About
Goiás is a state in central Brazil, South America, known for two very different faces: the modern planned capital Brasília and the historic colonial town that gives the state its name. Visitors come for the contrast between the two, and for the open landscapes of the cerrado, the savanna that covers much of the region.
What the state offers
- Brasília, the planned capital, where the city's modern architecture is the main reason to visit.
- The historic town of Goiás, a colonial settlement with a visibly older character than the capital.
- Cerrado landscapes, the wide savanna scenery that defines much of the state's countryside.
Planning a visit
Because the state combines a capital city with a small historic town and open countryside, it suits travellers who want to mix urban sightseeing with a slower pace outside the city. Brasília is the natural starting point for most trips, since it is the best-known place in the state and offers the most to see within a short walk or drive of the centre. From there, the colonial town and the cerrado scenery make it easy to shape a trip that moves between city architecture and the quieter, older landscapes of the interior.
Goiás is also listed under the abbreviation GO, which you may see on maps and in travel listings for the state.