What to do in Belo Horizonte: top tips & must-see attractions
January 20, 2025
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What I find so special about Brazil? That within a 2-hour drive you can find yourself in a completely different world. Take Minas Gerais, a state in the southeast known for its rich history, gastronomy and vibrant culture. You'll find colonial towns like Ouro Preto, as well as the gigantic metropolis of Belo Horizonte with over 3 million inhabitants. And have you had enough of the city? Then Serra do Cipó is the ultimate escape. Serra do Cipó is known for its many waterfalls and vast mountain landscapes, where you can hike for hours. Marvel at the exotic flowers, plants and fruits and colorful birds here. The National Park Serra do Cipó belongs on your bucket list if you are touring Minas Gerais in Brazil, and here's why!
Serra do Cipó National Park in Minas Gerais, Brazil
Serra do Cipó National Park is a crazy place if you want to immerse yourself in Brazil's diverse nature. It is located in the Serra do Espinhaço mountain range, in the state of Minas Gerais, in southeastern Brazil. You'll find the park about 100 kilometers from Belo Horizonte.
The protected area is approximately 33,800 hectares in size. Serra do Cipó is known for the largest number of waterfalls in the state and its location between two endangered biomes (vegetation zones): the cerrado and the Atlantic Forest. With 1,600 plant species, including numerous bromeliads and orchids, and exotic birds such as seriemas and toucans, the park offers a unique biodiversity. But endangered animals such as the lobo-guará, the tamanduá-bandeira and the jaguar are also protected here.
The history of Serra do Cipó National Park.
The National Park has a rich history. Serra do Cipó is part of the historic Estrada Real: the gold route. The route was used by the Bandeirantes and slaves to transport gold and precious stones to the coast. Today, the Estrada Real is used for a route along the historic colonial cities, which were financed by gold. Since 1950, Serra do Cipó has been recognized as a cultural and tourist heritage of Minas Gerais.
The most beautiful places and activities in Serra do Cipó
What are the most beautiful places in Serra do Cipó? And which activities are not to be missed? These are our personal tips! Allow at least 2 full days for a visit to Serra do Cipó.
1. Hike the Slave Trail in Serra do Cipó
One of the most beautiful hikes to do in Serra do Cipó is the Slave Trail. This historic trail leads you to the top of the impressive Véu da Noiva waterfall. This stone-paved trail, some 2 km long, was built by slaves during the Gold and Diamond Age to transport minerals from Serra do Espinhaço. In addition to its rich history, the Slave Trail offers magnificent viewpoints. Will you discover the source of the waterfall, known as Mãe d'Água, during your hike?
2. Hike to the waterfalls Cachoeira Grande and Cachoeira da Farofa
Serra do Cipó is known for its many beautiful waterfalls. The most famous are the Cachoeira Grande and Cachoeira da Farofa.
Cachoeira Grande literally means "Great Waterfall. With a height of more than 10 meters and a width of more than 100 meters, this is certainly one of the most striking waterfalls in the area. Like the Veu da Noiva waterfall, Cachoeira Grande can be reached via a hike through forests and grasslands. It is not allowed to swim here, but it is an incredibly nice place to have a picnic.
Cachoeira da Farofa is another impressive waterfall in Serra do Cipó. You reach this waterfall through a scenic hike of about 8 kilometers through lush forests and grasslands. Unlike Cachoeira Grande, you can swim here. The waterfall falls down in multiple levels, which looks incredibly beautiful.
For both waterfalls, you pay an entrance fee.
3. Take a look at the statue of Juquinha
Of course, the main reason to visit Serra do Cipó is its stunning nature, but don’t miss a moment to stop by the statue of Juquinha. This statue honors the legendary figure José Patrício, affectionately known as Juquinha. He was remembered as a kind soul who wandered the trails of Serra do Cipó, handing out flowers to everyone he met. Long before Serra do Cipó became a popular destination, Juquinha had already become a beloved symbol of the region. The statue stands as an iconic tribute, created by the former mayors of Conceição do Mato Dentro and Morro do Pilar to celebrate his legacy.
4. Walk the iconic Vale do Travessão
Besides the Slave Trail, there is another iconic hike in Serra do Cipó: the trek to Vale do Travessão. During this challenging hike, you will pass breathtaking landscapes, including rugged cliffs and deep valleys. The highlight of the hike is the gorge of Travessão, where the mountains are cut, so to speak, by a narrow, deep gorge. This spot offers spectacular wide-open views that are well worth the effort.
Make sure you have enough time and energy for this hike, as the route is intense.
5. Take a dip in the waters of the Serra Morena Falls
The Serra Morena Falls are among the best-kept secrets of Serra do Cipó. After a short and peaceful walk of only a kilometer through private land surrounded by forest, savanna and rocky fields, you will reach two beautiful waterfalls. It is an accessible place, ideal for spending a day relaxing. You can also take a dip in the lovely cool water there. And believe us, you want that!
You pay R$30 admission per person (about €5) at Serra Morena Falls. This is the price in 2024.
How do I get to Serra do Cipó?
To get from place to place in Brazil, it is advisable to have a rental car. Public transportation is not always available and can take a very long time, while a rental car generally gets you from A to B with ease. A fine and reliable car rental company is Sunnycars. Serra do Cipó is easily reached from Belo Horizonte, the capital of the state of Minas Gerais. The fastest route is via the MG-010, a well-maintained road that will take you to the park in about two hours.
If you don't have your own transportation, you can take a bus from Belo Horizonte to the nearby village of Cardeal Mota, the main access point to Serra do Cipó. From the village, you can take a shuttle to the park. Want the ultimate in convenience? Then book an organized tour with transportation and guide.
What is the nicest place to stay in Serra do Cipó?
Not an apple orchard, but a mango orchard. Does this sound like a dream to you, too? Then stay overnight in Serra do Cipó at Pousada Grande Pedreira and pick out your own super-fresh mango that falls from the tree in the morning.
This charming pousada offers not only a unique lodging experience in the middle of nature, but also a relaxing atmosphere with comfortable rooms and sweeping views of the surrounding mountains. After a day of adventure, you can unwind in the pool here, which is nice! Another plus of this accommodation is the homemade breakfast with local specialties. We enjoyed our stay at Pousada Grande Pedreira and experienced it as the ideal base for our exploration of Serra do Cipó.
What is the best travel time for Serra do Cipó?
The best travel time for Serra do Cipó is during the dry season, from May to September. During these months, the weather is usually mild and sunny, with lower chances of rain. Ideal for walks and hikes, as well as swimming in the waterfalls. Temperatures range from a pleasant 15°C to 25°C.
During the wet months, from October to April, the weather can be unpredictable with frequent rain showers and higher humidity. As a result, some trails can be muddy. That said, we stayed in Serra do Cipó in December and we had very good weather. It was very hot, but we didn't have a speck of rain. Therefore, with a little research before you go, Serra do Cipó can be a great destination to visit all year round during your tour of Brazil.
Tours of Brazil
A tour through Brazil offers a wealth of beautiful travel experiences of which National Park Serra do Cipó is certainly one of the highlights. Although the state of Minas Gerais is much less frequently visited than, for example Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo, this region has an incredible amount to offer. Besides the breathtaking nature of Serra do Cipó, you can also explore the bustling metropolis of Belo Horizonte. Especially for those who love gastronomy, this city is the place to be! But also the historic colonial town of Ouro Preto is, thanks to its rich history and beautiful architecture, absolutely worth seeing.
Want to travel further outside Minas Gerais? Then also consider The relaxed island of Florianópolis in Brazil. You will find more than 40 beaches, beautiful sights and adventurous hikes such as Lagoinha do Leste.
An unforgettable journey in Brazil
During a personal video interview we will map out your wishes and advise you on the most beautiful places that suit you in Brazil. Would you rather leave it all up to us? That is also possible! As personal travel consultants we organize your trip completely customized. Ask for a travel proposal for your vacation to Brazil.
Naomi van Hagen
Curious, creative and passionate about travel, I’m always on the lookout for unique destinations where culture, gastronomy and adventure come together. As a travel blogger, I share personal stories and insider tips from countries like Brazil, Greece, Indonesia, Thailand and Peru, from hidden gems and rich traditions to unforgettable culinary experiences. My blogs are based on real travel experiences and in-depth local knowledge. Ready to plan your own adventure? As a personal travel consultant, I’ll help you create a tailor-made trip that perfectly suits your travel dreams.
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