← Maratona de Cuiabá·Day trip

Chapada dos Guimarães: A Day at the Véu de Noiva Viewpoint

A day on the plateau above Cuiabá with a short, light walk to the Véu de Noiva viewpoint and lunch in Chapada town, then back to the city hotel.

DurationDay trip
TransitAbout 56 km by road, roughly 1 hour each way, via MT-251
DepartsCuiabá

After the Maratona de Cuiabá: Chapada dos Guimarães

The Route: Cuiabá → Chapada dos Guimarães National Park → Chapada town → Cuiabá Logistics: Hired driver, taxi or organised tour, about 56 km each way via the MT-251. Marathon Month: December Duration: Day trip

Cuiabá hotel ──(about 56 km, roughly 1 hr via MT-251)──> Chapada dos Guimarães National Park ──(about 12 km)──> Chapada town ──(same road back)──> Cuiabá hotel

The Chapada dos Guimarães plateau rises north-east of Cuiabá, and the national park there is the usual day trip from the city. The park authority, ICMBio, puts the distance from the Cuiabá bus terminal to the main park entrance at about 56 km and a little over an hour, depending on traffic and weather. It is a short enough journey to do on the Monday after the race, and you sleep in your own hotel bed at the end.

December in Chapada: this is the wet season. Cuiabá's monthly rainfall for December is about 193 mm, and afternoon storms are normal. Go early, keep the afternoon free for shelter and expect the trails to be wet. Check the park's own notice on the day, since it can close sections in bad weather.

The Day

Leave Cuiabá in the morning. The marathon started before dawn the day before, so most runners will not want to rise early again, but the park's entry window is 08:30 to 16:00 with exit by 17:00, so a late start loses most of the day. Aim to arrive by mid-morning.

The Véu de Noiva viewpoint is the right target. ICMBio classes the walk as light and describes it as about 1.2 km return. The surface is a prepared route and not a scramble, but tired legs make even short steps and slopes feel longer, so go slowly, use the rails and do not hurry the return.

Skip the longer trails. The park's waterfall circuit is a different effort at about 4.6 km return and rated medium, and some attractions require an authorised guide booked in advance. That is for another visit.

Eat lunch in Chapada town, about 12 km and 15 minutes from the main entrance. The town is the service centre for the park, so there is a choice of simple restaurants. Opening hours vary, so ask at the park gate or your driver.

Getting Home

Return to your Cuiabá hotel in the afternoon, ideally before dark and before any evening storm. The airport is Cuiabá Marechal Rondon (CGB) in Várzea Grande. Do not book a flight for the evening of the trip, and ask your hotel to arrange a taxi for the following morning.