For decades it was a speleologists’ secret; today it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the most talked-about destination in Minas Gerais ecotourism. Cavernas do Peruaçu National Park, in northern Minas, guards a karst valley where the Peruaçu River carved caves of unbelievable scale — including Gruta do Janelão and its Perna da Bailarina, considered the largest stalactite in the world.
Where it is and how to get there
The base towns are Januária and Itacarambi, in the São Francisco valley — about 200 km from Montes Claros (the nearest airport, with daily flights) and ~600 km from Belo Horizonte via the BR-135. Near the park entrance, the Fabião community offers simple lodging and is home to many of the guides. Pousadas in the R$ 120-250/night range.
What to visit
- Gruta do Janelão — the cathedral: giant skylights, chambers 100 m tall and the Perna da Bailarina (details in the Janelão article).
- Lapa dos Desenhos — the region’s largest concentration of rock paintings, in striking multicolored panels.
- Lapa do Boquete — an archaeological site with thousands of years of continuous human occupation.
- Arco do André — a monumental natural arch on a panoramic valley trail.
How the visit works
A credentialed guide is mandatory on every route (R$ 200-400/day for small groups), with advance booking — demand has exploded since the UNESCO title. The trails are short to moderate (2-6 km), in dry cerrado/caatinga terrain: the contrast between the arid valley and the underground monumentality is part of the impact. Set aside 2-3 days to do the main routes without rushing.
When to go
May to October (dry season): firm trails, a low river and perfect light in the skylights at midday. In the northern Minas heat, start early and hydrate constantly. The rainy season greens the valley, but makes trails slippery and can change routes.
🥾 Who is it for?
Effort: moderate — trails with natural stairways, rocks and heat; nothing technical, everything with a guide. Children: from age 7-8 with stamina; the rock paintings become a treasure hunt. Seniors and reduced mobility: contemplative routes can be adapted — the Janelão viewpoint and shorter-access sites suit slow walkers; talk to your guide to build a made-to-measure day.
