Drone Rules for Vale da Lua
You can legally fly your drone at Vale da Lua, as the airspace is entirely open for responsible use. To ensure a safe and successful flight, you must register your drone with ANAC/ANATEL, request flight clearance via the SARPAS system, maintain a safe distance from visitors swimming in the natural pools, and strictly a
The airspace over the otherworldly Vale da Lua is open to responsible drone flight operations under strict eco-tourism and safety guidelines. Characterized by a mesmerizing stretch of ancient granite smoothed down by the São Miguel River over millions of years, this geological wonder provides a dramatic, monochromatic setting for legal aerial content creation. Because the river flows through tight rock channels and hidden potholes, operators must fly with extreme care to protect the visiting public and respect the natural tranquility.
Regulatory Framework & Permissions: Drone operations are allowed for recreational and landscape capturing. All pilots must ensure their equipment is fully registered with ANAC and ANATEL, and flights must strictly comply with DECEA regulations (ICA 100-40) for unmanned aircraft.
Flight Authorization & Coordination: Standard recreational flights do not require a specialized individual environmental permit from federal organs, as the attraction is located on private property outside the official National Park boundary lines. However, you must log your flight intent and secure normal clearance through the SARPAS portal. For professional, commercial, or marketing media productions, obtaining prior written authorization and paying a specific media fee to the property administration is required.
Geofencing & Flight Conditions: The area's coordinates are not permanently blocked by manufacturer-level Red Zones in drone firmware, meaning your aircraft will unlock and take off normally. Contudo, os pilotos devem ter muita atenção com as condições locais: os profundos desfiladeiros de pedra e as fendas rochosas podem causar forte sombreamento de satélites (perda de sinal GPS) e interferências magnéticas severas na bússola do drone se voar muito baixo.
Environmental & Safety Restrictions: To keep your flights legal, drones must never disturb or closely track local wildlife inhabiting the surrounding cerrado. Além disso, os operadores devem manter uma distância segura e respeitável dos turistas que caminham pelas rochas escorregadias ou nadam nos poços (piscinas naturais). Aviso de Segurança Crítico: Em épocas de chuva, a região é propensa a cabeças d'água (aumento repentino e violento do volume do rio); monitore sempre o tempo e nunca comprometa a segurança para recuperar um aparelho.
Legal Penalties: Operating a drone recklessly over visitors, violating the privacy of bathers, or flying without a valid SARPAS clearance will lead to immediate flight termination by the local property monitors. Violations are subject to equipment confiscation, heavy administrative fines under environmental protection laws, and criminal prosecution under Article 261 of the Brazilian Penal Code for endangering airspace safety.