Rio das Mortes, River in Minas Gerais, Brazil

The Rio das Mortes rises in the Serra da Mantiqueira above 1,090 metres and runs 278 kilometres through Minas Gerais to empty into the Funil Hydroelectric Plant reservoir near Ijaci. Along its course it forms boundaries between municipalities such as Barbacena and Antônio Carlos, Tiradentes and São João del-Rei, and Bom Sucesso and Ibituruna.

The Rio das Mortes rises above 1,090 metres in the Serra da Mantiqueira and runs 278 kilometres to the Funil hydroelectric reservoir near Ijaci. It was the setting of the Guerra dos Emboabas, when Paulista fighters hid in thickets and fortifications along its banks. Its name is said to come from people who drowned trying to swim across to avoid the toll set by Tomé del Rei.

The river's name comes from the many deaths said to have occurred when people tried to swim across to avoid the toll set by Tomé del Rei. It also ran through the Emboabas War, when Paulistas hid in thickets and fortifications along its banks.

Water levels change considerably depending on the season, with highest water flow between December and May. Visitors should check conditions before planning a visit to understand accessibility along the banks.

The river's name, "River of the Dead," is said to come from people who drowned trying to swim across to avoid a toll set up by Tomé del Rei. The 278-kilometre course also crosses the old Emboabas War ground, where Paulistas hid in thickets and fortifications.