Goias Travel Guide

About the State of Goias, Brazil

Goiás is a central Brazilian state located in the country's Center-West region, with a population of about 7.3 million people and an area of approximately 340,000 square kilometers. Its capital, Goiânia, is a planned city founded in 1933 to replace the former capital, Goiás Velho, and is now a regional hub for agribusiness, commerce, and education. Goiás developed historically as part of the 18th-century gold rush in the interior of Brazil, particularly around towns like Pirenópolis and the original capital, both of which preserve colonial architecture and are important for their historical value. The state is linguistically and culturally influenced by sertanejo music, rural Catholic traditions, and cuisine centered on ingredients like corn, pequi fruit, and manioc.

Goiás is geographically diverse, with rolling plateaus, rivers, and areas of preserved cerrado biome, offering numerous opportunities for nature-based tourism. The Chapada dos Veadeiros National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is one of Brazil’s most well-known ecotourism destinations, attracting visitors with its canyons, waterfalls, and quartz crystal rock formations. The town of Alto Paraíso de Goiás, near the park, is known for its alternative communities, spiritual tourism, and ecological lodges. Another important natural area is the Serra da Canastra and nearby Serra Dourada, with hiking trails and highland vistas. Goiás also offers thermal tourism in cities like Caldas Novas and Rio Quente, home to some of the largest hot spring complexes in the world. The colonial towns of Goiás Velho and Pirenópolis, in addition to their historical value, host annual cultural festivals such as the Festa do Divino and Cavalhadas, blending religious tradition with local folklore.

Economically, Goiás has grown into one of Brazil’s major agribusiness and industrial centers. It is among the country’s leading producers of soybeans, corn, sugarcane, and beef, supported by vast mechanized farms and a well-developed logistics network. In addition to agriculture and livestock, Goiás has expanded its industrial base, especially in food processing, pharmaceuticals, and automotive manufacturing. Anápolis, one of the state’s largest cities, is home to a major industrial district and logistics hub, while Catalão hosts significant automobile production, including a large Mitsubishi plant. Goiás also benefits from its strategic location between Brazil's capital city, Brasília, and southeastern Brazil, giving it access to important transport routes and infrastructure.