Parque Nacional da Serra do Gandarela

The Serra do Gandarela National Park (Parna), created on October 13, 2014, is an important area for environmental conservation in the heart of the Iron Quadrangle and in the southern portion of the Espinhaço Range, 40 km from Belo Horizonte/MG.

The park features a scenic set of lush mountains, rivers, and waterfalls. The vegetation is composed of one of the most continuous fragments of the Atlantic Forest in Minas Gerais and cerrado formations, such as ferruginous and quartzitic rupestrian fields, as well as ferruginous cangas.

The Parna also stands out for representing significant aquifer recharge areas, with a large occurrence of streams and rivers that drain into the Doce and Velhas river basins, making it strategic for the current and future water supply of the Belo Horizonte Metropolitan Region. This factor also contributes to the presence of dozens of waterfalls, which create splendid scenic beauty and offer free tourism and leisure options for the local population and visitors.

1. Attractions:

Indio Waterfall

Viana Waterfall

Blue Pool

Santo Antônio Waterfall

Cruzado Waterfall

Mirante da Serra do Gandarela Waterfall

2. To visit:

The Serra do Gandarela National Park can be visited all year round and entry is free, but for access to the Viana and Indio waterfalls, which are located on private land, a fee of R$30.00 per person for entry and R$30.00 for parking is charged.

For more information, please contact the headquarters:

(31) 3545-1883 parna.gandarela@icmbio.gov.br

3. How to get there:

The park is headquartered in the municipality of Rio Acima, where it is possible to access the Viana, Índio waterfalls, and the Mirante of Serra do Gandarela.

Access to the municipality can be done via urban bus lines or car, via MG-030. Be aware that some attractions are located in other municipalities as listed above.

4. Tips:

It is recommended for those who will be hiking to: - Be physically well prepared for the walking effort; - Wear light and comfortable clothing, appropriate trekking footwear, and a hat; - Carry a backpack with essential items: water, snacks, raincoat, sunscreen, and insect repellent; - The walking activity in conservation units involves some risks, such as falls and animal bites.

Sources: http://www.icmbio.gov.br/portal/visitacao1/unidades-abertas-a-visitacao/9463-parque-nacional-da-serr...

Contacts (31) 3545-1883 parna.gandarela@icmbio.gov.br