North
Tocantins
Jalapão desert and rivers of crystal water
Tocantins is one of Brazil's youngest states, created in 1988 by splitting Goiás, and offers some of the most extraordinary natural landscapes in the country. The Jalapão region — a vast wilderness of terracotta sand dunes, crystal-clear fervedouros (natural spring pools), cerrado savanna and cascading waterfalls — has become one of Brazil's most sought-after adventure destinations.
Capital
Palmas
Region
North
Estado
TO
Top Highlights
- 1Jalapão — terracotta dunes, crystal fervedouros (spring pools) and remote cerrado wilderness
- 2Ilha do Bananal — world's largest river island and Karajá indigenous territory
- 3Taquaruçu eco-trails — waterfalls and cerrado hiking close to the state capital Palmas
- 4Rio Sono canyon and Cachoeira da Velha — spectacular waterfalls in the dry season
Best Time to Visit
June to September (dry season) when Jalapão's fervedouros are at full flow and roads are passable.
Traveller's Tip
Jalapão has minimal infrastructure — carry extra fuel, water and sunscreen; the nearest petrol station from the dunes can be 100km away.
Videos from Tocantins
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