Mirante da Janela

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The most famous lookout in the Chapada dos Veadeiros: a natural stone 'window' framing the Saltos do Rio Preto (120 m and 80 m falls) inside the National Park. It sits outside the PNCV gate, on privately managed land, with a ~8 km (round-trip) trail from free parking ~5 km from the village of São Jorge. Halfway along is the Cachoeira do Abismo, which only has a waterfall in the rainy season (October to early April). Paid entry at the gate (cash or Pix); sunset and sunrise only with an accredited guide.

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Drop

8 km

Trail (round trip)

Moderate

Difficulty

R$ 40

Entry

Before you go

Entry 8am to 4pm, you can stay until 5pm; without a guide, enter by 2pm and start back by 4pm. Staying for sunset and leaving after dark only with an accredited guide. Entry R$ 40–50 depending on the source (2025/26) — confirm; payment at the gate, cash or Pix only (no online sales).
The Cachoeira do Abismo (halfway along the trail) only runs in the rainy season, from October to early April — peak beauty; in the dry season the trail is exposed to strong sun and there's no water.

How to get there

Dirt roadA regular car manages with care.

From Alto Paraíso42 km
From São Jorge5 km

From Alto Paraíso, the paved GO-239 to São Jorge (~36 km); from the village, ~5 km of dirt road in good shape to the parking area (sources cite 3–5 km) — any car makes it. Google Maps may suggest a wrong route unsuitable for 2WD; follow the local signage. The trail starts by the Museu do Garimpo.

Google Maps Waze

The trail

8 km

Distance

4 h

Time

Moderate

Level

4 km from the parking area to the lookout (3.5 km from the gate); sources cite 7–8 km round trip. Constant up and down, almost no shade, with wooden stairs/walkways and railings; the final stretch is a rock scramble following red arrows. Considered one of the toughest trails in the São Jorge area. Climbing on the Janela rock formation is forbidden (geological risk). Carry plenty of water — there are no refill points in the dry season.

The water & the river

DarkClarity 3/5

River: Rio Preto

Ratings

Beleza

Trilha

Lotação

Acesso

Scored 1 to 5. Beauty is subjective — so we split it into axes, letting you sort by what matters to you.

Planning your visit

Mirante da Janela is about 5 km by road from São Jorge; access is by a well-kept dirt road; the trail is 8 km round trip, moderate level, around 4 h.

Entry costs R$ 40 per person.

Do I need a guide?: No — open access, no guide required.
How much is entry?: R$ 40 per person.
Can I go in a regular car?: Yes, with care — well-kept dirt road.
When to go?: The Cachoeira do Abismo (halfway along the trail) only runs in the rainy season, from October to early April — peak beauty; in the dry season the trail is exposed to strong sun and there's no water.
What are the hours?: Entry 8am to 4pm, you can stay until 5pm; without a guide, enter by 2pm and start back by 4pm. Staying for sunset and leaving after dark only with an accredited guide. Entry R$ 40–50 depending on the source (2025/26) — confirm; payment at the gate, cash or Pix only (no online sales).