Pirenópolis: Guided City & Waterfall Tour with Local Stories

Summary

Walk old Pirenópolis streets, taste Goiás food, see waterfalls

You’ll wander Pirenópolis’ historic streets with a local guide who knows every corner, taste real Goiás cooking at lunch, and cool off in mountain waterfalls near the city. With stories about gold chasers and old treaties along the way—and plenty of small moments you’ll remember long after the trip.

What’s the experience like?

I felt a weird mix of calm and curiosity as we rolled into Pirenópolis—maybe it was the way the old cobblestone streets looked in the morning light, or just that our guide, Paulo, kept pointing out things I’d never have noticed on my own. He told us about the gold cycle and how this city was basically born from people chasing dreams (and gold dust). I remember passing a little bakery where you could smell sweet bread baking—Paulo waved at the owner like they were old friends. Maybe they were.

We stopped at a spot where he explained the Treaty of Tordesillas—honestly, I thought I knew what that was from school, but hearing it here made it feel less like a textbook and more like something that actually shaped these hills. There’s something about seeing those old markers in person. The sun was already getting strong by then, but there was this breeze coming off the Serra dos Pirineus that made it all feel lighter somehow.

Lunch was classic Goiás food—rice with pequi (which I’d never tried before; kind of nutty and floral?), plus some spicy sausage that Paulo insisted we eat with a spoonful of local chili sauce. He laughed when I coughed after trying it. After that we drove out to one of the waterfalls nearby. The water was cold enough to make your feet ache for a second, but honestly? Worth it for how clear everything felt after. Kids were splashing around and someone had music playing quietly from their phone—not loud enough to bother anyone, just enough to remind you people live here year-round.

I still think about how quiet it got right before we left the last lookout point—the view over Pirenópolis with those red roofs and green hills behind them. It wasn’t dramatic or anything, just... peaceful. If you’re looking for a day trip from Brasília or Goiânia that’s more than just checking boxes, this is probably it.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Pirenópolis and Surroundings

• Visit historical points of Treaty of Tordesillas
• City tour through Pirenópolis historical streets
• Enjoy Goiâna gastronomy
• Visit waterfalls in Serra dos Pirineus

Top questions

Is hotel pickup included for this Pirenópolis tour?

The tour includes pickup in an air-conditioned vehicle.

What does the itinerary cover on this day trip?

The itinerary covers historical points related to the gold cycle and Treaty of Tordesillas, a city tour through Pirenópolis’ historic streets, local gastronomy, and visits to waterfalls in Serra dos Pirineus.

Is lunch provided during the tour?

The experience includes tasting Goiás cuisine during lunch.

Are infants or children allowed on this tour?

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller; specialized infant seats are available.

Are service animals permitted?

Yes, service animals are allowed on this tour.

Is this tour suitable for all fitness levels?

The tour is suitable for all physical fitness levels.

What’s included

Your day includes pickup in an air-conditioned vehicle with a local guide who shares stories along the way; stops at historical sites tied to Brazil’s gold cycle; time exploring Pirenópolis’ old streets; lunch featuring traditional Goiás dishes; plus visits to scenic waterfall lookouts in Serra dos Pirineus before heading back.