The Chapada das Mesas National Park is one of Brazil’s most impressive tourist destinations, with sandstone formations dating back some 70 million years.
With altitudes that can reach around 400 metres, its mountains, waterfalls, rivers and lakes offer visitors a unique and captivating experience.
Location and access
The park is located in the south of Maranhão, on the border with Tocantins, about 860 kilometres from the capital, São Luís.
The park was created in 2005 to conserve the biodiversity of Brazil’s Cerrado, Caatinga and Amazon biomes.
The park can be accessed via the BR-010 and BR-230 motorways, from the townships of Estreito, Riachão, Carolina and Imperatriz.
Map of Chapada das Mesas National Park
The park is divided into four towns in the centre-south of Maranhão: Carolina, Riachão, Estreito and Imperatriz.
Video about Chapada das Mesas National Park
Complexo Turístico Pedra Caida
Chapada das Mesas - Reportagem37:33
Chapada das Mesas - O que fazer - Parte 107:22
Chapada das Mesas - O que fazer - Parte 206:49
Tourist Activities
Natural attractions
Among the most popular tourist activities are abseiling and ecological trails, which take visitors to the region’s crystal-clear natural pools. One of the most visited waterfalls is the Cachoeira de São Romão, which has a drop of 26 metres.
The name “Chapada” derives from the rock formations shaped by the action of wind and rain, which resemble tables.
Ecotourism and adventure
With a total area of 160,000 hectares, the park offers many opportunities for ecotourism activities, such as watching endemic birds and learning about the cave paintings at Morro das Figuras.
For those seeking relaxation, a dip in the waters of the Poço Azul or in the region’s waterfalls is highly recommended.
Outstanding waterfalls
The park is home to several impressive waterfalls, such as
- Cachoeira do Santuário: 50 metres high.
- Santa Bárbara Waterfall: known for its rock formation that resembles the image of the saint, over 70 metres high.
- São Romão Waterfall: the largest waterfall in Maranhão.
Visitors can explore several trails that allow direct contact with local fauna, such as monkeys, anacondas, macaws and owls.
Pedra Caída Tourist Complex
About 36 km from Carolina is the Pedra Caída Ecological Sanctuary, which has several waterfalls, the main one being 46 metres high.
Complexo Turístico Pedra Caida
The site offers radical activities such as hiking, abseiling and zip-lining, with one of the longest in the country at 1,400 metres.
Riachão and Poço Azul
In the south-west of Maranhão, Riachão is synonymous with adventure and is home to attractions such as the Santa Bárbara Waterfall, the Poço Azul (Blue Fountain) and the Encanto Azul (Blue Pool), a pool of crystal-clear water surrounded by rocks.
Poço Azul, Encanto Azul e Cachoeira Santa Bárbara
The region is ideal for activities such as snorkelling, where you can observe the rich aquatic life.
Trekking to Morro do Chapéu
Morro do Chapéu is not exactly inside the park, but in a “buffer zone”.
Trilha no Morro do Chapéu - Chapada das Mesas
The trek to Morro requires physical fitness as it involves a 365 metre climb up sandstone cliffs. It is considered the highest point in the Chapada das Mesas and is shrouded in mystical legends.
Best time to visit
The best time to visit the park is between May and September, when rainfall is low. Although the waterfalls are not as crowded as in summer, the temperature is milder and more pleasant for adventure activities.
Bottom line
The Chapada das Mesas National Park is an unmissable destination for nature and ecotourism lovers.
With its impressive geological formations, rich biodiversity and diverse adventure activities, the park offers a unique experience that is well worth exploring.
For those who want to get the most out of their visit, it is recommended that you spend at least four days in the region and consider hiring local guides.
Discover the Chapada das Mesas Waterfalls
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