Located in the southern region of Maranhão, about 800 kilometers from the capital São Luís, the Chapada das Mesas (Plateau of the Tables) is one of the most sought-after destinations in the Brazilian Northeast. Among the ten municipalities that make up the area, the town of Carolina serves as the main base for exploring this stunning region.
The Chapada das Mesas Tourist Hub was established in 2005. This conservation area, with its unique rock formations, canyons, caves, and waterfalls, spans the municipalities of Carolina, Riachão, and Estreito.
Highlights include the impressive São Romão and Cachoeira da Prata waterfalls, which will be featured in this article. Additionally, the breathtaking sunset over the Tocantins River is a must-see and a rewarding experience for visitors.
Let’s dive into this guide to help you plan an unforgettable trip!
How to get to Chapada das Mesas National Park
To reach Chapada das Mesas, you first need to get to Carolina. The JR 4000 bus company offers daily routes from Imperatriz to Carolina, with an average travel time of 3 hours and 30 minutes.
The most accessible airports are the Araguaína Regional Airport (AUX) in Araguaína, Tocantins, located 119 kilometers from Carolina, and the Renato Moreira Airport (IMP) in Imperatriz, Maranhão, 222 kilometers away.
When to visit Chapada das Mesas
The dry season in Chapada das Mesas lasts from late May to early December. During this time, temperatures are higher, with sunny days averaging 37ºC (98ºF).
On the other hand, from December to the end of May, the rainy season brings cooler temperatures and cloudier waters in the pools and waterfalls.
What to do in Chapada das Mesas
- DAY 1: Depart from Palmas at 8:00 AM to Carolina, Maranhão, and enjoy the sunset along the Tocantins River.
- DAY 2: Head to Riachão to explore the Encanto Azul, Santa Bárbara Waterfall, Namorados Waterfall, and Poço Azul Complex.
- DAY 3: Visit Macapá Waterfall (viewpoint and trekking).
- DAY 4: Watch the sunrise at the Portal da Chapada, then explore the heart of Chapada das Mesas National Park, including São Romão and Prata Waterfalls.
- DAY 5: Visit Pedra Caída Complex, including the Pedra Caída Sanctuary, Capelão Waterfall, and Caverna Waterfall. Optional activities include zip-lining, rappelling, and a cable car.
- DAY 6: Enjoy lunch en route and transfer to Imperatriz, Maranhão.
DAY 1: From Palmas to Carolina, Maranhão, with a Visit to the Historical Museum and Sunset on the Tocantins River
Begin your trip with a journey from Palmas, Tocantins’ capital, to Carolina, the gateway to Chapada das Mesas.
Explore the Historical Museum of Carolina, where you’ll delve into the city’s rich past. The museum features artifacts and documents, with guided tours led by Hélio Ney, the museum’s professor and director.
End your day with one of Chapada das Mesas’ most breathtaking experiences: a sunset on the Tocantins River. Located between Carolina and Filadélfia, the river offers a serene view best enjoyed on a boat tour for around R$30 (~USD 4,89 /€ 4,75).
DAY 2: Riachão and the Poço Azul Complex (Encanto Azul, Santa Bárbara Waterfall, Namorados Waterfall)
On your second day, venture to Riachão (Small Stream/river), home to the stunning Poço Azul (Blue Well) Complex, which features over 400 natural springs. The journey is worth it, with its crystal-clear blue waters offering a magical, cinematic experience.
A short 6 km away lies the Encanto Azul (Blue Enchantment), another breathtaking spring. Entrance costs R$30 (~USD 4,89 /€ 4,75), and you can enjoy snorkeling and diving in its pristine waters.
Nearby, just a 15-minute drive, is the Cachoeira Santa Bárbara (Saint Barbara Waterfall), a striking 70-meter drop that forms the image of a saint in the cascading water—a sight that’s nothing short of mesmerizing! Adventurers can rappel down 76 meters for R$120 (~USD 19,55 /€ 19,01) or enjoy a thrilling zip-line ride for R$50 (~USD 8,15 /€ 7,92).
End your day at the Cachoeira dos Namorados (Lovers’ Waterfall). Though its drop is modest at just 1.5 meters, it offers a cozy, romantic setting. Perfect for couples, its shallow waters provide an intimate and tranquil experience to wrap up your day.
DAY 3: Macapá Waterfall (Viewpoint and Trekking)
On the third day of your Chapada das Mesas itinerary, it’s time to visit the region’s largest waterfall!
The Macapá Waterfall, located between Balsas and Nova Colinas, boasts an impressive drop of over 80 meters. Simply breathtaking!
DAY 4: Portal da Chapada (Sunrise), Exploring the Heart of Chapada das Mesas National Park, São Romão Waterfall, and Prata Waterfall
Start your day at the Portal da Chapada (Plateau Gateway), just 10 km from Carolina’s city center. This iconic site offers one of the most stunning landscapes in Brazil, from the rock opening to the expansive horizon ahead.
The Cerrado vegetation stretches gloriously across the horizon, with highlights like the Chapada Pillars and the stunning Morro do Chapéu.
Witnessing the sunrise from the Portal da Chapada is an unparalleled privilege. The 600-meter trail to reach this spot is well worth it, rewarding visitors with a surreal view.
Later, visit the Cachoeira da Prata (Silver Waterfall) and São Romão Waterfall, located about 20 km apart.
The Cachoeira São Romão (Saint Romão Waterfall), with its 22-meter drop, is situated near the Farinha River, a tributary of the Tocantins River. The best part of the experience? Viewing the waterfall from behind! The access trail takes you to a unique perspective where you can feel the spray and hear the roar of the water—a truly sensory experience.
The Prata Waterfall, with a 26-meter drop, is perfect for contemplation. Swimming is not recommended here due to the pool’s depth and the powerful currents.
DAY 5: Pedra Caída Complex – Sanctuary, Capelão Waterfall, and Caverna Waterfall (Optional Activities: Zip-lining, Rappelling, and Cable Car)
At the Pedra Caída (Fallen Rock) Complex, explore the Sanctuary of Pedra Caída, one of the area’s postcards. This site features three waterfalls, including the Sanctuary Waterfall, with a 46-meter drop.
The complex also boasts a massive 300-meter canyon, where adventurers can enjoy thrilling zip-lining experiences. Don’t miss it!
Within the complex, visit the Capelão Waterfall, another stunning attraction with emerald-colored waters perfect for a refreshing swim. Its unique rock formations add to its charm.
The Caverna (Cave) Waterfall, located within a cave, features a 15-meter drop. Though swimming is possible, caution is advised in the deeper sections.
DAY 6: Lunch En Route and Transfer to Imperatriz, Maranhão
Finally, your last day in Chapada das Mesas is a more relaxed one. Enjoy lunch during your transfer back to Imperatriz, Maranhão, and reflect on the incredible experiences you’ve had.
Local Cuisine
With roots in indigenous food, Maranhão’s cuisine is one of the most celebrated in Northeast Brazil, attracting visitors with its unique flavors. The local gastronomy also draws strong influences from Europe, especially Portugal and France.
Seafood and fish are undoubtedly the stars of Maranhão’s cuisine, with dishes like:
- Surubim in coconut milk with pirão
- Fried tambaqui or tambacu
- Free-range chicken in brown sauce
- Giant shrimp
- Juçara (Maranhão’s version of açaí)
- Grilled or fried fish in babassu coconut oil
Moqueca Maranhense
This classic dish features shrimp and fish fillets (usually snapper, dourado, or tucunaré) cooked with lime, onion, and tomato. A distinguishing feature of Maranhão’s moqueca is the addition of boiled eggs, setting it apart from its Bahian and Capixaba counterparts.
Arroz de Cuxá (Cuxá’s Rice)
A quintessential Maranhão dish, this rice is prepared with dried shrimp, sorrel, sesame, onion, garlic, olive oil, and salt. It’s a must-try for visitors to the region.
Peixe Escabeche (Escabeche Fish)
A fried fish dish topped with a vibrant red sauce made of coconut milk and shrimp, making it one of Maranhão’s culinary highlights.
Caranguejada (Crab Stew)
This dish features whole crabs cooked in a rich sauce made of tomato, onion, cilantro, and coconut milk, served with sides like bacon-flavored rice, farofa, and vinaigrette.
Caranguejo Toc Toc (Toc Toc Crab)
A simpler version of the caranguejada, this dish involves crabs boiled in seasoned water with lime, salt, and cilantro. Its name comes from the “toc toc” sound made when cracking the crab shells.
Vatapá de Frango (Chicken Vatapá)
A variation of the vatapá, this dish uses shredded chicken breast cooked with coconut milk, rice flour, palm oil, and spices.
Torta Maranhense (Maranhense Pie)
A baked savory pie made with whipped eggs, cooked potatoes, and fillings such as dried shrimp, crab, or sururu.
Carne de Sol Maranhense (Sun-Dried Meat from Maranhão)
This sun-dried beef dish is often served with fried cassava, banana, and hearty bean stew. Melted butter and local sides like rice, puréed cassava, and grilled cheese add a rich, distinctive flavor.
Peixada Maranhense (Fish Stew from Maranhão)
Similar to moqueca but without shrimp, this indigenous-inspired dish often uses yellow snapper and includes whole boiled eggs.
Doce de Espécie
A biscuit-like dessert made with rapadura, sesame seeds, cassava flour, cloves, black pepper, and aniseed. It pairs wonderfully with coffee.
Turiaçu Pineapple
Grown in the Maranhão town of Turiaçu, this low-acidity pineapple is famous for its incredible sweetness.
Bolo de Roda (Wheel Cake)
A round cake made with cassava and milk.
Anel de Bispo (Bishop’s Ring)
A savory tapioca-based cake shaped like a ring.
Bolo de Puba and Língua de Mulata (Puba Cake and Mulata’s Tongue)
Sweet cakes made with fermented cassava, butter, and coconut milk.
Homemade Fruit Preserves
Local fruits like orange, jackfruit, mango, buriti, bacuri, cashew, and dried banana are transformed into delicious preserves.
Where to eat in Chapada das Mesas
- Restaurante Lajes Queiroz
- Restaurante Chega Mais
- Pizzaria Tio Pepe
- Restaurante Rio Lajes
- Churrascaria Estrela do Sul
- Espaço Gourmet
- Tribo do Crepe
Where to stay in Carolina
- Pousada Queda D’água
- Pousada Recanto das Famílias
- Rancho das Estrelas Hotel Fazenda
- Pousada Candeeiros
- Pousada do Lajes
- Novo Hotel
- Ventanas Hotel Boutique
- Pousada Maktub
- Pousada Familiar Encanto da Chapada
- Hostel e Cachaçaria da Cris
- Pousada Jerusalém
- New Center Hotel
- Pousada Cachoeiras Do Itapecuru
- Pousada Águas da Chapada
Interesting facts
- Carolina is known as the “Paradise of Waters” due to its 89 waterfalls and 400 springs.
- Located in the southern region of Maranhão, Carolina is 800 kilometers from São Luís.
- The National Park, established in 2005, is situated in an area of unique terrain.
- Carolina grew along the banks of the Tocantins River.
- Historically, it was one of Maranhão’s most vibrant cities.
- In the 1950s, Carolina was home to the first hydroelectric power plant in Northern and Northeastern Brazil.
- Maria Leopoldina of Austria, the Empress of Brazil, once stayed in Carolina.
- In 1832, the town was named Carolina in honor of Carolina Josefa Leopoldina Francisca Fernanda of Habsburg-Lorraine, the first wife of Emperor Dom Pedro I.
- Carolina was elevated to village status in 1831.
- On August 23, 1854, Carolina was reclassified as a municipality of Maranhão.
- The town’s historic center is protected by the National Institute of Historic and Artistic Heritage (IPHAN).
- Carolina boasts over 500 colonial buildings in the region.
- The Chapada das Mesas Lookout features nearly 14 kilometers of linear extension, with heights ranging from 309 to 420 meters.
The Chapada das Mesas is a treasure trove of natural wonders, cultural richness, and unforgettable experiences. From breathtaking waterfalls to the serene beauty of the Tocantins River at sunset, every moment spent in this remarkable destination is a memory waiting to be made.
Whether you’re an adventurer eager to explore the majestic trails and hidden lagoons, a nature lover captivated by the unique flora and fauna, or a foodie excited to savor the distinct flavors of Maranhão’s cuisine, Chapada das Mesas offers something for everyone.
Plan your trip carefully, taking advantage of the best seasons and crafting a thoughtful itinerary to ensure you can soak in the full essence of the region. Whether you’re traveling solo, with friends, or as a family, this destination promises a journey filled with awe, discovery, and relaxation.
So pack your bags, grab your hiking boots, and get ready to explore one of Brazil’s most captivating destinations. The Chapada das Mesas awaits, ready to welcome you with its natural beauty, rich history, and warm hospitality.
Safe travels, and don’t forget to share your stories and experiences from this unforgettable adventure!
