Mambaí
Caves, canyons, a fervedouro and blue pools in a small town in Goiás
Simple and rustic, with about 8,000 residents, Mambaí sits almost on the Bahia border, about 350 km from Brasília, at the source of the Vermelho River. Four days in the field bring a cave crossing, floating, an optional rappel and a sunset facing Serra Geral.
Why go
Floating and fervedouro
Lago do Léo has springs inside the lake and a fervedouro beside it.
A cave with a skylight
At Lapa das Dores light enters through a crack in the ceiling. You can come down it on an optional 30 m rappel.
Cerrado canyons
The Blue Pools are worth the 9 km trail, down the canyon and across the river.
Sunset at Serra Geral
On the Goiás-Bahia border, facing the Serra Geral do Tocantins lookout.
Photos of the place
Itinerary
5-day expedition
Funil Waterfall and Lapa do Penhasco
- Funil Waterfall, Mambaí’s postcard: a 20 m drop with swimming. 980 m trail through a limestone labyrinth.
- Afternoon: 1.7 km crossing of Lapa do Penhasco, with chambers and pools, exiting at the 3 Canyons lookout. 1.3 km trail outside the cave, medium to hard.
Lago do Léo and Lapa das Dores
- Floating lake fed by springs, a fervedouro next to it and a river swim. Trail through palm groves, with macaws overhead. 300 m to 3 km, easy to medium.
- Afternoon: Lapa das Dores, a cave 40 m wide and 30 m high, lit by a skylight. 780 m trail, easy. Optional 30 m rappel.
Blue Pools and sunset at Serra Geral
- 9 km round trip, medium to hard: down the canyon, across the river, to three pools with cascades.
- Segredo Waterfall, inside a sinkhole. Easy 600 m trail.
- Sunset at the Serra Geral lookout, on the Goiás-Bahia border.
Paraíso do Cerrado Waterfall
- Limestone walls of about 100 m form a canyon that ends in a green lake. 600 m trail, medium. Life vest recommended for non-swimmers.
Carnival in Mambaí
Funil Waterfall and Lapa do Penhasco
- Funil Waterfall, Mambaí’s postcard: a 20 m drop with swimming. 980 m trail through a limestone labyrinth.
- Afternoon: 1.7 km crossing of Lapa do Penhasco, with chambers and pools, exiting at the 3 Canyons lookout. 1.3 km trail outside the cave, medium to hard.
Lago do Léo and Lapa das Dores
- Floating lake fed by springs, a fervedouro next to it and a river swim. Trail through palm groves, with macaws overhead. 300 m to 3 km, easy to medium.
- Afternoon: Lapa das Dores, a cave 40 m wide and 30 m high, lit by a skylight. 780 m trail, easy. Optional 30 m rappel.
Blue Pools and sunset at Serra Geral
- 9 km round trip, medium to hard: down the canyon, across the river, to three pools with cascades.
- Segredo Waterfall, inside a sinkhole. Easy 600 m trail.
- Sunset at the Serra Geral lookout, on the Goiás-Bahia border.
Paraíso do Cerrado Waterfall
- Limestone walls of about 100 m form a canyon that ends in a green lake. 600 m trail, medium. Life vest recommended for non-swimmers.
What’s included
- Ground transport Brasília Airport / Mambaí-GO / Brasília Airport
- Transfers to the attractions
- Adventure insurance
- Guides and local guides
- Attraction tickets
- Nights at a simple inn or hotel (triple or double rooms)
- Breakfast
- Helmet
Not included
- Airfare
- Personal expenses
- Headlamp
What’s included
- Ground transport Brasília Airport / Mambaí-GO / Brasília Airport
- Transfers to the attractions
- Adventure insurance
- Guides and local guides
- Attraction tickets
- Nights at a simple inn or hotel (triple or double rooms)
- Breakfast
- Helmet
Not included
- Airfare
- Personal expenses
- Headlamp
Is it for me?
- The Blue Pools are considered a hard trail, taking a full day. Check each day’s level in the itinerary.
- Only the Vivo mobile network works in town and there are no 24-hour ATMs. Most shops take cards.
Where it is
What to bring
- Headlamp, with spare batteries
- Dry bag or waterproof backpack (some stretches are waist-deep)
- Hiking boots or closed non-slip shoes
- Swimwear and towel
- Water and trail snacks
FAQ
Do I need to buy my own flight?
Yes. Airfare is not included. We meet at the airport: book your return flight departing from the time listed in the itinerary.
How do I book?
Choose the date, option and number of travelers and check out. Your booking is confirmed once payment is approved and the confirmation email is sent. Read purchase and cancellation
What if it rains or the weather changes?
For safety, the route may be adjusted or rescheduled if there’s a risk. See Purchase and cancellation (in Portuguese). Read purchase and cancellation
Can I cancel?
Yes. The amount retained depends on how far in advance you cancel. Full rules are in Purchase and cancellation (in Portuguese). Read purchase and cancellation
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