Carolina, Riachão and Estreito – Chapada das Mesas National Park

An ecological sanctuary with 166 thousand hectares, the Chapada das Mesas National Park is located in the south of Maranhão, between the municipalities of Carolina, Riachão and Estreito. The region is characterised by its hill shaped plateaus, sculpted by wind and rain and responsible for giving the Park its name.

Other notable features are the many waterfalls, especially at Pedra Caída, and the beautiful landscapes dominated by a lush habitat of diverse fauna. Another highlight is the trek up the Morro das Figuras, with inscriptions and nature trails that lead to impressive waterfalls and lookouts, such as the Morro do Chapéu.

Despite being synonymous with adventure (the city of Carolina has hosted several editions of Rally, a type of extreme race), Chapada das Mesas has also become a region with strong tourism potential, sought after by those seeking to get close to nature, with beautiful walks in tranquil surroundings.

Access: The city of Carolina, on the banks of Tocantins River, is the point of departure for almost all tours in the Chapada das Mesas National Park. By plane, the nearest airport to Carolina is the Imperatriz, 200 kilometres away.

Arriving: Leaving the city of Carolina, the Park is an 80 kilometres journey – 30 kilometres along a paved road (BR 230, in the direction of Estreito) and the remaining 50 kilometres on an off-road trail.

Pedra Caída Ecological Sanctuary: A complex with three waterfalls, the sanctuary is 35 kilometres from Carolina and measures 46 metres. The biggest attraction is entering the majestic canyon to appreciate the well that has formed below the waterfall and taking a dip in the waters there. The location offers the possibility to engage in a range of adventure activities, including trips in trail vehicles, walks and canyoneering. Here, the zip line is one of the highest and longest in the country, reaching 1200 metres long and 200 metres high.

Morro de Chapéu: Trekking on the Morro de Chapéu, the highest point of Chapada, involves a 365-metre climb across sandstone rock and is therefore recommended only for those with the physical fitness and preparation to be able to participate. It becomes even more enjoyable with the mystical legends about the hill where it is said that this was the primary host of the indigenous rituals of the region.

Morro das Figuras: Almost 40 kilometres from Carolina, the Morro das Figuras has a rocky formation with several rock inscriptions that are believed to have been written by the  Indians, descendants of the Tupi-Guarani.