Estrada da Chapada dos Guimarães Circuit
Diamond country geology and cerrado wilderness
The Estrada da Chapada dos Guimarães carves through 180 million years of geological history, following old mining roads that serviced diamond claims in the cerrado highlands of Mato Grosso. The route winds past the Véu de Noiva waterfall before tackling the brutal climb to Mirante da Geodésia, Brazil’s geographic center, where deep sand traps and rocky outcrops test both vehicle and driver on tracks originally cut by garimpeiros seeking precious stones.
This is a moderate to difficult route demanding high-clearance 4WD with low range for the technical sandstone sections and deep sand pits. Dry season (May-September) is essential as wet season flooding makes several creek crossings impassable. Carry 40+ liters of water per person — the cerrado sun is merciless and mechanical breakdowns far from help are common. You’ll earn stunning views across endless cerrado to the Pantanal wetlands and camp under star-drunk skies where jaguars still hunt.
Trail Specs
| Difficulty | Difficult |
|---|---|
| Trail Type | Technical 4x4 |
| Surface | Mixed, Rock, Sand |
| Features | Camping, High Altitude, Historic, Remote, Scenic, Water Crossings |
| Length (miles) | 85 mi / 136.8 km |
| Duration | 3-4 days |
| Max elevation (ft) | 2625 ft |
| Best season | May-September |
| Minimum vehicle | 4WD high-clearance with low range |
| Nearest town | Chapada dos Guimarães, Mato Grosso |
| Land manager | Parque Nacional da Chapada dos Guimarães |
| Permit required | No |
| Cell service | None |
| Water crossings | Yes |
| Dispersed camping | Yes |
| Start coordinates | |
| End coordinates | |
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| Find on Google | Search on Google → |
Location
Trail Conditions
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