Tucked away in the rolling mountains of Goiás lies a hidden gem called Pirenópolis. Founded in the early 18th century, Pirenópolis is a buzzing hive of activity, with cobblestone streets, colourful facades, and rich cultural heritage. It’s approximately 150 kilometres from Brasilia, Brazil’s capital city. This is where you come if you’re looking for timeless beauty and abundance of natural wonders, particularly waterfalls and nature trails.
What makes Pirenópolis special?
The colonial heart of Pirenópolis is packed with places to eat, drink, shop and explore. It’s also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Up on the hill, imposing churches loom over the town, and narrow, cobblestoned streets snake their way down towards a babbling river, lined with bustling bars, cafés and restaurants. Live music wafts over the rooftops of an evening. Some streets are packed not with cars, but with tables, filled with relaxed diners. Even on a Monday, this town is humming.
Pirenópolis is more than just a haven for history lovers – it’s also surrounded by lush mountains and thunderous waterfalls. You could spend weeks here venturing out to the various waterfalls.
If you’re travelling with dogs, we highly recommend Salto Corumbá. This dog-friendly nature park is a 30-minute drive from Pirenópolis. Here you’ll find a number of different waterfalls connected by walking trails and yes, even a rollercoaster (which was also dog friendly! Our dogs loved it!). There are also waterslides, bars and restaurants too, as well as accommodation, if you feel like staying away from the hustle and bustle of the village.
Waterfalls in Pirenópolis
In terms of waterfalls, here are the standouts:
- Cachoeira do Abade: This waterfall is a majestic waterfall surrounded by dense greenery – very instagrammable! The waterfall cascades into a refreshing pool, perfect for escaping the Brazilian heat. It is easily accessible by car, followed by a short hike. The well-maintained trail ensures that visitors of all fitness levels can enjoy the beauty of Cachoeira do Abade.
- Cachoeira Santa Maria: Nestled in the heart of the Brazilian cerrado, Cachoeira Santa Maria is a series of cascading waterfalls surrounded by lush mountains. The hike to reach the waterfall is an adventure in itself, so bring some sturdy shoes and a bottle of water. The trail to Cachoeira Santa Maria involves a moderate to challenging hike, making it ideal for those who want to burn some calories before enjoying a swim.
- Cachoeira Bonsucesso: Well known for its multi-tiered falls and crystal-clear pools. You’ll feel transported by the beauty here, along with the soothing sound of the waterfalls. Cachoeira Bonsucesso is accessible by car, and a short trail leads to the viewing area. It’s ideal for families, as the walk is relatively easy, even for kids.
- Cachoeira das Araras: Known for its striking rock formations and a large, inviting pool at its base. The surrounding trees provide shade over the water, which is great for hot, sunny days. Accessible by car, Cachoeira das Araras is only a short walk from the car park – ideal for families or those not wanting to hike very far.
- Cachoeira do Rosário: 44m high and tucked away in nature, this waterfall feels very secluded and tranquil, and features a series of smaller cascades leading to a larger pool – a total oasis. The trail to the falls is moderate, so bring your sturdy shoes, water bottle and a sense of adventure.
- Cachoeira do Lázaro: Renowned for its 30-meter drop and large, inviting pool underneath, perfect for swimming. The waterfall is accessible by car, followed by a short hike along a well-marked trail.
Top things to do in Pirenópolis
Pirenópolis is a haven for nature enthusiasts! Explore the Parque Estadual dos Pireneus, a protected area that boasts diverse ecosystems, sweeping panoramic views and beautiful hiking trails. As we mentioned earlier, Salto Corumbá is another gem where you can visit 5 different waterfalls, all within walking distance of each other.
Delve into the cultural tapestry of Pirenópolis by exploring its museums and galleries. The Museu Rodas do Tempo, dedicated to the history of transportation, provides a fascinating glimpse into the evolution of travel in Brazil. The Casa da Cultura, housed in a beautifully preserved colonial building, showcases local art and crafts, offering a deeper understanding of the region’s artistic heritage.
The colonial centre of town is full of artisan shops selling homemade preserves, treats and cachaças, as well as arts and crafts. Of an evening, as you explore the village streets, you’ll hear live music and laughter spilling out of the bars and restaurants.
If you’re a bit of an adrenaline junkie, Pirenópolis has plenty to offer. The region’s rugged terrain is ideal for off-road adventures, with ATV tours taking you to hidden trails and spectacular lookouts. Why not try rock climbing in the Pireneus mountain range? Or you could take a canoe or raft along the Rio das Almas to explore the area’s natural beauty from the water.
How to get to Pirenópolis
By plane
The nearest airport to Pirenópolis is Goiânia’s Santa Genoveva International Airport (GYN), which is about 2 hours’ drive from Pirenópolis. Brasília’s Presidente Juscelino Kubitschek International Airport (BSB) is a similar distance away. Both airports are well-connected to major cities in Brazil. From these airports, you can either rent a car from Localiza or take a bus to Pirenópolis.
By Bus
Goianésia offer a daily afternoon service (4.30pm) from Goiânia to Pirenópolis which takes 2 hours. There’s a daily, early morning service leaves Pirenópolis at 6.30am, heading back to Goiânia – it takes almost 3 hours.
Goianésia offer several services each day between Brasília to Pirenópolis (2 in the morning, 2 in the afternoon/evening). The journey takes around 3 hours.
By car
Given how spread out Pirenópolis and its waterfalls are, we recommend coming by car.
From Goiânia
Head northeast from Goiânia towards Anápolis, and onto Pirenópolis. Take the BR-060/BR-153 to GO-431, or the BR-414. The journey takes around 2 hours.
From Brasília
There are 2 main routes between Brasília and Pirenópolis. Head west from Brasília along the BR-070, or the BR-060 and GO-225. The journey takes around 2.5 hours.
Last updated: 25 Nov 2023