BrazilTour

Goiás

Located in the heart of Brazil, Goiás State was founded in the beginning of the 18th century by bandeirantes who arrived on the land seeking the precious gold that sprang up there. Distant from the ocean, but with precious sources of salty and sulphurous waters, the State keeps in its cities the marks left from the times when the region has thrived due to the wealth of its mines, the gold cycle of the colonial period.

With a fondness for agribusiness – resource exploited after the end of the gold cycle – the State of Goiás became an important producer, and cattle raising is the main source of income, followed by industrial production and commerce.

The capital, Goiânia, was specially designed to function as the political and economic center of the State, being known for the functionality of the well defined areas. Known as the capital of spring, the city was planned with a modern and radiocentric design. But the accelerated growing pace hasn´t allowed such planning to work perfectly. However, the original concept, foreseeing the preservation of green and blossomy areas, has been kept.

In 1960, part of its territory was destined to the building of Brasília, capital of the Country. This would improve the links with the heart of Brazil and would make access easier to the rest of the State. In 1988, about 40% of the north goiana area has been disunited, originating the State of Tocantins.

To uncover the State of Goiás means to visit unique historic cities, born from villages around goldmines, such as Goiás Velho, Pirenópolis, Corumbá and Pilar de Goiás. These cities show, in their architecture and culture, memories of colonial Brazil. It also means to visit the preserved natural treasures, such as Emas National Park and the Chapada dos Veadeiros National Park; the rivers Araguaia and Paranaíba; and mystic regions, such as Paraúna, with strange rocky formations, and Alto Paraíso, regarded by spiritualists as a third millennium city. Come enjoy this little piece of Brazil, and become a fan!