Things To Do
in Cavalcante
Cavalcante sits in the heart of the Brazilian Cerrado, surrounded by rugged canyons, caves, and shimmering waterfalls. It serves as a quiet gateway to Chapada dos Veadeiros, offering a fresh, small-town vibe with growing ecotourism. Most visitors come for outdoor adventures, scenic viewpoints, and authentic rural hospitality without the crowds of larger parks.
The town preserves a friendly, low-key charm with welcoming pousadas and family-run eateries that make a stay feel like a local visit.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Touch down in Cavalcante and settle into a pousada overlooking lush greenery. Meet your local guide for a briefing on the region’s history and traditions. Sip a strong Brazilian coffee as you prepare for the days ahead.
Stroll through the town center to admire colonial architecture and colorful murals. Visit the small municipal museum to learn about the town’s gold-mining past and Quilombola heritage. Sample regional snacks such as bolinho de ora-pro-nóbis.
Dine at a family-run restaurant serving pequi rice and river fish stews. Enjoy live forró music in the town square under a starry sky. Chat with locals over caipirinhas and absorb the friendly community vibe.
Drive to the nearby Serra Geral do Tocantins plateau at sunrise to catch the first golden light over rocky cliffs. Hike along well-marked trails through cerrado grasslands thick with orchids and bromeliads. Your guide points out endemic birds and medicinal plants used by the Kalunga people.
Descend into a valley to explore hidden caves and rock formations sculpted by wind and rain. Stop for a picnic lunch perched on a rocky outcrop, overlooking vast savanna panoramas. Learn about the geology and folklore tied to the plateau’s peaks.
Return to town for a simple dinner of mandioca frita and grilled cheese. Relax on your pousada’s deck with a view of the moon rising over distant hills. Fall asleep to the chorus of cicadas echoing across the valley.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $6-12 |
| 💧Bottle of water (1.5L) | $0.50-1.50 |
| ☕Coffee in a cafe | $1-2 |
| 🚗Taxi ride (short distance) | $3-6 |
| 🥗Lunch/dinner at mid-range restaurant | $12-20 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Abundant natural beauty with uncrowded trails
- Warm, friendly local community and authentic experiences
- Easy access to Chapada dos Veadeiros natural wonders
- Relaxed pace and lower costs than major tourist hubs
- Limited nightlife and fewer high-end amenities
- Rough roads and limited public transportation in some areas
- Healthcare facilities are basic; longer trips to larger cities may be needed for serious care
- "Olá" - Hello
- "Por favor" - Please
- "Obrigado/Obrigada" - Thank you
- "Quanto custa?" - How much does it cost?
- "Você fala inglês?" - Do you speak English?
- "Onde fica o banheiro?" - Where is the bathroom?
- "Pode me ajudar?" - Can you help me?
- "Eu gostaria de ..." - I would like to ...
Places to Visit in Cavalcante
Visit one of these nice places.
A panoramic overlook capturing the rugged Cerrado canyons and distant plateaus, especially stunning at sunrise and golden hour.
Forest trail leading to a scenic river canyon with mossy rocks and emerald pools—ideal for landscape and nature photography.
A stone bridge vantage point over a winding river, perfect for long exposures of moving water and dramatic skies.
Food in Cavalcante
Cavalcante Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A classic Cerrado dish featuring fragrant pequi with rice and mixed vegetables, typically served with beans and cassava.
Must-Try!
River fish stew seasoned with cilantro, lime, and peppers—comforting after a day spent outdoors.
Savory cassava flour porridge topped with shredded dried beef and local seasonings.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
A compact market offering fresh fruits, regional cheeses, breads, and quick snacks between excursions.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Greet with a friendly 'bom dia/boa tarde' and a handshake; address adults as Senhor/Senhora. Reserve loud behavior for family settings and be mindful in sacred or rural spaces.
Casual, modest dress is appropriate; small talk about family and local life is common. Ask before taking photos of people or private homes.
Safety
Tipping in Cavalcante
Ensure a smooth experience
In Brazil, tipping is appreciated but not always required. If service charge is not included, consider 5–10% at restaurants; round up at casual eateries or cafés.
Cash is widely accepted in markets and small eateries; credit/debit cards are common in larger pousadas and restaurants. ATMs are available in town; cards from major networks (Visa/Mastercard) are typically accepted.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Hot and humid with frequent afternoon showers; carry water, sunscreen, insect repellent, and a light rain shell. Waterfalls flow strongly after rains.
Transition to cooler, drier days; comfortable temperatures for hiking with fewer crowds.
Cooler nights and mild days; dry season is good for trails but pack layers for cooler evenings.
Pleasant temperatures and lush landscapes; humidity rises as rains begin, making vegetation vibrant for photography.
Cavalcante at Night
Hiking in Cavalcante
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A scenic loop near Cavalcante offering panoramic canyon views and abundant wildlife.
River canyon trail to a secluded waterfall with lush vegetation.
Elevation gain toward a high viewpoint with sweeping vistas across the savanna.
Airports
How to reach Cavalcante by plane.
Major international gateway with wide flight options; access to Cavalcante by road or via longer domestic connections.
Regional hub with domestic connections; alternative access point to central Brazil and Chapada dos Veadeiros region.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Small farming communities that maintain traditional practices and local markets.
Travelers and guides drawn to the Cerrado and nearby Chapada dos Veadeiros.
Craftspeople who sell handmade goods at markets and guesthouses.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Widely played and watched; informal games are common in towns and villages.
Indoor or court-based variant popular in communities and youth programs.
Locals and visitors explore the Cerrado trails and canyons, especially during dry seasons.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Cavalcante.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian travelers can find plant-based dishes in most pousadas and eateries; ask for beans, rice, cassava, and seasonal vegetables, and request no carne seca or animal stock if needed.