Carste de Lagoa Santa Environmental Protection Area

Carste de Lagoa Santa is a protected environmental area featuring limestone caves, underground rivers, and varied geological formations within the Cerrado biome. The landscape stretches across several municipalities north of Belo Horizonte, displaying characteristic karstic features.

The area became known through the research of Peter Wilhelm Lund in the 1800s, who documented paleontological findings in the caves. His work laid the foundation for understanding the natural history of this region.

The region holds numerous archaeological sites where ancient human presence is documented in limestone caves. These locations show how the landscape and caves have been integral to human history in the area.

The protected area lies north of Belo Horizonte and spans multiple municipalities, making it accessible from various entry points. Visitors should prepare for uneven terrain and variable conditions within and around the caves.

The karstic landscape harbors specialized plant species and an underground water network supporting rare animals like the fossorial giant rat. These hidden habitats make it a remarkable place for discovering species adapted to extreme conditions.