Serra Dourada State Park
The main trail in Serra Dourada State Park is approximately 7 kilometers long, reaching an altitude of over 1,000 meters. It passes through different types of cerrado, allowing you to see all its biodiversity up close, worthy of appreciation for its singular beauty.
The first point is the meeting point of the Fartura and Cafundó Rivers. The Cafundó River has a SANEAGO catchment unit that has supplied the city of Mossãmedes since its establishment. The most interesting thing is that the water does not require any type of treatment, which is a great benefit to the population.
The source of the Cafundó River, like all the other rivers in the region, is located in Serra Dourada.
Our second attraction is the owl cave, a place composed of quartzite rocks with a significant reduction in air temperature inside. The cave was named after local forest guides because it is home to an albino owl. To access the cave, we take a small trail that introduces us to the clear field vegetation and floral formation with quaresmeira, creating a stunning landscape.
Upon leaving the cave, we will visit the Stone City, an area with several quartzite rock formations of different shapes, stacked on top of each other. At a higher point in the Stone City, we find the Goiana Stone, an important symbol of the state of Goiás in the 1960s, which has now been demolished. According to the most well-known version of the stories told by local residents, the people who used explosives to topple the stone were young vandals having fun there in July 1965. According to them, the fall of the stone was accidental. To this day, the locals await the state government's promise to restore this important symbol of the state of Goiás.
Along the way, we noticed an intermittent stream where diamond mining once took place. Today, only traces of the mining activity remain, evidenced by several mounds of gravel with huge holes alongside.
In this area, we find Papyrus (Pau-Papel), an ornamental plant with abundant flowering, white flowers, and a bark that scales in very thin sheets, resembling tissue paper. This plant is found only in the state of Goiás, in the municipalities of Mossâmedes and Pirenópolis, at altitudes over 1,000 meters, in Serra Dourada State Park and Pireneus State Park.
Passing through the Stone City area, we reach the park entrance where we pay our entrance fee to the guard (currently the entrance fee is R$10.00 per person). After paying, we can rest near the guardhouse and continue to the sandpit.
The park's sandpit contains a large number of sandstone rocks that dissolve over time, forming sand of various colors and hues, a raw material used by artisans to create paintings and decorations. A renowned artist in this field is Goiandira do Couto, whose works depict beautiful landscapes of Goiás.
After visiting the sandpit, we pass by the hang-gliding lookout, a ramp built for aerial sports at one of the highest points in the park. From the ramp, we admire the magnificent landscape of the entire region from approximately 1,050 meters above sea level. This moment is certainly worth capturing.
Itinerary Summary:
> Duration: 7 hours
> Driving distance: 53 km
> Activity distance: 13 km or 7 km if using a 4x4.
> Trip category: Hiking, trekking; Cycling, Mountain Biking.
> Difficulty: Difficult
> Temperature: Average temperatures (15°C to 38°C)
> Weather: Dry season from April to September; Rainy season from October to March.
> What's included in the itinerary: Tour guide (Check transportation prices if necessary).
> What's not included: Attraction entrance fee (R$10.00), snacks, trekking and protective equipment, and personal medication.
What to bring:
> Light clothing, cap or equivalent, sunglasses, long pants, raincoat;
> Insect repellent and sunscreen;
> Sufficient water (at least 2 liters per person);
> Comfortable and appropriate footwear (hiking boots);
> A small backpack;
> Personal medication and antihistamines if you have any allergies;
> Snacks;
> Cell phone;
> Flashlight;
> Hand sanitizer or 70% liquid alcohol;
> Protective mask.
Guide Tip: Bring a bottle of wine/sparkling wine and enjoy an unforgettable sunset with special people. Create beautiful memories that will last a lifetime.
Itinerary Schedule:
We will leave the city of Goiás and pass through the town of Mossâmedes, from there we will head to Serra Dourada State Park.
After traveling 2 km, we will reach the Owl Cave.
Soon after, 1,000 meters ahead, we will visit the Stone City.
Upon leaving the Stone City, we will pass the guardhouse where the park guards are stationed. There we will pay the park entrance fee and continue to the next attraction.
After a 3.5 km walk from the Stone City, we will reach the beach.
Leaving the beach, we will walk about 1.5 km until we reach the hang-gliding viewpoint, the last attraction. From there, we will return and conclude our visit.
Detailed Itinerary:
Estimated Time Location / Activity Km Trail
00:00 Departure from Goiás City
00:30 Visit to the Cafundó River km 0
01:30 Visit to the Owl Cave Km 2
01:30 Park entrance km 3
01:45 Visit to Stone Town km 3.8
03:00 Visit to the beach km 6.5
04:00 Visit to the viewpoint km 8
05:00 Return Km 7
07:00 End of Trail Km 13