Serra de Jaraguá State Park
The mountain range that dominates Jaraguá's landscape is protected as the Serra de Jaraguá State Park (Parque Estadual da Serra de Jaraguá, PESJ). Entry is free, you can drive up to the free-flight ramp, and at the top there are trails, viewpoints and an archaeological site.
Information checked: September 2026, on the official website of the Goiás State Parks (Semad).
The park at a glance
| Official name | Parque Estadual da Serra de Jaraguá (PESJ) |
|---|---|
| Area | 2,828.66 hectares, in Jaraguá and São Francisco de Goiás |
| Management | Goiás State Department of Environment and Sustainable Development (Semad) |
| Entry | Free, with no access restriction for independent visits |
| Groups | Technical, scientific and educational visits and large groups: advance booking required |
| Distance from Goiânia | 121 km via the GO-080 state highway (Semad figure) |
How to go up
The park entrance is behind the Nossa Senhora do Rosário Church, in the historic center. From there to the free-flight ramp it is about 5 km on a dirt road, which can be driven all the way. You can also go up on foot or by bike. Many people go up before dawn to watch the sunrise from the top.
- Bring water, sunscreen and closed-toe shoes; there is little shade on the higher stretches.
- In the rainy season (October to April), the dirt road can get slippery.
- Semad sets no entrance fee and no visiting hours for independent visits.
What to see in the park
The main attractions listed by Semad:
- Free-flight ramp, at the top of the mountain: one of the best-known paragliding ramps in Brazil's Center-West. See paragliding on the Serra de Jaraguá.
- Poção Trail, which leads to the Poção, a natural pool of clear water.
- Abismo Trail (Abyss Trail).
- Caminho de Cora Coralina: the long-distance trail linking historic towns of Goiás runs through the park.
- São Januário Archaeological Site, with a petroglyph and the ruins of the São José Chapel.
- Maria Helena Reservoir.
- Downhill course for mountain bikes, about 1.6 km long.
- Viewpoints overlooking the town and the Rio das Almas valley.
Protection and rules
The mountain became an Ecological Park under State Law No. 13,247 of January 13, 1998. Law No. 18,844 of June 10, 2015, changed the name and boundaries of the area, which became the Serra de Jaraguá State Park. The park's Management Plan was approved by Ordinance No. 139 of June 30, 2026. As a protected area, the usual rules apply: leave no trash, light no fires and do not remove plants, rocks or archaeological remains.
Park administration contact
Semad department responsible for the park: +55 (62) 3201-5295 · e-mail pesj.meioambiente@goias.gov.br. To book group visits, contact the administration in advance.
Frequently asked questions
Do I have to pay to enter the Serra de Jaraguá?
No. According to Semad, the state environment agency that manages the park, there is no entrance fee and no access restriction for independent visits.
Can I drive up the mountain?
Yes. From the entrance, behind the Nossa Senhora do Rosário Church, it is about 5 km on a dirt road to the free-flight ramp, and the whole stretch can be driven. In the rainy season, check the road conditions before going up.
Do groups need permission?
Technical, scientific and educational visits, as well as large groups, must be booked in advance with the park administration.
What is the best time for free flight?
Semad says June to October is the period with the best conditions for free flight from the mountain's ramp.
Continue your visit
After the mountain, explore the historic center, see things to do in Jaraguá and where to stay.
Source: Goiás State Parks / Semad (Serra de Jaraguá State Park page), consulted in September 2026.
Updated on September 24, 2026