Cavalcante is the largest municipality in the Chapada dos Veadeiros region of northern Goiás state, a vast territory of cerrado savanna, dramatic rock formations, and cascading waterfalls. A big share of the Chapada dos Veadeiros National Park — a UNESCO World Heritage Site — falls within its borders.
The town sits at around 800 metres, surrounded by mountains that rise to 1,300 metres and plunge to river valleys at 400. It was the first settlement in the region, founded during the gold rush, and traces of that era survive in a few old colonial houses — though much of the historic architecture has been lost. What Cavalcante kept intact is its natural heritage: the stone walls and plateaus surrounding the town hide waterfalls like Santa Bárbara and Véu de Noiva, natural swimming pools such as the Poço Encantado, and trails through one of Brazil's most biodiverse ecosystems.
The local culture is rich too. The Kalunga quilombola community at Engenho II, descended from escaped slaves who fled into these valleys in the 18th century, maintains its traditions and welcomes visitors to its territory. The town's calendar is punctuated by religious festivals and folk celebrations. For anyone drawn to wild landscapes and unhurried Brazilian backcountry, Cavalcante is a rewarding base.