Farofa waterfall
A level trail.
upslon from Belo Horizonte, Brasil — CC BY 2.0 · RamonMarlon — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Isabellavieira — CC BY-SA 3.0 · josep from BHz, Brasil — CC BY-SA 2.0
Serra do Cipó National Park, created in 1984, protects about 31,600 hectares of the southern Serra do Espinhaço north-east of Belo Horizonte, a UNESCO biosphere reserve. Its relief of ridges, canyons, valleys and high rocky fields ranges from about 700 to 1,700 metres, and its flora is among the richest in Brazil for its area, with many species found nowhere else; maned wolves, ocelots, pumas and a small bird found only here, the Cipó canastero, live in the park. The classic walk is to the Cachoeira da Farofa: a flat, well-marked trail of about 7 km each way from the Areias gate, around two hours each way. The Cânion das Bandeirinhas is another highlight. Entry is free in 2026 on a first-come basis; the park opens daily 8:00-16:00 (you may stay until 18:00), and walkers should start for the Farofa by noon.
A level trail.
Rock walls.
Rare plants.
Santana do Riacho and Jaboticatubas, north-east of Belo Horizonte
About two hours each way on a flat 7 km trail from the Areias gate; entry is free.