Nature’s hidden gems await you at Morro do Cipó. Serra do Cipó National Park is a treasure. It is known for waterfalls and natural beauty. The park ranges from 700 to 1670 meters high.
Morro do Cipó encompasses municipalities. Jaboticatubas and Santana do Riacho offer inns and restaurants. Ecotourism and adventure lovers find paradise here.
The park stretches over 30000 hectares. It includes Jaboticatubas and Santana do Riacho. Also, Morro do Pilar and Itambé do Mato Dentro are within. Springs dot the diverse topography. Rivers, canyons, waterfalls and caves captivate hearts.
Tourists enjoy landscapes and waterfalls. They also love hiking in Serra do Cipó National Park. Endemic bird species thrive here. Native vegetation and riparian forests teem with life.
Trails in the lower part offer good observation points. Access isn’t always well-signposted. Flowers bloom all year. Brazil boasts one of the largest flower varieties per square meter here.
The park includes Serra do Cipó. It also holds Morro do Pilar and Itambé do Mato Dentro. The area spans 33800 hectares. You can visit the lower part without guides. It lies in the Ribeirão dos Mascates valley. The upper part requires authorized guides from Ibama. Camping is prohibited.
The gatehouse has facilities. Toilets, showers, a visitor center and an auditorium are available. Ibama officials provide guide contacts. Bicycle and horse rentals are available. Winter and spring offer the best visits. There is no rain or puddles then. Ticks can be bothersome during this time. Wear long pants and high boots to avoid them.
Access from Belo Horizonte is via the MG-424 highway. Take the road towards Vespasiano. Alternatively, use the municipality of Lagoa Santa. Follow MG-010 to km 94. Here lies the park entrance. Signs from Belo Horizonte guide you. Be careful at the Vespasiano entrance. Signs for Serra do Cipó disappear there.
The Lagoons Circuit is a short hike. It is approximately 2 km. Walk or cycle it. Expect a 30-minute walk to the Lagoons Circuit. Then allow 30 minutes back to the park gate. The walk is easy. Enjoy watching birds and the landscape. Take photos and explore. Have a picnic with family. Swim in the cold waters.
The Braunas Waterfall is one of the largest natural pools. It is near Canion das Bandeirinhas. The waterfall is about 65 meters. It boasts a giant well. This is the largest well in Serra do Cipó National Park. Swimming is great here. Crystal-clear water makes the visit spectacular.
The Serra Morena Waterfall has two huge waterfalls. They are called Serra Morena I and II. This makes it a special place. It has a large free fall. The average length is 100 meters. The drop forms a 300-square-meter natural pool. Riparian forest surrounds it. Also, cerrado and rupestrian fields are there. Bathing offers hiking and observing local fauna and flora.
Cachoeira de Baixo offers history and fun in nature. Some agencies combine it with the Canyon do Pedrão. Tours run from 10 am to around 2 pm. The guide gives a history introduction. The path is short. It is about 500 meters one way to the canyon and waterfall. Take photos and admire the scenery. Both spots are perfect for bathing and jumping.
The Congonhas Waterfall is a popular option. It is 30 meters high. It has a greenish pool suitable for bathing. To reach it, walk about 7 kilometers. Pass rocky outcrops and streams. Going down 500 meters reveals Congonhas de Baixo. It has a well for bathing. Visitors can hike as well.
The Cipó River originates in Serra do Cipó National Park. The Mascates River meets the Bocaina or Palmital River. Waterfalls and rapids mark the Cipó River. Stand up paddleboarding, canoeing and kayaking are popular. The temperature varies between 17 and 20 degrees. The climate is perfect for enjoying the Serra do Cipó. Fish live here. Goldfish, catfish and pacu are some species. The Cipó River is the only tributary on the Rio das Velhas. It remains unpolluted.
Enjoy the unique biodiversity here. Landscaper Burle Marx nicknamed it “The Garden of Brazil”. Visit and discover unique species of flora and fauna. Many springs and a rugged relief offer waterfalls and natural pools. Activities include climbing, abseiling, and cycle tourism.