Plizio Visual Lab

Jalapão State Park

Plizio editorial teamUpdated: Jun 2026Data Sources

Animal habitat

Weather…

Jalapão State Park, located in the state of Tocantins, is a nature reserve of exceptional beauty and ecological significance. Established on January 12, 2001, it encompasses an area of nearly 159,000 hectares in the heart of Brazil. The region is renowned for its contrasting landscapes, ranging from orange sand dunes to crystal-clear springs called fervedouros and impressive waterfalls like Cachoeira da Velha. Fervedouros are natural springs where the water pressure is so high that swimmers cannot sink. Geographically, Jalapão belongs to the Cerrado biome, the Brazilian savanna, and hosts a rich diversity of flora and fauna, including the maned wolf and the jaguar. Due to its difficult accessibility via unpaved sandy tracks, the area has remained largely pristine. The local community utilizes the golden grass known as 'Capim Dourado' to create traditional handicrafts that are internationally esteemed.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Avg °C	26	25	26	26	26	25	26	27	29	29	27	27
Rain mm	219	189	198	130	36	4	1	3	23	93	164	179

📋 Practical info

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Best season

The dry season from May to September has the best conditions for wildlife viewing. During the rainy season, many roads are impassable and animals disperse.

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Best time of day

Early morning and dusk see animals like armadillos and anteaters more active. Most species rest in shaded areas during the midday heat.

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Etiquette

Stay on marked trails and do not disturb wildlife. Collecting plants or feeding animals is prohibited.

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What to bring

Sturdy footwear and long pants protect against thorns and insects. Binoculars and a camera are essential for observing shy animals.

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Getting there

The park is reachable via unpaved roads; a 4x4 vehicle is recommended. From Palmas, the drive takes about three hours.

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What to expect

Cerrado wildlife can be hard to spot; early morning and late afternoon are most promising. Focus on water sources and open areas.

Geography

Coordinates

-10.51860, -46.75710

Facts

Jalapão State Park was officially established on January 12, 2001.
The total area of the protected reserve is approximately 158,737 hectares.
The region's famous sand dunes reach heights of up to 40 meters.
There are over 100 mapped springs of the fervedouro type within the park.
Cachoeira da Velha waterfall is the largest in the park at 100 meters wide.
The region is the only area in the world where Capim Dourado grows naturally.

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

Start Destination Via (optional)

Overnight stops

Vehicle

Only stops with (optional): 💧 Water ♻️ Disposal 🔌 Power 🚻 Toilets 🚿 Shower

Sights in the town Jalapão State Park (1)

The older's Jalapão man 📍 landmark

A distinctive local cultural attraction in the Jalapão State Park showcasing regional character.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

What are the 'fervedouros'?

Natural springs where you cannot sink due to the water pressure.

Do you need a 4x4 vehicle?

Yes, a 4x4 vehicle is absolutely necessary due to the sandy tracks.

When is the best time to travel?

The dry season from May to September is best for tours.

Where is Jalapão located?

In the east of the state of Tocantins, in the heart of Brazil.

Are there hotels there?

There are simple guesthouses and glamping camps in towns like Mateiros.

Jalapão State Park: where is it located?

Jalapão State Park is located in Brazil.

Jalapão State Park: when is the best time to visit?

The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug.

Jalapão State Park: why is it worth visiting?

Jalapão State Park, located in the state of Tocantins, is a nature reserve of exceptional beauty and ecological significance.

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