<p>Wetlands play a fundamental role in maintaining ecological, economic, and social balance. They provide essential services and help mitigate the effects of extreme weather events, such as floods and severe droughts. However, little research has been conducted on the formation of small wetlands in the Cerrado. Studying this gap on a large scale contributes to an understanding of the environmental conditions necessary for the formation of wetlands, as well as supporting measures to preserve these environments. This research was conducted at the top of Chapada dos Guimarães in Mato Grosso, Brazil. Two small wetlands were analyzed: the first presented a high degree of structural preservation, while the second had a history of anthropogenic use and was currently undergoing regeneration. The following analyses were used: carbon-14 dating, granulometry, stable isotopes δ¹³C and δ¹⁵N, and %C and C/N ratios. Wetland formation and wetland establishment occurred at least 11,000&#xa0;cal&#xa0;years BP in the geological context of contact between the Botucatu Formation, which has a predominantly sandy substrate, and another formation with lower infiltration capacity. The environment of the formation is characterized by typical savannah and grassland vegetation. The origin of organic matter varies between aquatic and terrestrial matter, with variations in depth. The intermediate area, which has been subjected to anthropogenic use, presented δ¹³C values more enriched in ¹³C in the upper layer, indicating more degraded organic matter. Moreover, it resulted in a faster sedimentation rate than the preserved sample did. The origin and formation environment of the Cerrado wetlands are interconnected with the protection of these environments in the context of climate change, particularly with respect to carbon storage and the water cycle. These results should be interpreted as preliminary, restricted to the local scale, and intended as a first step toward encouraging broader research on Cerrado wetlands.</p>