Ibitipoca State Park, State park in Lima Duarte, Minas Gerais, Brazil.
Ibitipoca State Park covers around 1500 hectares of mountainous terrain in the Serra do Ibitipoca range, featuring limestone caves, several waterfalls, cold natural pools, and shifting vegetation zones. The landscape alternates between open ridges with sweeping views and forested sections, with rocky outcrops and stream channels defining the paths visitors follow.
The park was established in 1973 to protect the mountainous landscape and its ecosystems. The name comes from the Tupi-Guarani language and refers to the mountain's exposure to frequent lightning strikes, a defining feature of this exposed ridge environment.
The park's three main trails represent different ways visitors experience the landscape, with each route revealing distinct natural formations and seasonal changes. Local guides often share stories about how the mountain has shaped the region's identity over generations.
The best time to visit is during cooler months when trails are dry and visibility is good. Wear sturdy shoes and bring plenty of water, as the elevation and steep sections require a steady pace and good conditioning.
The Janela do Céu viewpoint sits at 1784 meters elevation and offers a rare vantage point overlooking the watershed boundary between two major river basins. On clear days, visitors can see where the landscape's water flow divides into separate systems heading toward different regions.
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