Travel Guide for Serra do Cipó in Minas Gerais

Plan your visit to Sierra do Cipó using our advice and find essential details about the town, weather, and local attractions.

Serra do Cipó in Minas Gerais is a stunning area known for its picturesque scenery, including numerous waterfalls, cliffs, canyons, caves, and rivers.

Santana do Riacho serves as the entrance to Serra do Cipó and is situated a mere 100 km away from Belo Horizonte. The Sierra do Cipó offers a wide range of activities for thrill-seekers and extreme sports enthusiasts, including trekking, rappelling, cycling, canoeing, and rock climbing.

In this article, you will find:

• What activities are available in Serra do Cipó?
• Where is the best place to stay in Serra do Cipó?
• Where can one dine in Serra do Cipó?
• How can one reach Serra do Cipó?
• When is the best time to visit Cypo Mountain?
• Tips for maximizing your enjoyment of Sierra do Cipó
• Read further

What activities can be done in Serra do Cipó?

The Sierra do Cipó offers numerous natural attractions and sights for nature enthusiasts. It is recommended to plan your visit in order to explore them all.

National Park of Serra do Cipó

There are three ways to visit the waterfalls in Serra do Cipó National Park: on foot, by bicycle, or on horseback. Opting for a bicycle is recommended as it saves time and allows you to see more in a day. Visitors can rent bicycles in the center and then head to the park to explore attractions like Cachoeira da Farofa and Cânion das Bandeirinhas.

The entire bike ride will cover a distance of 32 kilometers, featuring various terrains such as mud, soft sand, rivers (where carrying the bike will be required), and mostly flat ground under the intense sun. Despite its length, the route allows for breaks to refresh in the streams.

• Opening times are from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
• Admission: No charge
• Phone number (31) 3718-7228 / 3718-7237
• Rodovia MG-10, Km 96, Serra do Cipó District, Santana do Riacho (MG)
• Consult the ICMBio website for further details.

Farofa Waterfall

The Farofa Waterfall is the most frequented attraction in the park, featuring a well-marked trail that spans 7 kilometers. It takes approximately 2 hours to walk or 40 minutes to ride to reach the waterfall. With an impressive 80-meter drop, the waterfall boasts beautiful natural pools where visitors can take a refreshing swim and relax on the rocks.

• Moderate level of difficulty
• The park is situated 7 to 10 kilometers away.
• It takes 2 hours to walk.

Bandeirinhas Canyon

One of the most picturesque locations in the Sierra do Cipó is the Bandeirinhas canyon, which features numerous wells created by the Ribeirão Bandeirinhas and encircled by towering cliffs. To reach this spot, you’ll need to travel 12 km from the entrance gate or 6.5 km from the Farofa Waterfall. A helpful suggestion is to visit the Farofa Waterfall first and then proceed to the Canyons. Along the way, there is a shallow river filled with slippery stones that must be crossed cautiously. It’s advisable to take a break here to relax and refresh before continuing the hike.

• High level of complexity
• Distance from the Park is 12 kilometers.

Bridal veil with a waterfall design

The waterfall, measuring 120 meters tall, creates a large natural pool where visitors can jump from a 5-meter platform. It is located within the ACM camping site, which offers facilities such as blocks, a restaurant, and bathrooms. Admission is priced at R $ 30.

• Every day from 8am to 5pm is when we are open.
• Input: Thirty Brazilian reais
• Phone number (31) 3718-7096.
• Area of conservation, Santana do Riacho – MG

Great Waterfall

The Cachoeira Grande is a waterfall that measures 60 meters in length and 10 meters in height. It is created by the Cipó River, featuring a large pool and offering a serene experience beneath the cascades. Adjacent to the waterfall is a river suitable for guided kayaking excursions.

The waterfall in Santana do Riacho is conveniently located in the center with easy access via a 2 km dirt road. There are no restaurants on-site, and bonfires and alcoholic beverages are prohibited. Visitors can leave for lunch and return later without leaving a trace. It’s recommended to arrive early as daily access is limited to a maximum number of people.

• Opening times are from 8am to 5pm daily.
• Input: 30 Brazilian reais
• Phone number: (31) 3718-7044
• Location: Preservation area, Santana do Riacho – MG

Serra Morena Waterfall

The Cachoeira Serra Morena comprises three waterfalls known as 1, 2, and 3, with the tallest being Waterfall Two at 40 meters high. It is situated 15 km away from the town center and can be reached via a 6 km dirt road.

• Opening times are from 8am to 5pm daily.
• Input: 30 Brazilian reais
• Phone number (31) 3718-7044
• Area of conservation, Santana do Riacho – MG

Waterfall Board

Cachoeira do Tabuleiro, located in Minas Gerais, is the largest waterfall in the state and the third largest in Brazil, standing at 273 meters tall. To access the base of the waterfall, visitors must descend into the valley and trek along the river over rocks. It is crucial to monitor the weather forecast as the trail may be closed during rainy conditions to prevent the risk of flash floods.

The path is lovely, with the waterfall always in sight ahead, and the most striking feature of the scene is the heart-shaped form created by the Pardo River, the vegetation, and the waterfall.

• Opening hours are from 8am to 5pm daily.
• Input: Ten Brazilian reais
• Tabuleiro do Mato Dentro, Conceição do Mato Dentro – MG, is the location.

Where can I find accommodation in Serra do Cipó?

The Sierra do Cipó is a small town with one main street. Visitors can choose to stay in the center for more dining and accommodation options or closer to popular attractions like Véu da Noiva waterfall and Morro da Pedreira.

Explore a few of our recommended guesthouses in Serra do Cipó.

Explore additional accommodation options in Serra do Cipó.

Where can you dine in Serra do Cipó?

We suggest excellent dining options in Sierra do Cipó for those seeking a delicious meal. Explore:

Casa Mineira Restaurant

• Saturdays and Sundays, we are open from 11:30 AM to 4 PM.
• The typical cost is R$ 35.
• Mineira Cuisine
• Phone number (31) 8216-9293
• Rua das Margaridas 117, Serra do Cipó, Santana do Riacho – MG
• How to arrive: Intersection of R. Santa Terezinha and R. das Bromélias

One of the oldest dining establishments in Sierra do Cipó is Casa Mineira restaurant, offering weekend meals cooked in a wood stove. Self-service prices differ based on the dish: pork or beef dishes cost R $ 35, fish dishes are priced at R $ 40, and chicken dishes are R $ 45. Vegetarians can enjoy a wide selection of salads, along with classic Minas Gerais dishes like caipira chicken, beef with cassava, and torresmo.

Filomena Bistro and Tea House

• Opening hours are from 6 pm to 10 pm on Wednesday and Thursday, and from 6 pm to 11 pm on Friday and Saturday.
• The typical cost is R$ 80.
• Brazilian Cuisine: Cooking
• Phone number (31) 97199-8699
• Address: MG-010, 626 – Serra do Cipó, Santana do Riacho – MG
• Directions to reach there: MG-010

Bistro Filomena and Tea House offers a unique dining experience with a mystical ambiance, serving a variety of sophisticated dishes like risotos and emerald mignon fillet, complemented by a selection of drinks and handmade desserts.

Bistro Bon Appetit

• Friday’s opening hours are from 6 pm to 11 pm, on Saturday from 12 pm to 11 pm, and on Sunday from 12 pm to 6 pm.
• The typical cost is R$ 60.
• Brazilian Cuisine: Cooking
• Phone number: 31 98115-9531
• Rodovia MG-010, Kilometer 91, Santana do Riacho – MG
• Directions to reach there: MG-010

The Bon Appetit Bistro is a highly popular dining option in Sierra do Cipó, offering a menu filled with delicious dishes such as eggplant meatballs, black rice with shrimp, and burrata with confit tomatoes and basil pesto. They also serve a variety of à la carte dishes, risottos, pasta, desserts, and beverages.

Forno da Serra Pizza Place

• Friday’s opening hours are from 6:00 PM to 11:00 PM, Saturday’s are from 6:00 PM to 11:45 PM, and Sunday’s are from 6:00 PM to 10:00 PM.
• Average cost:
• Cooking: Pizza
• Phone number (31) 3718-7053
• MG-010 Address is 3585 at Serra do Cipó, Santana do Riacho in Minas Gerais.
• To reach the destination, take MG-010.

The Serra Pizzaria Oven is a perfect choice for those looking to enjoy a delicious pizza or tasty pasta in a friendly environment. They offer a delivery menu for those who prefer to dine at home, with a variety of options including cold dishes, bread baskets, sweet and savory pizzas, pastas, drinks, and irresistible desserts like the traditional pequi sweet and the popular gateau petit.

Chaparral Restaurant

• Every day, the establishment is open from noon until 8 p.m.
• The typical cost is R$100.
• Cooking styles in Minas Gerais and Bahia
• Phone numbers: (31) 98644-4058 / (31) 99652-0308
• MG-010, Km 100 address in Santana do Riacho, MG.
• Directions to arrive: MG-010

The Chaparral Restaurant is known for serving a combination of mining and Bahian cuisine, particularly popular for its fish and moqueca dishes. Guests have the option to dine indoors or outdoors, with many choosing to sit near a 100-year-old Jatoba tree. Additionally, the restaurant features a spacious green area for children to play and provides parking facilities.

How can one reach Serra do Cipó?

Serra do Cipó, located approximately 100 km from Belo Horizonte, can be reached via Rodovia MG-010, which leads to Santana do Riacho, the municipality where Serra do Cipó is situated. Travel to this district is possible by both car and bus, with Saritur offering tickets starting from R $ 50 for the journey.

The closest airport to Serra do Cipó for visitors coming from a distance is Confins, located approximately 80 km away, which is about a 1.5-hour drive. Travel from the airport to the destination involves taking three buses: first the 3011 to Lagoa Santa, then the 5782 to São José de Almeida, and finally the Serro 105 Viação in Jaboticatubas to reach Serra do Cipó.

When is the best time to visit Cypo Mountain?

The ideal period to explore Sierra do Cipó is from April to September when it is the dry season, offering sunny days, moderate temperatures, and reduced chances of rain.

Between August and September, the cerrado’s vegetation blooms, enhancing the beauty of the environment and providing the perfect climate for outdoor activities.

Tips to make the most of Sierra do Cipó

To ensure your safety and protect the environment in Sierra do Cipó, be mindful of the following instructions:

• Check the weather forecast before finalizing your plans. If there is rain expected, consider rescheduling or choosing a different day.
• Bring plastic bags with you to gather your garbage and take it back with you.
• Walk in groups of 10 people or fewer to minimize the impact on nature.
• Select the activities based on your physical fitness and level of expertise.
• Respect the environment, animals, and plants 🙂
• Bring insect repellent, hat, water, and snacks when hiking.

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