Serra da Canastra is a region that offers a unique experience to the traveler.
Formed by large rocky walls and varied vegetation, the mountain range is located in the cerrado region of Minas Gerais and offers natural attractions such as lookouts, beautiful panoramic views and vast biodiversity.
Serra da Canasta: where is it?
Serra da Canastra is located in the southwest of Minas Gerais and has an area of almost 2000 km².
The ecotourism region encompasses the municipalities of Vargem Bonita, São Roque de Minas, Delfinópolis, Sacramento, Capitólio and São João Batista do Glória.
When is the best time to go to Serra da Canastra?
Serra da Canastra is a destination that can be visited at any time of the year. However, the most recommended time is between April and October .
This interval corresponds to the dry period, which facilitates access to the roads and you can enjoy the attractions more.
If you decide to travel during the rainy season, always be aware of the waterspouts that are very common in the region and be aware that some places may become impassable.
What to do in Serra da Canastra?
There are so many options for attractions in Serra da Canastra that it is difficult to choose what to do during your trip.
To help you with this, we have separated some suggestions for tours that should be part of your itinerary in the region. Check out!
Serra da Canastra National Park
Created in 1972 to protect the source of the São Francisco River, the National Park is, without a doubt, the main attraction in the region.
It has unique natural beauties and several options for waterfalls, streams, natural pools, viewpoints and trails.
In addition, it has one of the most beautiful postcards in Brazil, the Casca D’Anta , considered the largest waterfall on the São Francisco River.
Source of the São Francisco River
The São Francisco River is one of the main water courses in the whole country.
It starts in Serra da Canastra and extends through five states until it flows between the states of Alagoas and Sergipe.
Nearby you can find some natural pools to cool off.
Serra da Canastra Waterfalls
The waterfalls are the most coveted sights for visitors to the park. Therefore, before traveling it is good to know which ones are worth including in your itinerary.
Put waterfalls like Casca D’Anta, Chinela, Cerradão, Parida, and dos Rolinhos on your list.
The Rasga Canga and Fundão waterfalls are also great options to spend the day.
trails
Trails in the region take visitors to the waterfalls. The most famous of them all is the Casca D’anta waterfall trail .
It is a quiet walk of about 3 km (round trip), without many climbs and with access to a beautiful lookout point along the way.
Cheese Route
Impossible to visit Serra da Canastra and not remember the most famous cheese in Brazil, right?
Canasta cheese production farms are always open to visitors!
During the visit you can taste the cheeses, buy them and also learn about their manufacturing process.
So, include Queijaria Roça da Cidade , Fazenda Capão Grande and Estância Capim Canastra in your itinerary .
Uncle Zezico Natural Pools
Tio Zezico Natural Pools are shallow pools with clean, crystalline waters.
It is a perfect and peaceful place for those traveling with children . In addition to being great pools for bathing, as they are not icy like waterfalls.
Complex of Waterfalls Capão Fôrro
It is formed by a set of five waterfalls: Lobo, Mata, Capão Forro, Pilão and Pulo. In addition, the space offers natural pools perfect for bathing.
The Complexo de Cachoeiras Capão Fôrro is located at the foot of Serra da Canastra, 5 km from the city of São Roque de Minas.
In which city to stay in Serra da Canastra?
São Roque de Minas is one of the best cities to stay on a first trip to the Serra da Canastra region.
There is one of the entrances that gives access to the park, which facilitates the journey for those who want to reach the “upper” region of the place, where the top of the Casca D’Anta Waterfall and the source of the São Francisco River are located.
In addition, the city has a better structure compared to others, with more options for inns and restaurants.
What to do in Serra da Canastra in one day?
For those who will stay only one day in the Serra, it is recommended to focus on the main attractions.
Then take the opportunity to take a bath in the Chinela waterfall or in the Tio Zezico Natural Pools .
You can also spend the afternoon visiting the lower part of the Casca D’Anta waterfall and watch the sunset from Morro do Carvão at the end of the day.