Vagafogo Wildlife Sanctuary (Santuário de Vida Silvestre Vagafogo)

The Vagafogo Wildlife Sanctuary is a Private Natural Heritage Reserve (RPPN) close to central Pirenópolis. It is one of the easiest ways to experience the Cerrado (Brazil’s tropical savanna) and riverside forest without long stretches of dirt road: access is via Rua do Frota, in Alto do Carmo.

What the sanctuary offers

According to the official website, Vagafogo offers:

• the Mãe da Floresta (“Mother of the Forest”) trail, about 1,530 metres long, through the forest;
• brunch, served at the sanctuary itself;
• an adventure circuit, with activities such as treetop walks, rappelling, a pendulum swing and a zip line.

Each experience has its own rules and availability, and the official website asks for online booking.

Who it is for

• First-time visitors: a great introduction to Pirenópolis’s nature without travelling far.
• Families: the main trail is short; the adventure activities have their own restrictions — check the official website before promising anything to the kids. See also Pirenópolis with kids.
• Travellers without a car: being close to the centre, it is one of the most accessible nature options. See Pirenópolis without a car.

How to fit it into your itinerary

In the 3-day itinerary, Vagafogo fills a relaxed morning before a longer day in the mountains.

What to bring

• Closed shoes and comfortable clothing;
• insect repellent and sunscreen;
• water;
• swimwear, if your chosen activities involve water (check the website).

Prices and opening hours

Prices for the trail, brunch and circuit change and have not been confirmed by a dated official source, so we do not publish them. Check the sanctuary’s official website, which also lists opening days and rules. To build your budget, see Pirenópolis trip cost.