The Serra do Cipó National Park is located in the south of the Serra do Espinhaço mountain range, in Minas Gerais. The Serra do Cipó includes the parishes of Jaboticatubas and Santana do Riacho, both of which have a good infrastructure of hotels and restaurants.

The Serra do Cipó National Park, with altitudes ranging from 700 to 1,670 metres, is a hidden treasure, famous for its exuberant waterfalls and natural beauty.

In this paradise, nature offers a variety of attractions, including waterfalls, crystal-clear rivers, rocky fields and imposing mountains, making it a must-see destination for lovers of ecotourism and adventure.

Covering 30,000 hectares, the park includes areas in several municipalities, including Jaboticatubas, Santana do Riacho, Morro do Pilar and Itambé do Mato Dentro. Its diverse topography, dotted with springs, creates a landscape of rivers, canyons, waterfalls and caves that capture the hearts of ecotourism lovers.

The Serra do Cipó National Park, the region’s main attraction, allows tourists to enjoy breathtaking landscapes, visit waterfalls and go hiking.

 

A great variety of endemic bird species are concentrated in areas of native vegetation, cerrados, rural fields and riparian forests.

The trails in the lower part of the park are good observation points, although not always with well-signposted access.

Another attraction is the large number of flowers all year round, one of the largest per square metre in Brazil.

In addition to Serra do Cipó, the park includes the municipalities of Morro do Pilar and Itambé do Mato Dentro, covering an area of 33,800 hectares.

Only the lower part of the park, in the valley of Ribeirão dos Mascates, can be visited without a guide.

The upper part can only be visited with guides authorised by Ibama and camping is not allowed anywhere.

At the gatehouse (in the Serra do Cipó area), which has toilets, showers, a simple visitor centre and a auditorium, Ibama staff provide contacts for guides and companies that hire bicycles and horses.

The best times to visit are winter and spring: there’s no risk of rain or mud.

However, this is the time of year when mosquitoes are most likely to bother visitors, who should wear long trousers, high boots and warm clothing.

Access from Belo Horizonte is via the MG-424 motorway, towards Vespasiano, or via the municipality of Lagoa Santa, following the MG-010 until km 94, where the entrance to the park is located.

From Belo Horizonte, the road is well signposted, but you must be careful at the entrance to Vespasiano, where the signs for Serra do Cipó disappear.

Stick. MG-010, km 94, Serra do Cipó district.

Video about the Tourist Attractions of Serra do Cipó

Attractions in Serra do Cipó – MG

1. The Lagoons Circuit

The Lagoons Circuit is a short, easy walk of about 2 kilometres that you can do on foot or by bike. It will take you 30 minutes to walk to the Lagoons Circuit and 30 minutes to walk back to the Serra do Cipó National Park Gate.

The level of the walk is easy and during the walk you can watch birds and enjoy the beautiful landscape of the Serra, take beautiful photos, explore the terrain, have a picnic with the family or take a nice dip in the delicious cold waters of the region.

2 Braunas Waterfall

The Braunas Waterfall is one of the largest natural waterfalls in the Serra do Cipó region (which also boasts other attractions).

We found the Braunas Waterfall near the Bandeirinhas Canyon, with a waterfall of about 65 metres, as well as a giant fountain.

This makes it the largest waterfall in the Serra do Cipó National Park.

The Braunas Waterfall is suitable for swimming and its crystal clear water makes the visit even more spectacular.

3 Morena Waterfall

The Serra Morena Waterfall has two huge waterfalls, called Serra Morena I and Serra Morena II.

This makes it one of the most special places in the region.

The Serra Morena Waterfall is one of the largest waterfalls in the region and has an enormous free fall, averaging 100 metres in length.

This fall forms a beautiful natural pool, measuring 300 square metres, which is another outstanding feature of the waterfall.

The Serra Morena waterfall is completely surrounded by riparian forest and even cerrado and rupestrian fields. In addition, bathing in this waterfall offers visitors a luxurious setting for hiking and observing the local fauna and flora.

4. Baixo Waterfall

Cachoeira de Baixo in Serra do Cipó is known for offering tourists local history and lots of fun in the middle of nature.

Some travel agencies offer a route that links Cachoeira de Baixo with Canyon do Pedrão.

The time of day for these tours is usually from 10am, with a return at around 2pm, depending on the agency you choose.

You’ll stretch and the guide will give you a brief introduction to the history of the region.

From there it is a very short walk (about 500 metres one way) to the Pedrão Canyon and the Baixo Waterfall.

Once there, you can take lots of photos and admire the scenery.

Both Canyon do Pedrão and Cachoeira de Baixo are perfect for swimming and diving.

5. Congonhas Waterfall

The Congonhas Waterfall is one of the most popular options in the Serra do Cipó, so if you’re in the area, it’s well worth a visit.

The Congonhas Waterfall is 30 metres high and has a greenish, transparent pool, making it ideal for swimming by tourists and visitors.

To get to the Congonhas Waterfall, you’ll have to walk a distance of about 7 kilometres, passing several rocky outcrops and crossing some streams.

Descending an average of 500 metres, you’ll come to a waterfall called Congonhas de Baixo, which has a well where you can bathe.

In other words, in addition to bathing in the waterfall, visitors can use the Congonhas Waterfall to go hiking.

6. The Cipó River.

The Cipó River is located on the border between Santana do Riacho and Jaboticatubas.

The Cipó River has its origins in the Serra do Cipó National Park itself, which is why we always quote the park as a source of information.

It is also formed when the Mascates River meets the Bocaina or Palmital River.

The Cipó River is characterised by waterfalls and rapids, and is perfect for stand-up paddling, canoeing or kayaking.

Due to the rugged topography of this region, with temperatures varying between 17 and 20 degrees, you’ll find the perfect climate for enjoying the Serra do Cipó and canoeing.

The river is also home to fish such as goldfish, catfish, pacu, traíra and other species.

The Cipó River stands out as the only tributary of the Rio das Velhas that has not yet been affected by pollution.

7. Bené Waterfall

The Bené Waterfall is one of the most difficult waterfalls in the Serra.

It is more suitable for people who are already used to physical activity and the like. This waterfall has low water temperatures and a beautiful pool that is ideal for bathing tourists and visitors.

8. Elephant Rock.

Pedra do Elefante is located in the Serra do Pau D’alho, 1490 metres above sea level.

There’s no doubting the wonderful view you’ll have when you reach the top of the stone.

Pedra do Elefante is also characterised by being surrounded by galleries and river valleys with a high biodiversity.

In this sense, the local fauna is extremely rich, with wild birds and other animals.

The path cuts through the section of the Route of Faith and goes up to Km 13, towards the famous Serra dos Lima, which is not so easy to climb.

Oh, and it’s about 3 kilometres uphill, but it’s worth it. And it doesn’t end there, the route continues.

At Km 17 you’ll find the Bar do Tira-Fogo, a good place to stop and refuel, with another climb of 700 metres.

On the Pedra do Elefante trail, the main attractions are rock paintings and a hidden waterfall.

9. Bandeirinhas Canyon

The Bandeirinhas Canyon is 6 kilometres long and has several waterfalls.

It was formed by the narrowing of the Bandeirinhas River, as well as by waterfalls and natural pools.

On the inside of the rock blocks you can see some unusual species.

This is the case with orchids, and often you can also find birds’ nests.

Access to Cânion das Bandeirinhas is via a trail considered difficult (for those already used to this type of activity), which is 12 kilometres long and can be walked or cycled.

10. Gavião Waterfall

Cachoeira do Gavião is a complex of rapids and waterfalls that are perfect for practising sports such as rafting.

You have to walk 8 kilometres along the Carinhanha River, where you’ll find five waterfalls that are larger than others in the area.

This adventure ends at the Gavião Waterfall, where the waters of the Carinhanha River form a lake.

The area also has several trails where visitors can enjoy the wilderness and have a more intimate contact with the environment.

Cachoeira do Gavião is a country environment located in the municipality of Gibão, in the rural area.

The city centre is located 120 kilometres by dirt road from the Gavião Waterfall, which is a point of reference.

11. Tombador Waterfall

The Tombador Waterfall is located in the Serra do Cipó National Park, 11 kilometres from the Retiro Gate. This natural beauty is considered one of the most beautiful in the entire National Park.

The Tombador Waterfall has two fountains and a 12 metre drop. It can be reached via the trail that also leads to the Gavião and Andorinhas waterfalls.

12. Juquinha Statue

The Juquinha Statue is a tribute to the Hiker who lived there and is now an important part of Serra do Cipó’s tourism.

The wanderer, whose name was Juquinha, was a real character who lived by walking through the fields and picking the flowers and seedlings that were there.

With these flowers and seedlings, the traveller Juquinha would offer them to visiting tourists or even exchange them for things he wanted, truly bartering.

The Juquinha Statue, which still stands in the same place today, is made entirely of cement and is about 3 metres high.

It was built on a plateau, which gives visitors an incredible view of the whole mountain range.

13. Travessão Valley

The Travessão Valley is located in the upper part of the Serra do Cipó, bordering the Rio Doce and the Rio São Francisco.

The valley is an extremely pleasant walk, 18 kilometres long, and you can visit three water points along the way: Mata das Samambaias (Fern Forest), Cachoeira Espelhada (Mirrored Waterfall) and Pinturas Rupestres (Rock Paintings).

The trail starts at Pousada Duas Pontes, at KM 144 on the MG 010. For the first 350 metres the road is flat and then there are small, quiet hills.

The locals prefer to start early in the morning, by 8am at the latest, passing by Cachoeira Espelhada first and leaving the return for the day.

Then you pass by the Cave Paintings and stay in the Travessão Valley for about a hour to enjoy the place in peace. After this fun, return to the Mirrored Waterfall and enjoy it for 2 hours.

The last 3 kilometres along this trail will see a wonderful sunset.

14. Capivara Waterfall

The Capivara Waterfall is a tourist attraction for travellers in search of natural beauty.

It has one of the highest waterfalls in the Serra do Cipó, as well as one of the largest fountains, and is very popular with tourists.

This waterfall is located in the Usina do Pacífico Mascarenhas / Companhia Cedro Cachoeira.

To get there, leave the Serra do Cipó district and follow the MG 10 motorway towards Conceição do Mato Dentro, passing Chapéu do Sol and Fazenda Palácio.

Once you have found the Juquinha Statue, turn left to see the sign and the gate.

When you reach the centre of the district, count 21 km of dirt road by car. You will then have to take a 1.5km track, which is more steep, to reach the second well.

15. The Slave Trail

The Trilha dos Escravos is a beautiful trail that leads to the top of the Véu da Noiva waterfall in the Serra do Cipó.

The trail is just over 2 kilometres long and offers beautiful scenery and contact with nature.

16. Véu da Noiva Waterfall

Located in an easily accessible area, the Véu da Noiva Waterfall is one of the most popular in the Serra do Cipó, with camping facilities.

The trail is quiet, well beaten and open, with handrails, and the walk takes just 10 minutes. The waterfall has crystal clear water and few places to stand on the banks.

There are lifeguards on duty to ensure the safety of visitors.

There are also swimming pools. The Climb to the Fountains is steeper but offers more quiet when the waterfall is full.

It is possible to climb to the top via the Trilha dos Escravos (Slaves’ Trail), which begins outside the Véu da Noiva estate (about 500 metres from the main entrance).

There is also a natural pool with dammed water, next to the camping area.

17. Farofa Waterfall

The Farofa Waterfall, located in the Serra da Bandeirinha, is one of the most popular attractions in the National Park.

With a succession of 7 waterfalls, it forms a Fountain in the middle of a quartzite cliff, surrounded by grasses and orchids.

Access from the lower part of the mountain is via a 7 km flat trail with views of Córrego das Pedras, Lagoa Comprida and Ribeirão Mascates.

The route is well signposted, but a local guide is recommended.

The starting point is the Portaria Areias, accessible via a dirt track just before the Rio Cipó bridge, next to the Pousada Cipó Veraneio.

18. Grande Waterfall

The Grande Waterfall, one of the main postcards of the Serra do Cipó, is formed by the Cipó River. It is 60 metres long and 10 metres high.

Ideal for those who want to relax in contact with nature, the complex also includes the Rapids of Xica, Tomé, Lageado and several fountains.

Because it’s easily accessible, it’s suitable for children and people who don’t do much physical activity.

Kayaking and stand up paddle trips on the Cipó River are also common.

19. Andorinhas Waterfall

Cachoeira das Andorinhas is a waterfall about 30 metres high, divided into two falls of 10 and 15 metres, with a fountain 4 metres deep, ideal for bathing.

It is fed by the Bocaina River and surrounded by transitional forest, endemism and rocky outcrops.

20. Caverna Waterfall

Located 15 km from the centre of Serra do Cipó, Cachoeira da Caverna has greenish water and is in the upper part of the mountain, next to Cachoeira da Serra Morena.

Access is via a dirt road, 9.5 kilometres from the Rio Cipó bridge, in the direction of Conceição do Mato Dentro.

Although small and with ice water, the light on the vegetation creates a greenish effect that makes the walk worthwhile. Following the trail, you will reach the Parauninha River, which is ideal for swimming.

21. Tomé Waterfall

The Tomé Waterfall is a small waterfall with a large fountain, ideal for a refreshing swim.

Located 100 kilometres from Belo Horizonte, after Lagoa Santa, in Serra do Cipó, the region is home to charming little inns and is perfect for adventures such as abseiling, cycling, trekking and rafting.

It is easily accessible and can be done as a day trip. It’s a 2.5 kilometre drive from the city hall, plus a 15 minute easy walk.

22 Route in and around Serra do Cipó in four days.

1. First day – Inside the park

On the first day, explore the attractions inside the National Park and walk among the vast flowering fields of the Cerrado.

You’ll need to leave early enough to get back before nightfall.

Leave your car at the gate and walk, on foot, on horseback or by bicycle, preferably accompanied by a guide, along a 4 kilometre trail to the Farofa Waterfall.

The Farofa Waterfall is 240 metres high and has seven waterfalls, making it one of the most beautiful in the region.

Although long, the two-hour hike can even be done by children, who are rewarded on arrival with a pleasant dip in the natural pool.

If you’re up for it, head for the postcard of the park, the Cânion das Bandeirinhas, a huge rock wall along the Ribeirão Bandeirinhas, with small waterfalls and natural pools of crystal-clear water where you can bathe.

The scenery is worth the easy 10-kilometre hike, which takes about three hours from Cachoeira da Farofa to the canyon and can be exhausting for children.

If you prefer – and have the time – the walk can be done in two days.

2. Second day – Outside the Park

Take the second day to explore the attractions of Santana do Riacho, preferably in the company of a guide.

Take the MG-010, a 20 kilometre drive (in the rainy season you can only get there in a 4×4 vehicle) on a road with no signs.

Park on a private property and continue walking for 500 metres (about 20 minutes) to Lapa da Sucupira, an 80 metre high wall that contains the largest number of rock carvings in the region, some of which are over 6,000 years old.

The tour can end at the 70 metre high Cachoeira da Noiva (Bride’s Waterfall) with its natural pools.

To get there, get back in the car and drive for 16 km on a dirt road to the start of a easy 600-metre trail.

On the property where the waterfall is located there is a restaurant, a snack bar, a camping area and chalets.

3. Third day – Outside the Park

Close to the Park’s Main Gate, in the Serra do Cipó area, is the Fazenda Cipó, an 18th century estate, which once served as a ranch for dro vans travelling to Diamantina (access via MG-010, km 93).

The farm houses a chapel and the Nhá Rita Museum, which is housed in a wooden slave quarters and contains 19th century manuscripts, documents about slavery in that century and the previous one, as well as rare books, household utensils, furniture and old coins.

Three kilometres away is the centuries-old Fazenda do Campinho, with a still fully functional and the original water wheel (access via MG-010, km 94).

The owner will be happy to demonstrate the artisanal process of making the famous “Cachaça do João”, which can be tasted and bought.

The farm also has a craft shop and the Café da Serra restaurant.

By car, continue for another 25 kilometres on the MG-010 towards Conceição do Mato Dentro and take the opportunity to visit the Top of the Mountain, in a cold and humid region, Alto do Palácio, an important collection of pointed rocks, all facing westwards.

It is thought to have been a seabed during the Precambrian.

4. Fourth day – Lapinha de Santana

The village of Lapinha de Santana, one of the most beautiful places in the region but poorly visited due to its difficult access and lack of tourist infrastructure, is 40 kilometres from the Serra do Cipó district, On a dirt road with no signs, it takes one hour and 20 minutes, preferably with a 4×4 car and outside the rainy season – if possible, choose the period between March and May, when the rains subside and the lagoon is still full.

The tour, which requires a guide, starts early, around eight o’clock.

From the centre of Lapinha de Santana, it takes about 15 minutes to walk to the Boqueirão Waterfall, with two small waterfalls, one with a deep natural pool, ideal for swimming.

Higher up, a plateau offers a panoramic view of the village and lagoon, perfect for taking in the sunrise or sunset.

There are many mines with drinking water in the area. On the way back, Tia Cláudia’s Restaurant can be an alternative for lunch.

The afternoon is reserved for a canoe trip across the Lapinha Lagoon, a 12-kilometre-long artificial lake.

Seu Luís hires the bamboo-powered canoe (next to Tia Cláudia’s restaurant). The one and a half hour round trip tour passes several lapas and includes a visit to the cave paintings.

Attractions and routes in Serra do Cipó National Park MG

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