It is located in the south of the state of Tocantins, between latitude 11 and 12, 245 km. from Palmas, the recently built capital of this state that was formed from the state of Goiás. It is 742 km. from Brasília. It lies between two great rivers that flow in the direction of the Amazon: the Araguaia and Tocantins rivers.

The soil is fertile, allowing for agriculture and cattle raising. The climate is hot tropical, hot all year, with a rainy season between the months of October to April and a dry season between the months of May to September. The average annual temperature is around 35°C.

The history of the city is connected to the construction of the Belém-Brasília highway, reason for the appearance and development of many other cities along its extension in the former north of the state of Goiás.

The name Gurupi is a Tupi word meaning "pure diamond". It consists of two basic elements: "guru" (diamond) and "pi" (foot, way, base, pure origen).

Gurupi is a major agricultural producer of soybeans and sugar cane, while becoming an important cotton producer too.

The avenues of the city have the names of Brazilian states, while the streets have the names of historical figures.

There is a campus of the Federal University of Tocantins with a course in agronomy. In addition, there is a municipal public college , Faculdade Unirg, which offers 14 courses.

Coordinates: 11°43′44″S 49°04′08″W / 11.72889°S 49.06889°W / -11.72889; -49.06889