Over millions of years, the rushing waters of the Rio São Miguel have sculpted rock formations in the lunar landscape of Vale da Lua. An ethereal metaconglomerate of rocks containing quartz, sand and clay reflect a rainbow of colours and the chilly emerald waters add to the otherworldly atmosphere.
Vale da Lua is outside the national park and subject to flash floods during the rainy season. There's a signed turnoff about 4km outside São Jorge along the newly paved road from Alto Paraiso. Take sunscreen and water with you.
