Sumidouro State Park, State park with limestone caves in northern Belo Horizonte metropolitan area, Brazil
Sumidouro State Park is a 2004-hectare protected area in the Belo Horizonte metropolitan region featuring limestone caves, natural springs, and sinkholes. Vegetation ranges from cerrado species to Atlantic Forest plants, creating diverse habitats throughout the landscape.
Danish naturalist Peter Wilhelm Lund conducted research in this area during the early 19th century and discovered human fossils and remains of extinct megafauna. His work established the region's importance for understanding prehistoric settlement and animal life.
The park's name comes from an indigenous word describing how water vanishes into limestone sinkholes. Visitors can observe these natural processes firsthand while watching water flow through the rock formations.
The park is open Tuesday through Sunday from 9 AM to 4 PM and requires a local guide for cave explorations. Trail visits must be reserved in advance to ensure proper access and safe navigation through the terrain.
The Gruta da Lapinha cave system is illuminated with LED technology designed to maintain stable conditions that preserve the cave environment. This modern approach allows visitors to explore the chambers while protecting the delicate underground ecosystem.
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