Rio Acima, Municipality in Minas Gerais, Brazil.
Rio Acima is a municipality in southeastern Minas Gerais, Brazil, positioned in a hilly area near the metropolitan region of Belo Horizonte. The municipal territory is crossed by the Rio das Velhas and its tributaries, with forested ridges forming much of the surrounding landscape.
The area around Rio Acima was settled in the 18th century during the gold mining era that shaped much of Minas Gerais. The settlement gained its current administrative status as a municipality in the 20th century, when the region's boundaries were reorganized.
Rio Acima sits in Minas Gerais, a state known for its food traditions, and local gatherings often feature dishes like feijão tropeiro and pão de queijo. During town festivals, you can hear regional music styles and see handmade crafts sold by families from the surrounding area.
Rio Acima lies about 30 miles (50 km) from Belo Horizonte and is most easily reached by car along regional roads. Visitors planning to explore the forested areas should wear sturdy shoes, as the trails can be hilly and uneven in places.
The name Rio Acima means "upriver" in Portuguese, referring to the settlement's position along the upper course of the Rio das Velhas. That river served as a key transport route during the 18th-century gold rush, carrying ore and supplies through the region.
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