Serra da Canastra National Park

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Find out in this post all about the Serra da Canastra National Park, how to get there, what to see inside the park and very important tips. There are 93 thousand hectares of incredible nature in one of the most important parks in Brazil.

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A little about the park

Considered one of the most important parks in Brazil, it is located in the state of Minas Gerais, in the municipalities of São Roque de Minas, Vargem Bonita, Sacramento, São João Batista do Glória, Delfinópolis and Capitólio.

O park access given by the municipality of Sao Roque de Minas and Sacramento.

With its approximate 93 thousand hectares, the park was created in the 70's, exactly in 1972.

Inside the park are located the sources of the São Francisco River, which is the main objective: the protection of springs.

Distances to the entrance in São Roque de Minas

Belo Horizonte – 340 km

Rio de Janeiro – 696 km

São Paulo – 540 km

The ideal is to rent a vehicle, it will make your journey much easier and you will be able to enjoy even more the beautiful places that the region offers.

Best time to visit Serra da Canastra National Park

The ideal is to go during the dry season, between April and October, making it easier to get to know the park. In addition to the temperatures being around 17ºC

In the summer period it is very rainy and it makes it difficult to travel within the park.

Visiting hours of Serra da Canastra National Park

From 08:00h to 16:00h.

What to do in Serra da Canastra National Park

You will have many options to explore the park, nature is beautiful with several waterfalls, wild animals, vegetation and much more.

Tip: have good hiking shoes as you will need it for a lot of walking!

Another important tip is to hire a guide, it is safer and he will be able to quickly position you in difficult situations that may arise.

Source of the San Francisco River

Also known as the Velho Chico, it is one of the most important rivers in Brazil.

It passes through several states, but the source is inside the park, with its landmark registered with the statue of São Francisco.

Casca d'Anta Waterfall

Considered the postcard, it is the second largest waterfall in Minas Gerais, with its 186 m of waterfall.

Walking 1.6 km, approximately 20 minutes, you will be at the foot of the waterfall, you will be able to take beautiful photographic records.

Now, if you prefer to brave the top of the waterfall, get ready, because the difficulty level increases. The trail is steep and slippery, so the advantage of having good hiking shoes will be around 3.3 km from access gate 4.

Upstairs you will be presented with a beautiful gazebo and a bathing well.

The ideal for doing both trails is to reserve 5 hours with sunlight for walking.

Fundão Waterfall

The name itself says it all, but its 90 m of waterfalls, its greenish waters and the tranquility of the place are really worth it.

But to get there, it takes 35km with a 4×4 vehicle and another 1.6 km of trail.

Rolinhos Waterfall

Formed by 3 falls that together add up to 210 m in height.

Impossible to do this trail alone, due to the difficulty of access to the place.

Corral de Pedras

Built during the period of slavery, there are countless stones fitted one over the other, forming walls. The purpose was to use the region as a temporary farm to be used by the drovers.

Sign I love Canasta

With the Serra da Canastra wall in the background, take some time to register!

Discover the local farms

Who has never heard of the famous Canasta cheeses?! This is a great opportunity to meet the farmers and rural producers who make these delights and other products derived from milk and coffee cultivation.

And without a doubt guarantee your purchases!

Where to stay in Serra da Canastra

Hotel List

List of Hotels and Inns

Hotel	Note	Booking.com
Pousada Estancia Macaúbas	9.0	Open
Sunflower House	9.7	Open
Pickaxe's Cottage	9.6	Open
Chalets Cantin da Serra	9.9	Open
Canasta Eco Hospedagem	8.6	Open
Pousada Colina da Canasta	9.7	Open
Bubble Pingo do Mula	10	Open
White Garça – Restaurant and Rural Inn	8.9	Open
Rosemary House	9.7	Open
Chalet Pura Vida	89.7	Open
Chales Recanto das Seriemas	9.7	Open

Care and recommendations

Referring to waterfall baths, know how to identify the risks that the head of water phenomenon can provide.

It is the situation in which it rains very heavily at another point, and this volume of water quickly descends through the river, being able to become like an avalanche and take everything in front of it.

That is: the recommended thing is to move away from rivers and streams at the first sign of rain.

It's forbidden in the park areas:

Entrance and consumption of alcoholic beverages.
Use of collective sound equipment.
Practice of extreme sports such as abseiling, canyoning, zip lining, pendulum and climbing.
Entry of domestic animals.
Use of weapons and hunting and fishing equipment.
Collecting rocks, plants and animals of any kind or species.

In which city to stay in Serra da Canastra?

You can choose to stay in cities like São Roque de Minas, Vargem Bonita and São João Batista do Glória to explore the beautiful Serra da Canastra. São Roque de Minas is a popular base due to the Serra da Canastra National Park and famous waterfalls.

Vargem Bonita and São João Batista do Glória are also good options. Capitólio, although not in Serra da Canastra, is nearby and known for its landscapes.

find on Booking.com the best options for inns. You make your reservation and you don't have to pay no booking fee.

When is the best time to visit Serra da Canastra National Park?

The best time to visit the Serra da Canastra National Park is during dry season, from April to September.

In that period, the waterfalls are full and the trails are safer. High season and holidays can be more crowded.

The wet season, from October to March, offers lush vegetation and active wildlife, but it can be wetter and slippery. Consider your preferences and avoid the busiest periods.

How much do you pay to enter Serra da Canastra?

Value of R$11.00 and payment in cash only.

Which cities to visit in Serra da Canastra?

Cities you might consider visiting include Sao Roque de Minas and Vargem Bonita, which are popular bases for exploring the Serra da Canastra National Park.

Saint John the Baptist of Gloria is known for the source of the São Francisco River. Delfinópolis offers enchanting landscapes, while Capitol, although it is not in Serra da Canastra, it is close and has stunning scenery.

Each city has its own natural attractions and it is important to check the conditions and regulations before travelling.

How many cities are part of Serra da Canastra?

There are 6 in total: the municipalities of São Roque de Minas, Vargem Bonita, Sacramento, São João Batista do Glória, Delfinópolis and Capitólio.

What is there to do in Serra da Canastra?

Exploration of the National Park: Trails, waterfalls and spectacular viewpoints.
Stunning Waterfalls: Highlights include Casca d'Anta, Fundão, Cerradão, among others.
Wildlife Observation: Maned wolf, giant anteater and birds.
Photography: Exceptional opportunities to capture natural beauty.
Hiking and Trails: Options for different levels of difficulty.
Water Activities: Swimming in natural pools and lakes formed by waterfalls.
Cultural Immersion: Knowing villages, cooking and interacting with local residents.
Ecotourism and Rural Tourism: Birdwatching, horseback riding and rural experiences.
Jeep Tours: Explore remote and scenic areas.
Landscape Contemplation: Relax and enjoy the breathtaking natural views.
Information Verification: Always check for updates and follow local guidelines.

Why does Serra da Canastra have that name?

Serra da Canastra received this name due to the visual similarity that the mountain formation had with a “baú de canastra”, a straw basket used to transport food.

The peculiarity of its shape contributed to this comparison, which became part of the history and identity of the region.

Where is the canasta cheese factory located?

The production of Queijo Canastra takes place in several farms and artisanal cheese dairies in the Serra da Canastra region. There is not a single factory, but several small rural properties. Cities like São Roque de Minas are known for this production.