and season | R$5–50 (≈ US$1–10) |
| Guided day trip with transport | R$150–400 (≈ US$30–75) per person |
2026 estimate; check locally.
Watch out
Safety
- No mobile signal at most waterfalls and settlements: tell someone your plan and carry water.
- Dirt roads and mine trucks on the Cavalcante–Minaçu road; do not drive it at night or in rain.
- Guides are strongly advised for remote sites; arrange them at the tourist information centre rather than at the trailhead.
- Long dry-season sun and no shade on some trails; start early.
- Card and ATM coverage is thin outside the centre: carry cash for entrance fees and small meals.
Emergency numbers
- Police
- 190
- Ambulance
- 192
- Fire
- 193
Pocket card
Fill in, then print or save as PDF
Stays in this browser only; nothing is sent anywhere.
CavalcanteCavalcante
Pocket card · Voykit
My bed tonight
—
—
—
Para este endereço, por favorTo this address, please
Emergency
- Police190
- Ambulance192
- Fire193
Embassy
No embassies in Cavalcante; the US, UK, Canadian and Australian embassies are in Brasília (check addresses and hours before you go).
My embassy: —
Fare anchors (2026 estimate)
- Brasília Rodoferroviária → Cavalcante, bus: about R$45 (≈ US$9), about 6 h; departs 07:15 and 15:15about R$45 (≈ US$9), about 6 h; departs 7:15 AM and 3:15 PM
- Cavalcante → Engenho II (Santa Bárbara trailhead), car: 25 km (16 mi), about 1 h on dirt16 mi (25 km), about 1 h on dirt
- Cavalcante → Cachoeiras do Prata, car: about 63 km (39 mi), 1.5–2 habout 39 mi (63 km), 1.5–2 h
Say or show
- Bom dia — Good morning (bom JEE-ah)
- Obrigado / Obrigada — Thank you (oh-bree-GAH-doo / oh-bree-GAH-dah)
- Quanto custa? — How much is it? (KWAN-too KOOS-tah)
- Onde fica a cachoeira? — Where is the waterfall? (ON-jee FEE-kah ah kah-shoo-AY-rah)
- Preciso de um guia — I need a guide (preh-SEE-zoo jee oong GEE-ah)
- Aceita cartão? — Can I pay by card? (ah-SAY-tah kar-TOWNG)
Bus timetables and waterfall fees change with the season: confirm the day before.
Deep diveWhat this guide covers so far, and its sources
Deep dive
What this guide covers so far, and its sources
Not a trip line yet
This is a basic guide: no airport-to-bed contract, walking clusters or day plans are published for Cavalcante. Airport, fare and schedule details are unverified; check the operators before you fly.
What we know, and what is coming
On this page
- Best months: May–Sep (dry season, clear trails) · avoid Dec–Mar (heavy rain, dirt roads and river crossings turn bad) · month by month →
- 1 airport and 3 areas to sleep in
- Weather: a 7-day forecast and monthly averages
- Cost per day in 3 bands
- 4 day-trips, door to door
- 5 things to watch out for, with emergency numbers
Coming as the guide grows
- Airport-to-bed contract for BSB: bus times from Brasília's Rodoferroviária, car-hire desks, and an overnight rung if the bus is missed.
- Four walking clusters with rescue anchors: Praça Diogo Teles Cavalcante, the Colinas do Sul road pousadas, the Minaçu road, and Engenho II.
- Place pages with verified cutoffs (Santa Bárbara, Cachoeiras do Prata, Kalunga settlements) and eat pages with last orders.
- Wet-season and hostile-arrival fixtures so gates A–D can go green.