Parque Nacional Chapada dos Guimarães

The Chapada dos Guimarães is one of the best places to get a taste of the unique landscape of the cerrado, the endless Brazilian savanna which covers around a quarter of the country. While much of the cerrado is far from major cities, this national park is only a short drive from Cuiabá and a world away from the wetlands of the Pantanal. It is a mainly dry and rocky terrain dotted with caves, waterfalls, and rock pools and is perfect for hiking. If you need to wait in Cuiabá for more people to join your tour to the Pantanal or for a flight out, a day or two in the Chapada will be by far the most rewarding way to spend your time.