Fervedouros of Jalapão
Mateiros, Tocantins, Brazil
The Fervedouros are natural spring pools in Jalapão State Park where high-pressure subterranean rivers force water upward through fine sand beds with such intensity that swimmers…
What it's like here
The Fervedouros are natural spring pools in Jalapão State Park where high-pressure subterranean rivers force water upward through fine sand beds with such intensity that swimmers cannot sink. Located in remote Tocantins, these crystal-clear turquoise pools surrounded by tropical foliage offer one of Brazil's most unusual water experiences. The buoyancy is so powerful that you float effortlessly, suspended in the water while watching sand bubble up from below — a genuinely strange and memorable sensation that most conventional swimming cannot match.
The pools themselves are strikingly photogenic, with that vivid turquoise hue and the contrast of lush vegetation. It's the kind of place where the basic physics of being in water feels different; your body simply will not obey normal swimming behaviour. Entry requires a local guide and 4x4 transport, and visits are managed in small timed groups to protect the ecology. This is not a casual day trip — it demands a bit of planning and commitment — but that structure also means the experience stays intimate and the landscape largely unspoiled.
Visiting is best during the dry season from May to September, when access is most reliable. Admission runs from around 30 BRL per site. You will want to allow 1 to 2 hours or half a day depending on how many springs you visit and how much time you spend floating and taking in the surroundings. The remote location means the infrastructure is minimal but functional: parking and toilets are available, and eco-tourism practices are strictly enforced. This is not a place to turn up on a whim; you need to arrange a guide and transport in advance. But if you're drawn to landscapes and experiences that feel genuinely different, the Fervedouros deliver something you will not find anywhere else.
Highlights
- Impossible to sink due to intense subterranean water pressure
- Crystal-clear turquoise pools surrounded by tropical vegetation
- Remote location in Jalapão State Park requiring guided 4x4 access
- Strictly managed small group visits to protect the ecosystem
- Best visited May to September during dry season
Good to know
You must arrange a local guide and 4x4 transport in advance; the springs are in a remote area and entry is restricted to small timed groups. Admission is approximately 30 BRL per site. The dry season from May to September offers the most reliable access. Parking and toilet facilities are available. Eco-tourism practices are strictly enforced to protect the landscape.
You might also like
Questions people ask
Why is it impossible to sink in a Fervedouro?
The intense pressure of the subterranean river forcing water up through the sand creates such high buoyancy that swimmers float effortlessly without sinking.
Where are the Fervedouros located?
They are located in Jalapão State Park in Tocantins, Brazil, a remote area that requires 4x4 transport and a local guide to reach.
Can I swim in the Fervedouros?
Yes, the pools are open for swimming. The buoyant water makes for a unique and safe floating experience, though entry is managed in small timed groups.
Attributes & facilities
Experience
Last verified: August 23, 2026