AS A FAMILY
Chapada dos Veadeiros with Kids [2026]: 10 Easy Waterfalls
Updated on September 12, 2026
Can you visit Chapada dos Veadeiros with children?
You can — and it is easier than it looks. A lot of people hesitate to bring their kids, picturing hard trails and dangerous waterfalls. That is not the reality: most of the falls around here have shallow pools, short trails and easy access.
We live in Chapada and have done every trip on this list as a family. For each one you get distance from the ranch, entrance fee, trail difficulty and opening hours — the things guides usually leave out, forcing you to call and ask.
Travelling with a baby? Skip ahead to the 3-day itinerary and the FAQ — there is a section just about that.
The 10 trips — quick navigation
- Loquinhas — 22 km · easy trail
- Poço Encantado — 75 km · easy trail
- Cachoeira dos Cristais — 26 km · easy trail
- Santuário Volta da Serra / Cordovil — 46 km
- Raizama — 56 km · easy trail
- Encontro das Águas — 73 km
- Cachoeira do Papagaio — 20 km
- Fazenda São Bento — 26 km
- Aldeia Multiétnica — 27 km
- Horse and Pony Riding at Paradise Ranch — at the ranch
A 3-day itinerary with kids
If it is your first time and you want a ready-made plan, this is the order we suggest — lightest first, respecting how quickly small legs give out.
Day 1 — arrive and stay shallow. Cachoeira do Papagaio (20 km, a 300 m trail) or Loquinhas (22 km). Both have gentle falls, shallow pools and somewhere to have lunch. This is the day to slow down after the drive.
Day 2 — the full day. Cachoeira dos Cristais (26 km) in the morning and, in the afternoon, the Aldeia Multiétnica (27 km), which sparks good conversation with older kids. If you would rather stick to water, swap the Aldeia for Fazenda São Bento.
Day 3 — animals and an easy drive home. A morning of pony riding here at the ranch and a free afternoon. Nobody wants to face the road after a long trail.
With four days or more, add Raizama (56 km) and Poço Encantado (75 km) — they are further out and each deserves a full day.
Loquinhas
- Alto Paraíso de Goiás
- 22 km from the ranch
- easy trail
Loquinhas is a group of small waterfalls and natural pools with crystal-clear waters. It’s perfect for children, as the waterfalls are gentle, providing a safe environment for swimming and having fun. In addition, the trail to get to Loquinhas is short and easy, ideal for little explorers.
- Why it works with children
- Gentle falls and shallow pools; a short, easy trail for little ones.
- Entrance
- R$50 per person, children under 12 free
- Hours
- 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Poço Encantado
4,62295
- 75 km from the ranch
- easy trail
The Enchanted Well is a natural pool surrounded by rock formations, creating a magical setting for children to explore. They will love diving into the crystal-clear water and discovering the little fish that swim around. Access is easy, ensuring that the whole family can enjoy this wonder of nature. In addition to the waterfall, the property has a restaurant, hammocks, chalets and more.
- Why it works with children
- Easy access; kids love the little fish in the natural pool.
- Entrance
- R$50 per person
- Hours
- 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.
checked Sept 2026
Cachoeira dos Cristais
4,63543
- Alto Paraíso de Goiás
- 26 km from the ranch
- easy trail
The Cachoeira dos Cristais is famous for its crystal-clear waters and stunning scenery. Children will enjoy swimming in the natural pool and exploring the surrounding rocks. There are also shallow areas, guaranteeing fun and safety in the middle of nature. There is a snack bar on site if you want to have lunch.
- Why it works with children
- Shallow areas for kids and a snack bar on site.
- Entrance
- R$40 per person
- Hours
- 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
checked Sept 2026
Santuário Volta da Serra / Cordovil
- Alto Paraíso de Goiás
- 46 km from the ranch
A preserve near São Jorge: accessible trails lead to waterfalls such as Cordovil and the Poço das Esmeraldas.
- Why it works with children
- Accessible trails to Cordovil and Poço das Esmeraldas; local honey and coffee on the way out.
Raizama
4,5589
- Alto Paraíso de Goiás
- 56 km from the ranch
- easy trail
The Raizama trail is incredible and leads to stunning scenery with waterfalls and natural pools. It’s a short and easy trail, perfect for children to venture out on. They will have fun exploring the waterfalls, diving into shallow pools and enjoying the beauty of the surrounding nature. An exciting experience for the whole family.
- Why it works with children
- A very short, easy trail and shallow pools.
- Entrance
- R$40 per person
- Hours
- 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
checked Sept 2026
Encontro das Águas
- 73 km from the ranch
Where the São Miguel and Tocantinzinho rivers meet, with river beaches for a family afternoon.
- Why it works with children
- Several little river beaches and a restaurant at the entrance (lunch to order).
Cachoeira do Papagaio
4,7123
- Alto Paraíso de Goiás
- 20 km from the ranch
A serene refuge on the banks of the Rio dos Couros, at Fazenda Árvore Grande; pet friendly.
- Why it works with children
- A 300-metre trail and a restaurant for lunch (order by noon).
checked Sept 2026
Fazenda São Bento
4,3542
- Alto Paraíso de Goiás
- 26 km from the ranch
Three falls on one property: the tall, powerful Almécegas I, the calmer Almécegas II, and São Bento.
- Why it works with children
- Almécegas II has calm pools; São Bento is the easiest of the three.
checked Sept 2026
Aldeia Multiétnica
4,6221
- Alto Paraíso de Goiás
- 27 km from the ranch
The Multiethnic Village is a cultural space that showcases the diversity of indigenous cultures. It’s a place to learn about traditions and take part in craft workshops and traditional dances. It’s an experience that will open the children’s minds and give them real contact with indigenous cultures. Sensational!
- Why it works with children
- Seven indigenous houses and a Kalunga house to visit; entry includes Almécegas I and II.
- Entrance
- various options — see website below
- Hours
- Once a year, during July (see website below for more information)
checked Sept 2026
Horse and Pony Riding at Paradise Ranch
- at the ranch
Paradise Ranch is a luxury ranch in Chapada dos Veadeiros. Alongside the chalets, we run guided rides for couples and families by prior arrangement — and we are the only place in the region with ponies sized for children. After the ride, kids get to meet the rest of the animals: the llamas we are known for, plus goats, rabbits and chickens.
- Riding
- R$125 per person for 1 km / R$190 per person for 3 km
- Hours
- 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Frequently asked questions
Which waterfalls in Chapada dos Veadeiros are good for children?
The ones with short trails and shallow pools. The easiest on this list are Cachoeira do Papagaio (a 300 m trail), Loquinhas (gentle falls and shallow pools) and Cachoeira dos Cristais, which has shallow areas. All three are less than 26 km from the ranch and have somewhere to eat.
Can you go to Chapada dos Veadeiros with a baby?
Yes, if you choose well. Stick to the short, shaded options — Papagaio, Loquinhas and Cristais. Skip São Bento, whose trail is rated medium. Bring a baby carrier rather than a pushchair: no trail here has a smooth surface. And at the ranch the animals keep small children busy without any driving at all.
How much does it cost for a family?
Entrance fees run from R$30 to R$70 per adult. The good news is that almost every attraction lets children in free — though the age limits vary a lot: Loquinhas and the Aldeia Multiétnica up to 12; Raizama up to 10; Cristais and Poço Encantado up to 7; Encontro das Águas up to 5. Check the age on each entry above before you set off.
What is the best trip for the first day?
Cachoeira do Papagaio or Loquinhas — the closest and the easiest. After a 200 km drive from Brasília, nobody in the family wants a hard trail.
Do you need a guide?
Not for any of the trips on this list. These are attractions with signposted access and a reception. A guide becomes mandatory on trails inside the National Park, which are not on this list precisely because they are too long for small children.
Is there anything to do on a rainy day?
The Aldeia Multiétnica is the best card to play: it is cultural, it has cover, and it opens Tuesday to Sunday. Here at the ranch, visiting the animals works in bad weather too.
What is there to do with kids besides waterfalls?
Pony riding — we are the only place in the region with ponies for children — the Aldeia Multiétnica, and the ranch animals themselves. For food, see our guide to restaurants in Chapada, where we flag which places are pet friendly and which have vegetarian options.
Come to the Chapada
Book your chalet at Paradise Ranch and experience Chapada dos Veadeiros up close.