Serra do Gandarela National Park

Serra do Gandarela National Park is a protected nature reserve in Minas Gerais with rugged mountains, streams, and layered forest vegetation that shifts with elevation. The terrain includes steep canyons, rocky ridges, and transitional zones where different ecosystems meet.

The park was created in 2014 after two decades of advocacy by grassroots groups seeking to protect the region. This effort prevented mining operations from damaging water sources that supply the surrounding metropolitan area.

The park holds spiritual meaning for nearby communities who have depended on its water sources and forests for generations. This deep connection between people and the land shapes how locals view and care for the area today.

Visit during drier months when trails are easier to navigate and hiking conditions improve throughout the park. Bring sturdy footwear and plenty of water, as mountain routes require sustained physical effort.

The park contains more than 100 caves with archaeological remains showing that people have lived in this region for thousands of years. These caverns reveal a long human presence in the mountainous landscape.

Location: Rio Acima

Operator: Instituto Chico Mendes de Conservação da Biodiversidade

GPS coordinates: -20.10864,-43.64968

Latest update: December 10, 2025 16:29