Moon Valley & Chapada dos Veadeiros National Park in Beautiful Brazil (43 Pics)

May 3rd, 2011 Permalink

Chapada dos Veadeiros in Brazil is one of the oldest, most beautifully diverse and unusual tropical ecosystems in South America. The National Park has over 161,891 acres (65,515 hectares) of gorgeous landscape full of exotic flora and fauna, lots of spectacular waterfalls, bizarre rock formations, caves and grottoes. According to NASA, when observed from outer space, the Chapada’s high plateaus are the most luminous point visible on Earth; this bright glowing is caused by the reflection between the sun and the abundance of quartz crystal in the region. On private property close to Chapada dos Veadeiros National Park is an amazing and ancient place much like a water park created by nature with pools, natural water slides and cascades. It’s called Vale da Lua or Valley of the Moon due to the smooth rocks formed by river and ancient lava flows. Still others call it Moon Valley. These rocks are very weird and some consider them to be like lunar rocks, but the place is a treasure. This Moon Valley is not well-known, not even among the people of Brazil. Here are 43 photos of beautiful Chapada dos Veadeiros National Park and the unique Vale da Lua or Moon Valley in the Brazilian Highlands. [43 Photos]

in harmony with nature at Chapada dos Veadeiros

In harmony with nature at beautiful Chapada dos Veadeiros National Park which is full of spectacular swimming holes like this. Photo #1 by Ana_Cotta

Valley of the Moon Rocks

Here are some of the bizarre rock formations at Valley of the Moon (Vale da Lua). Photo #2 by Vitorio Benedetti



last look at Chapada dos Veadeiros

Chapada dos Veadeiros National Park has roaring waterfalls and rushing rivers that cut a labyrinth of narrow canyons through the rocks. Photo #3 by Jed Sundwall

storm & lightning at Chapada dos Veadeiros

Storm and lightning at Chapada dos Veadeiros National Park. Photo #4 by Bruno Costo e Silva

Chapada dos Veadeiros

Chapada dos Veadeiros National Park is located on what is geographically considered to be one of the oldest parts of the American continent. NASA says this area glows more brightly than any other spot when viewed from above the Earth. However, there are people who chalk the brightness up to supernatural forces such as the light being magnificent energy and magical forces of a spiritual and mystical sanctuary. There have been hundreds of UFO sightings reported. People who believe in flying saucers and extraterrestrials point to this area as a well-documented place for sightings. Photo #5 by Fernando Stankuns

Chapada dos Veadeiros national park in Goias, Brazil

Chapada dos Veadeiros National Park in Goias, Brazil. Photo #6 by Daniel Schenkel

Chapada dos Veadeiros wateralls

One of the many waterfalls and a great place to cool off and take a rest after hiking at Chapada dos Veadeiros National Park. Photo #7 by Ricardo Pipo

Chapada dos Veadeiros, Maytrea's Garden

Chapada dos Veadeiros, Maytrea’s Garden. Photo #8 by Fbaraglia

moon valley - Vale da Lua

The São Miguel River cascades through holes in Valley of the Moon rocks to form warm pools. This looks like a fun place, but not wheelchair accessible. Adventurers who like to climb rocks like my mom would love it here! Vale da Lua received its name because the landscape resemblances lunar craters. Photo #9 by Vitorio Benedetti

ale do Rio Preto Chapada dos Veadeiros - Goiás - Brasil

Chapada dos Veadeiros – Goiás – Brazil. According to Wikipedia, “Forest growth is also still found in the region, where more than 25 species of orchids can be found, besides other Brazilian species such as Pau d’Arco Roxo, Copaíba (Copa Tree), Aroeira (California pepper tree), Tamanqueira (Cork Tree), Jerivá (a variety of Palm Tree), Buritis (Wine-palm) and Babaçu (Babassu). The main river in the park is the Rio Preto, a tributary of the Tocantins River. Along its course, there are many waterfalls, such as the Rio Preto Falls (120 meters high, 80 meters at the base) and the Cariocas Falls. The canyons are just as beautiful, with walls of up to 40 meters high and valleys of up to 300 meters.” Photo #10 by Marina Campos Vinhal

Canyon Chapada dos Veadeiros National Park

Canyon Chapada dos Veadeiros National Park. Photo #11 by Carlos Reis

Cachoeira (Cariocas) Waterfall at Chapada dos Veadeiros National Park

Cachoeira (Cariocas) Waterfall at Chapada dos Veadeiros National Park. Photo #12 by Carlos Reis

UNiesert  Waterfall 120 m, Chapada dos Veadeiros

If you enjoy waterfalls, then you would surely love Chapada dos Veadeiros. This Waterfall is 120 meters or 393.8 feet. According to Wikipedia, “In the National Park there are the 120 m Waterfall, the 80 m Waterfall, the Corredeiras, Cannyon I, Cannyon II, the Carioquinhas Waterfall and the Jardim de Maitréya. In properties with controlled access: Águas Quentes, Morada do Sol, Banho das Crianças and Vale das Andorinhas, Salto do Raizama and Cannyon do Rio São Miguel, Vale da lua, Cachoeiras Almécegas I and Almécegas II, Cachoeira de São Bento, Cataratas do Rio dos Couros, Cachoeira do Rio Cristal, Cachoeira dos Anjos e dos Arcanjos, Água Fria, Cachoeira do Rio das Almas, Poço Encantado, Sertão Zen, Cachoeira do Rio Macaco, Território Kalunga, Lago Serra da Mesa, Bocaina do Faria, Cachoeira das Neves, Mirante do Pouso Alto, Alpes Goianos, Cachoeira do Santana, Cachoeira da Ave Maria, Morada do Sol, Pedra Escrita, Cachoeira das Pedras Bonitas, and Ponte de Pedra.” Photo #13 by UNiesert

Jardim de Mytrea Chapada dos Veadeiros

“Jardim de Mytrea” at Chapada dos Veadeiros. Dry season at the National Park is usually between May and October. Although wet season also coincides with the blooming many exotic flowers, all that rain can also make for a slippery hike. Photo #14 by Miguelnetto

Kalunga hut at Chapada dos Veadeiros

Kalunga hut at Chapada dos Veadeiros. Photo #15 by Fernando Stankuns

Hammocks at Chapada dos Veadeiros

If you don’t want to stay in a hut, there are also hammocks at Chapada dos Veadeiros. Photo #16 by Fernando Stankuns

no vale da lua

It’s not too hard to see why people believe Moon Valley looks like a lunar landscape. The moon should be so lucky as to have this natural-made water park. Photo #17 by Ana_Cotta

Salto Falls - Chapada dos Veadeiros

Salto Falls – Chapada dos Veadeiros. Photo #18 by Aureliano Nóbrega

Valley of the Moon and the Paraguayan

Rock climbing and then playing in the water at Valley of the Moon sounds like a wonderful time for nature lovers. Photo #19 by Joao Vicente

Vale da Lua OR Valley of the Moon

Another pool waiting for people to play here at Vale da Lua. The strange, smooth rocks at Valley of the Moon are some of the oldest rock formations on our planet, as in 1.8 billion years old! Photo #20 by Rodrigo_Soldon

Vale_da_Lua

Valley of the Moon. Photo #21 by Rodrigo_Soldon

Brazil's Chapada dos Veadeiros National Park is located in the Chapada dos Veadeiros, an ancient plateau with an estimated age of 1.8 billion years

The National Park was created on January 11, 1961 and then was listed as a World Heritage Site by Unesco in 2001. Photo #22 by Erick T.

Beautiful Brazilian National Park of Chapada dos Veadeiros, Goiás, Brazil

Gift of wonder. Walking – or rather, trekking – in the beautiful Brazilian National Park of Chapada dos Veadeiros, Goiás, Brazil. Photo #23 by drum&humm

Ladder leading to an ancient plateau at Chapada dos Veadeiros National Park

Ladder leading to an ancient plateau at Chapada dos Veadeiros National Park. Photo #24 by Erick T.

rainbow and waterfall at Chapada dos Veadeiros National Park

Rainbow and waterfall at Chapada dos Veadeiros National Park. Photo #25 by Ricardo Pipo

Landscape at Chapada dos Veadeiros National Park - Alto Paraíso de Goiás

Landscape at Chapada dos Veadeiros National Park – Alto Paraíso de Goiás. Photo #26 by Dasha Gaian

Stone Being at in the beautiful Brazilian National Park of Chapada dos Veadeiros, Goiás, Brazil

The photographer called this a Stone Being and remarked that while trekking through the National Park, “We are watched by all kinds of beings, big and small, visible and invisible.” Photo #27 by drum&humm

The National Park of Chapada dos located in the Chapada dos, northeastern state of Goias, Brazil

The National Park of Chapada dos located in the Chapada dos, northeastern state of Goias, Brazil. Photo #28 by Rodrigo Soldon

water at Chapada dos Veadeiros

Yet another fabulous feature at Chapada dos Veadeiros National Park is that the water is very “blue” in color. Photo #29 by Ricardo Pipo

waterfall at Chapada dos Veadeiros

Waterfall at Chapada dos Veadeiros. Photo #30 by Ricardo Pipo

Brazil - Chapada dos Veadeiros - GO - National Park

Another waterfall at Chapada dos Veadeiros. Photo #31 by Daniel Schenkel

Brazil landscape of Chapada dos Veadeiros

Another ecotreat besides the beautiful Brazilian landscape of Chapada dos Veadeiros National Park is the variety of wildlife such as giant armadillos, anteaters, deer, extremely rare maned wolves, ostrich-like rheas, black vultures, and green-beaked toucans. Photo #32 by drum&humm

Chapada dos Veadeiros - Salto Falls

Chapada dos Veadeiros – Salto Falls. The climate is tropical, hot and semi-arid at Chapada dos Veadeiros National Park. The average annual temperature is about 25ºC (77ºF). The National Park is closed to the public during the height of rainy season (December to February) because it is not only a slippery hike but dangerous to be playing around the waterfalls during stormy and flooding periods. During the rest of the year it is mostly sunny and hot. At the height of the dry season in September, the temperature can peak at 40ºC (104ºF). Photo #33 by Aureliano Nóbrega

Inviting water of Moon Valley at Chapada dos Veadeiros

Inviting blue-green water of Moon Valley at Chapada dos Veadeiros. Photo #34 by Ricardo Pipo

Vale da Lua - Moon Valley at Chapada dos Veadeiros

Vale da Lua – Moon Valley at Chapada dos Veadeiros. Photo #35 by Aureliano Nóbrega

Chapada dos Veadeiros - rocks of moon valley

Chapada dos Veadeiros – Looks like a crazy place to hike at Chapada dos Veadeiros National Pak and nearby Valley of the Moon. Even though this Moon Valley is on private property, you can purchase passes for access. The hike takes about 20 minutes over the moonlike landscape and glimmering rocks. There are two very large natural pools where visitors love to swim. Photo #36 by Ricardo Pipo

Chapada dos Veadeiros - GO - unspoiled natural paradise

Do you too want to go enjoy the unspoiled natural paradise of Chapada dos Veadeiros National Park? It’s one of the world’s oldest and most diverse tropical ecosystems. Photo #37 by Daniel Schenkel

There's rushing water under bizarre rock formations at Chapada dos Veadeiros National Pak and nearby Moon Valley

There’s rushing water under these bizarre rock formations at Valley of the Moon. Photo #38 by Ricardo Pipo

Chapada dos Veadeiros is a natural area in the state of Goias, Brazil. It is also the name of a National Park within that area, listed as a World Natural Heritage Site by UNESCO for being an outstanding preservation - diverse tropical ecosystems

The peculiar landscape at Valley of the Moon will continue to change as the rapids rush through and dig out more craters and nature-made slip-n-slides. Photo #39 by Ricardo Pipo

The Vale da Lua (Valley of the Moon) was named after its resemblance to lunar craters. The São Miguel River flows through holes in the rock, forming warm pools amongst the rocks

Vale da Lua (Valley of the Moon) also is full of quartz crystals. The entire area that seems to glow so brightly from space was mined heavily at one point. But today it’s a sanctuary for nature lovers. Still, the area is proclaimed by some as having wonderful energy. Those folks believe that the crystals provide natural power for healing. Only 3% of Chapada dos Veadeiros National Park is open to tourists. The rest of the park is for research and preserving this amazing ecosystem. Photo #40 by Ricardo Pipo

cool water after hiking Chapada dos Veadeiros

Cool water after hiking at Chapada dos Veadeiros. Photo #41 by Ricardo Pipo

Come on in, the water is great at Chapada dos Veadeiros

Come on in! The water is great at Chapada dos Veadeiros National Park. Photo #42 by raizdedois

why today is a day of sightseeing and nothing better than a ride with waterfall bath ...Chapada dos Veadeiros

The unspoiled beauty of Chapada dos Veadeiros National Park makes this a great place to get out and enjoy nature. For some, that means sightseeing. For others it might be hiking or swimming. And still others come here to rappel or for canyoning. Photo #43 by Ana_Cotta



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