Things to do in Jaraguá
Ideas for a day trip, a weekend or a shopping trip. Jaraguá combines nature, history and one of the main clothing-manufacturing hubs in the state of Goiás.
1. Go up the Serra de Jaraguá
The mountain range is protected as the Serra de Jaraguá State Park (Parque Estadual da Serra de Jaraguá), with free entry. From the entrance, behind the Rosário Church, it is about 5 km on a dirt road to the launch ramp, which you can do by car, on foot or by bike. At the top are the viewpoints and the Poção and Abismo trails. Go early and bring water and closed-toe shoes. Details on the Serra de Jaraguá page.
2. Watch the free flight
The mountain's ramp has hosted paragliding championships since 2005. On days with favorable wind it is common to see pilots taking off, but flying depends on the weather; the best months are June to October. Learn more about paragliding on the Serra de Jaraguá.
3. River swimming: the Poção and the Saraiva River
The Poção, a pool of crystal-clear water, is inside the park and is reached by the Poção Trail. On the road to Goianésia is the Saraiva River, with natural pools and the Saraiva Waterfall. The Prainha (little beach) on the Rio das Almas is the option within town. Choose the dry season (May to September), when the rivers are clean and the current is weaker.
4. Stroll through the historic center
A walking tour takes in the Nossa Senhora da Penha Mother Church, on the main square, the Rosário Church (1776), the Conceição Church (begun in 1828) and the house of Father Silvestre, today the House of Culture (Casa da Cultura), open Monday to Friday. Finish at the Praça do Coreto (bandstand square). Route and opening times on the historic center page.
5. Shop for clothes and jeans
This is the reason for many visits. The factories and wholesale stores are mainly in the Setor Aeroporto district and on Avenida JK, and many also sell retail. Opening hours and days vary from company to company: check in advance, especially on Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays. See the clothing factories of Jaraguá, how to buy wholesale and the Outlet Jaraguá.
6. Eat well
Jaraguá has barbecue steakhouses (churrascarias) along the BR-153, pamonharias (serving sweet-corn tamales) and typical Goiás food: rice with pequi (a local fruit), empadão (a savory pie), galinhada (chicken and rice) and little pastries (pastelinho). The region's pineapple is a tradition. Look up bars and restaurants (in Portuguese) in the directory.
7. Join a town festival
If you can choose your dates, come for the Festa do Divino (Feast of the Holy Spirit) and the Cavalhadas (date varies, usually between May and June), street Carnival or the Festa do Peão (rodeo), in the week of July 29. See the festival calendar.
Suggested 2-day itinerary
| Day 1 | Morning: drive or hike up the mountain and visit the viewpoints. Afternoon: swim at the Poção or the Saraiva. Late afternoon: the free-flight ramp. Evening: dinner downtown. |
|---|---|
| Day 2 | Morning: historic center and churches. Afternoon: shopping at the clothing factories (on a weekday or Saturday, depending on each store's hours) and head home. |
Need somewhere to stay? See hotels and guesthouses and how to get there.
Updated on September 24, 2026