Pilar de Goiás Travel Guide

Read this comprehensive guide to Pilar de Goiás to plan your trip to this culturally rich and naturally beautiful city in Central West, Brazil. Discover the top places to visit, things to do, where to stay, what to buy, and more.


Introduction to Pilar de Goiás

If you’re looking for a travel destination that’s off the beaten path, yet rich in cultural and natural wonders, Pilar de Goiás should be at the top of your list. Located in the state of Goiás, in Central West Brazil, Pilar de Goiás is a small city steeped in history, art, music, and outdoor adventure. The city was founded in the 18th century, and remnants of colonial architecture are still visible in its churches, museums, and cobbled streets. Additionally, Pilar de Goiás is home to various natural attractions such as waterfalls, rock formations, and forests.

In this travel guide, we’ll explore the top places to visit, things to do, where to stay, and local customs and culture of Pilar de Goiás.

List of Places to Visit in Pilar de Goiás

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

Pilar de Goiás has several museums and historical places that offer a glimpse into the city’s past. The Church of Our Lady of the Pillar is the most iconic monument in the city. This church, which dates back to the 18th century, features a baroque façade with intricate stonework and gilded carvings. Inside the church, visitors can admire ornate altars, colorful paintings, and sculptures.

Another must-visit place in Pilar de Goiás is the House of Culture. This museum showcases the city’s cultural and artistic heritage through exhibitions, workshops, and performances. Visitors can see a collection of folk art and handicrafts, learn how to make pottery or embroidery, and watch dances and music shows from local artists.

If you’re interested in historical architecture, head to the Governor’s House, where the state’s authorities resided in the 19th century. This beautiful mansion boasts rococo-style details, like balconies, columns, and iron gates.

Natural Attractions of Pilar de Goiás: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

Pilar de Goiás is a paradise for nature enthusiasts, with an abundance of waterfalls, rock formations, and forests. One of the most popular natural attractions is the Poço das Andorinhas, a waterfall with a natural pool ideal for swimming and diving. Surrounding the waterfall, visitors can see lush vegetation, birds, and butterflies.

Another scenic spot and a well-known destination for adventurers is the Mirante Pedreira, a viewpoint overlooking the valley below. The viewpoint can be reached by hiking through dense woods and climbing a rocky hill. Once at the top, you’ll be rewarded with breathtaking vistas of the surrounding landscape.

Lastly, Pilar de Goiás has an unusual geological formation: a canyon called Vão João Alves. This canyon is a narrow gap between two rocky walls that form a tunnel that’s a must-visit for any outdoor enthusiast.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Pilar de Goiás

Pilar de Goiás offers several hiking and biking routes that allow visitors to explore the natural beauty of the region. The most famous route is the trail to the waterfall called Cachoeira da Gameleira. This trail is around 4 km long and involves a moderate level of difficulty. Along the way, you can admire the rich flora and fauna of the cerrado biome, including animals like capuchin monkeys, and birds like toucans. The waterfall itself offers a refreshing swimming spot alongside a beautiful waterfall that’s perfect for taking photographs.

Another hiking spot is the trail called Trilha da Serra. This trek involves a steep climb up a mountain, but the effort is worth it for the panoramic views of Pilar de Goiás and surrounding valleys that reveal themselves at the summit.

Biking enthusiasts can also use trails such as the Cemitério da Lapinha Route, consisting of loops along dirt paths through lush native nature, the area’s quartzite formations, and a refreshing river to cool off in.

Best Things to Do in Pilar de Goiás: Activities and Tours

Pilar de Goiás offers plenty of activities and tours for travelers of all ages and interests. The following experiences should not be missed when visiting the city:

  • Attend a cultural or music event in the House of Culture or the Cultural Centre to immerse oneself in Pilar’s traditions.
  • Participate in a pottery workshop or embroidery session at the House of Culture or another cultural center to create a beautiful and unique handmade souvenir of your trip.
  • Hire a local guide to go hiking, climbing, or cycling, or enjoy an off-road vehicle touring the delights of the Pilar nature trails.
  • Join a heritage or historical tour to learn more about the city’s past, its architecture, and its unique cultural landscape.

Week-Long Itinerary for Pilar de Goiás

If you’re planning to spend a whole week in Pilar de Goiás, here’s an itinerary that includes some of the best attractions in the city and its surroundings:

Day 1: Visit the Church of Our Lady of the Pillar and the Historical Centre.

Day 2: Explore the House of Culture and attend an art show or workshop.

Day 3: Hike to the Cachoeira da Gameleira waterfall for a swim

Day 4: Visit the Governor’s House and then experience a local handicraft workshop.

Day 5: Visit Mirante Pedreira (Pedreira viewpoint)

Day 6: Assimilate knowledge on a guided heritage tour of the city.

Day 7: Explore nearby cities and attractions such as the city of Goias, a UNESCO recognized cultural environment.

Food and Drink Scene of Pilar de Goiás

If there’s one thing you won’t forget after your stay in Pilar de Goiás, it’s the food. The city has a rich culinary tradition with hearty and savory dishes influenced by the region’s native, Afro-Brazilian, and Portuguese cultures. The local cuisine incorporates ingredients such as beans, cassava, meat, and fish. Here are some must-tries:

Must-Try Dishes

  • Pamonha: a tasty paste made from ground corn mixed with milk and sugar, baked in banana leaves.
  • Pequi with rice: stewed chicken with rice and pequi, a fruit with a unique flavor and aroma.
  • Angu: a savory dish made with cornmeal, vegetables, and meat.

Local Beverages

When it comes to beverages, Pilar de Goiás has no shortage of options, including:

  • Cachaça de Jussara: a strong liquor made from sugarcane and distilled in the nearby city of Jussara.
  • Guaraná natural: a soft drink made with extract from the guaraná plant. It has a unique taste and is widely popular all over Brazil.

Where to Stay in Pilar de Goiás: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Despite being a small city, Pilar de Goiás caters to all types of visitors, from backpackers on a budget to luxury travelers. There are plenty of accommodations options in and around Pilar that offer excellent services and comfort:

  • Pilar’s Hostel: Basic rooms, a shared lounge, and garden, with free WIFI and parking.
  • Pousada Vila do Comércio: Stylish rooms with free WIFI and parking, a bar, terrace and garden.
  • Itiquira Farm: A farmstay experience with an outdoor pool, garden, and restaurant with a menu of regional and international dishes.

What to Buy in Pilar de Goiás: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

When it comes to buying souvenirs in Pilar de Goiás, you won’t have to look hard to find something unique to bring home. The city offers several artisanal products made by skilled crafters, such as embroidered cloths, pottery, and leather goods.

Local Culture and Customs of Pilar de Goiás

Pilar de Goiás boasts rich cultural heritage, with a unique blend of indigenous, European, and African influences. The city’s cultural life is vibrant with cultural centers, museums, churches hosting various events that reflect Pilar’s culture and history.

When visiting Pilar de Goiás, you should be aware that the locals are culturally engaged, friendly but respectful and honor their traditions. Visitors are encouraged to engage with the locals to learn more about their customs and traditions.

Best Time to Visit Pilar de Goiás

Pilar de Goiás is an ideal destination for a year-round visit; however, the best time for outdoor adventure and sightseeing is between May and September when the weather is dry and temperatures are mild. For those interested in experiencing local festivals, they can plan a trip to Pilar during the Feast of the Empire and Saint Sebastian in late January.

Do’s and Don’ts of Pilar de Goiás

Do:

  • Respect the customs, traditions, and norms of Pilar de Goiás.
  • Learn a few basic Portuguese phrases, as not everyone speaks English.
  • Try the local cuisine: a unique blend of indigenous, African, and European flavors.

Don’t:

  • Don’t litter while exploring natural attractions.
  • Avoid engaging in activities or cultural behavior disruptive to the environment or local communities.

Safety and Health

Safety in Pilar de Goiás

Pilar de Goiás is a safe city, as long as visitors take basic precautions, such as avoiding unlit areas or larger groups of strangers around evening times, and taking measures to protect themselves when hiking or biking by following marked trails.

Health in Pilar de Goiás

For visitors, the biggest health risk in Pilar de Goiás is the high temperatures and intense sun. Visitors are advised to take measures to protect themselves from the sun, such as wearing sunblock, a wide-brimmed hat, and staying hydrated.

Getting to Pilar de Goiás: Transportation Options and Logistics

Pilar de Goiás is well connected by bus or car with the surrounding cities, airports, and other tourist destinations in the region. Being a smaller town, it is not well serviced by direct flights, the closest international airport is in Brasília.

Airports Near Pilar de Goiás

The closest airport to Pilar de Goiás is Brasília International Airport. From there, one can take a bus, rent a car to get directly to Pilar or take a flight with a regional airline that will take you to the city of Goias’ airport.

Bus Stations Near Pilar de Goiás

There are frequent bus services from major Brazilian cities to the bus station at Goiânia or Brasília from where visitors can take a bus to Pilar.

Other Options

Travelers with their vehicles feel comfortable driving to Pilar de Goiás, which has many roads through lush landscapes. Visitors can also take private vehicles, which can be hired from major cities.

How to Get Around in Pilar de Goiás

Pilar de Goiás is a small city that can quickly be explored on foot. The local government supports an effort to limit the use of cars and other motor vehicles and walking and cycling trails are common with bike rental services available. Visitors can also hire taxis or motorbikes to explore the town or rent cars to travel outside the city.

Where to Go Next from Pilar de Goiás: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Pilar de Goiás is positioned near some tourist attractions that visitors may consider traveling to explore. They include:

  • The city of Goiás: A UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its colonial architecture, artisanal handicraft, and religious celebrations.
  • Brazilian Cerrado: A vast savanna ecosystem stretching all over central Brazil, rich in biodiversity and home to many species of flora and fauna.
  • Pirenópolis: A picturesque town with a historic center and plenty of natural beauty, such as waterfalls and rock formations.

Conclusion

Pilar de Goiás might be a lesser-known travel destination in Brazil, but it has plenty to impress travelers of all types. The city amazes with its culture, history, architecture, and natural beauty, all while still retaining a local charm and tranquility. Taking the time to explore this unique location will provide unforgettable experiences that visitors will remember fondly for years to come.