Complexo Rio da Prata

The Rio da Prata, in Cavalcante, Chapada dos Veadeiros, holds two tours sold in the same complex. Pratinha is the upper-falls tour, without Rainha and without Rei. Rei do Prata is the tour of Rei waterfall and Rainha waterfall. Both use the same access and the same point on the map.

Pratinha tour

Pratinha is about 500 meters from the parking area: four similar drops into a shallow pool. From there the path crosses Vale de Marte, a stone pavement of round basins, and reaches Três Marias, three threads of water into one pool. Then come Esmeralda, with green water, Cortina, on a short wall, Passador, which slopes down like a slide, and Escondida, seen from the lookout. That set is the Pratinha tour. Rei and Rainha stay out of it.

Rei do Prata tour

Rei do Prata is the fall at the end of the forest corridor, inside a green canyon, with a pool wrapped by a cliff. The drop itself is not the tallest in the complex. What stays with you is the enclosed pool and the forest around it. Rainha do Prata is the neighbor, on the same stretch, with a harder descent. Booking Rei do Prata means those two waterfalls.

Two properties

The complex is split across private land. The first gate covers the upper falls. Continuing to Rei and Rainha can meet a second fee on the way. You do not enter without an accredited guide. The place is remote, and the guide sets the pace and the turnaround.

Road and trail

From Cavalcante it is about 65 km of rough dirt road. From Alto Paraíso, add the pavement to Cavalcante, about 90 km, and the drive runs past three hours. The full trail, round trip, is about 14 km and it is hard. One day is enough for Pratinha with time to spare. Rei and Rainha need more time, and the whole complex is better across two days.

Tips

• Leave early. The road uses up the morning.
• Bring food and water. Do not count on a snack bar at the pool.
• Shoes that can get wet, and a change of clothes in the car.
• In the rain the dirt gets worse and the current rises. The guide confirms the day before.