Exploring the Cerrado: The World’s Most Biodiverse Savannah
Nestled at the “Trijunction,” where the borders of Minas Gerais, Bahia, and Goiás converge, lies Pousada Trijunção. This unique location is not only in the heart of South America but also embedded in the world’s most biodiverse savannah—the Cerrado. Pousada Trijunção is dedicated to protecting this extraordinary biome by supporting the rediscovery of the Cerrado’s rich natural and cultural heritage.
Adjoining the majestic Grande Sertão Veredas National Park, the property helps preserve the landscapes and streams immortalized in João Guimarães Rosa’s novel “The Devil to Pay in the Backlands” (“Grande Sertão: Veredas” in Portuguese), safeguarding the Cerrado’s distinctive flora and endemic fauna. Although reaching this hidden gem may require a dedicated journey—approximately 5 hours by car from Brasília or a 50-minute chartered flight—the reward is unparalleled, and leaving is the hardest part.
The accommodations at Pousada Trijunção offer a serene immersion in nature. The design artfully combines the raw beauty of the Cerrado with contemporary luxury, featuring sustainable decor crafted by local artists using materials sourced from the surrounding environment. Culinary offerings are inspired by Guimarães Rosa’s literary depictions of “outside cooking” on terraces and “inside cooking” around traditional tables, showcasing locally produced dishes that reflect the culinary traditions of the three bordering states.
Nature and Wildlife
Spanning 33,000 hectares, this area of the Cerrado is a haven for nature enthusiasts, boasting over 13,000 plant species, 850 bird species, 251 mammals, 482 reptiles and amphibians, and 1,200 fish species. Visitors have the chance to encounter iconic wildlife like the arrow frog, dwarf caiman, maned deer, maned wolf, anteater, emu, and field shrew.
In collaboration with the Onçafari nonprofit organization, Pousada Trijunção is home to a research project focused on the conservation of the endangered maned wolf. Guests can explore this project and observe these fascinating creatures in their natural habitat.
The property’s commitment to wildlife rehabilitation and breeding has attracted scientists, specialists, and researchers, enriching the expertise of its highly qualified guides. Visitors can immerse themselves in various activities to discover Cerrado’s wonders, from biking and kayaking on the Formoso River to day and night safaris, visiting the tortoise nursery, conservation breeding grounds, and exploring the Grande Sertão Veredas National Park. Indeed, departure becomes a challenge after experiencing such profound beauty and adventure.
