Expan Experience: Discovering the Chapada dos Veadeiros

When we talk about Brazil as a star country in the tourism industry, destinations like Rio de Janeiro , Foz do Iguaçu , and the wonderful beaches of the Northeast always come to mind. But Brazil has other stars, many hidden treasures, like this gem in the Goiás region: Chapada dos Veadeiros .

In this new edition of Expan Experience , Tannia Muñoz, Product Executive , tells us about her experience at this beautiful waterfall, which is also an impressive national park and UNESCO World Heritage Site, ideal for lovers of trekking and nature.

From the Chapada dos Veadeiros to the Salão Nacional do Turismo Fair

" Due to the frequency of flights between Santiago and Brasilia, Embratur organized a familiarization trip (FAM) in which I had the opportunity to participate representing Expan Tours . The main objective of this FAM was to visit the Chapada dos Veadeiros in Brazil , located less than four hours from Brasilia, and to participate in a tourism fair held at the end of the trip in Rio de Janeiro ."

In general terms, it was a FAM trip focused mainly on nature tourism , ecotourism and local tourism .

The Salão Nacional do Turismo (National Tourism Fair) in Rio de Janeiro featured hundreds of exhibitors , from local suppliers and hoteliers to tourist destinations and artisans , each showcasing their offerings in booths of all sizes. In addition to the fair, a business matchmaking event was held where I was able to discover new products and local suppliers .

Chapada dos Veadeiros: A World Heritage Site

Chapada dos Veadeiros is a national park declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO and is ideal for nature lovers, ecotourism , and adventure tourism . There are several trails you can explore, with varying levels of difficulty. We took a short but moderately challenging route , as there were some steep sections. However, the effort was well worth it when we reached the waterfall and I took a refreshing dip .

It's also an ideal destination for those who enjoy wellness , as it invites you to connect with nature . In addition, there are yoga activities and spiritual retreats in temples, perfect for reconnecting with yourself, where sound and silence therapies are offered .

Travelers can also go rafting , zip-lining , rappelling , bike tours , cave visits, flora and fauna sightings, and the highlight is the opportunity to get to know nature alongside local tourism , such as the Kalunga community , one of those I met during my visit ."

The Valley of the Moon and the Kalunga community

Another place I visited was the Valley of the Moon , famous for its geological formations . This attraction can be visited during either the dry or rainy season . I went during the dry season , when the lunar-like formations are most visible. The river flows between these formations, creating waterfalls among the rocks. The idea is to swim between the rocks and bathe in the pools that form. We went with a guide , which is recommended, as they know where it's safe to swim .

There is a large indigenous population in the area, and I had the opportunity to meet the Kalunga do Engenho people . This experience was one of my favorites because I got to experience a little bit of everything: I started by getting to know the community's daily life , then I took a relaxing hike with a local guide who explained, for example, which medicinal herbs they use every day. I was able to swim in a beautiful waterfall and finished with a delicious lunch of local food prepared by the women of the community .

Recommendations for visiting the Chapada dos Veadeiros

Mosquito repellent is very important, as the area is surrounded by vegetation and water , so there are many insects. It's almost impossible to avoid getting bitten. Despite taking extra precautions, I still got bitten . That's why I learned that traveling with insect repellent is very useful to prevent infections. Another essential item is sunscreen , since most activities take place in the sun, such as trekking , which constantly exposes you to it. It's vital to carry a good sunscreen and apply it frequently .

Comfortable clothing and shoes are essential. We did a lot of trekking , and a small, comfortable backpack is very useful. I carried one with the essentials, like a water bottle and a towel . It's best to carry everything in small containers, including sunscreen and insect repellent , to minimize the weight you carry during hikes .

Last but not least, there's travel insurance . I traveled with MAWDY , which collaborates with Expan , and it worked wonderfully. They offer 24/7 assistance, you connect via video call with a doctor who prescribes the medications you buy, and then the insurance reimburses you. It's super important to travel with insurance , especially to places like this. Climbing mountains , walking on rocks , swimming, and even mosquito bites can cause injuries or complications, and the insurance covers everything depending on the plan you choose .

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