Pirenópolis without a car: enjoying the town on foot
A bus to town, the historic centre on foot and agencies for the waterfalls.
Updated on October 4, 2026 ✓ Information checked on October 4, 2026 adapted from the Portuguese original
You can see a good part of Pirenópolis without a car. The historic centre is compact and easy to walk, and there are scheduled buses from Brasília, Brazil’s capital. The challenge is the waterfalls, which lie outside town — for those, the solution is to hire transport or book a tour.
Arriving without a car
Viação Goianésia runs the interstate Brasília–Pirenópolis route, authorised by ANTT (Brazil’s national land transport agency). Local websites also mention connections with Goiânia and Anápolis. Check timetables and boarding points directly with the companies. More details in how to get to Pirenópolis.
What to do on foot
If you stay in or near the centre, you can walk to:
- Historic streets: Rua Direita, Rua do Rosário (the “Rua do Lazer”, or Leisure Street) and Rua Aurora — see historic centre.
- Churches: the Mother Church of Our Lady of the Rosary, the Carmo Church and Museum of Sacred Art and the Bonfim Church.
- Museu do Divino, in the old town council and jail building, by the bridge.
- The Rio das Almas bridge and river beach, for a river swim without leaving town.
- Feira das Artes (Arts Fair), on Praça do Coreto, on weekends and public holidays.
- Restaurants and bars on Rua do Rosário and Rua Aurora — see where to eat.
Waterfalls and mountains without a car
| Option | How it works | Good for |
|---|---|---|
| Tour agency | Tour with transport and sometimes the entrance ticket included | Distant waterfalls and ready-made itineraries |
| Tourist transport operator | Hired transport to the attraction | Groups and families |
| Guesthouse | Many recommend or arrange transport | Convenience |
The City Hall publishes a list of tour agencies, guides and tourist transport operators — see tour agencies and guides. Always agree on a return time before you leave: the mobile signal can fail at rural attractions.
Where to stay without a car
Stay in the historic centre or on nearby streets: that way everything in town is within walking distance and you only need transport for nature outings. Countryside accommodation requires a car or transfer for everything. See where to stay.
Suggested itinerary (2 days)
- Day 1: arrive by bus; historic centre, churches, Museu do Divino and dinner on Rua do Rosário.
- Day 2: a booked waterfall tour in the morning; afternoon at the Rio das Almas and the Feira das Artes (weekends); head home.
Want more days? Adapt the itineraries by number of days.
Frequently asked questions
Can I walk to the waterfalls from the centre?
Most waterfalls are outside town and many involve dirt roads, so walking is not recommended. The Vagafogo Sanctuary is in the Alto do Carmo neighbourhood, closer to town; check the route and conditions before setting off on foot.
How do I arrange transport to the waterfalls?
The City Hall publishes a list of the town's tour agencies and tourist transport operators. You can also ask at your guesthouse or at the Tourist Information Centre (CAT).
Keep reading
Keep planning
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How to get to Pirenópolis: by car, bus and plane An overview of the ways in: highways, scheduled buses, the Brasília and Goiânia airports and the local airfield. Read guide - Tour agencies and guides in Pirenópolis When it is worth hiring an agency or guide, how to check their registration and the official list published by the City Hall. Read guide
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Where to stay in Pirenópolis: historic centre, nearby districts or countryside Historic centre, nearby districts or countryside: which area suits your trip. Read guide