Gruta da Lapinha

Gruta da Lapinha is a limestone cave with multiple underground chambers and natural stone formations inside a protected park area. The entrance area houses a museum displaying archaeological discoveries from past excavations.

A Danish scientist discovered the cave in the 1830s and found ancient human bones and remains of extinct animals there. These discoveries made the site important for understanding the region's past.

The indigenous name refers to water that vanishes into the earth, reflecting how local peoples understood the cave's underground character. This meaning remains connected to the landscape visitors see today.

The cave can only be explored with a guide, and it opens during specific hours on certain days of the week. Wear comfortable walking shoes and expect cool, damp conditions underground.

The site became a major location for fossil hunting and attracted researchers from around the world during past centuries. Today visitors can view the most significant finds displayed in the adjacent museum.

Location: Lapinha

Opening Hours: Tuesday-Sunday 09:00-16:00

GPS coordinates: -19.56114,-43.95958

Latest update: December 6, 2025 19:07