Things To Do
in Alto Paraíso de Goiás

Small market stalls sell fruits, regional jams, cheese and juices; weekends may feature food stalls with snacks like pastéis, tapioca and grilled cheese. Great for sampling local produce and buying snacks for trail days.

Occasional vendors sell coxinha, salgados and sweet treats; availability varies by season and tourist flow, so bring cash.

Handshake and eye contact are common in formal settings; friends may greet with cheek kisses (one or two). A friendly greeting (Olá, Bom dia) goes a long way.

Respect local customs—ask permission before photographing people, give space to spiritual or ritual gatherings, and avoid littering or damaging vegetation in the national park.

Visitors who try basic Portuguese phrases are appreciated; speak politely and use 'por favor' and 'obrigado/obrigada.' English is not widely spoken outside tourism services.

Use certified guides for protected areas, follow marked trails, do not remove plants or rocks, and support local businesses respectfully.

Restaurants often include a 10% service charge; if not included, leaving around 10% is customary for good service. Small tips for guides, drivers and porters are appreciated—round up fares or add a modest gratuity depending on the service and length of the activity.

Credit/debit cards are accepted in many pousadas, restaurants and shops, but smaller vendors and some trail entrances may be cash-only. Bring Brazilian reais (BRL) for markets, taxis, remote transfers and tips; ATMs are limited, so withdraw cash in Brasília or the town's main ATM (which may run out on busy weekends).

Hot and rainy; heavy afternoon storms are common and can make dirt access roads and trails slippery or temporarily impassable. Waterfalls are at their fullest—ideal for dramatic water photography—but expect leeches and muddy conditions on some routes.

Transition to drier weather; temperatures start to ease and trails become more reliable. Still warm, with less chance of heavy storms—good time for hiking with fewer mosquitoes.

Cooler, dry and sunny days with cold nights; this is the most popular time for trekking and photography due to stable weather and lower humidity. Water levels in smaller falls may be reduced but major falls and vistas remain spectacular.

Warming up with increasing rains toward late spring; flowers begin to bloom and the cerrado is vibrant—expect a mix of dry and wet days and more frequent insects as humidity rises.

Long-established rural residents and small-scale farmers with deep ties to regional traditions and agriculture.

A visible community of national and international eco-tourists, spiritual seekers, artisans and entrepreneurs who have opened pousadas, organic cafes and wellness centers.

Afro-descendant Kalunga communities and other traditional groups live in the wider region (not necessarily in Alto Paraíso town) and maintain important cultural and historical practices—visits should be arranged respectfully.

Tourists from other parts of Brazil and abroad who come for treks, festivals and full-moon events, boosting the town’s seasonal diversity.