Serra da Canastra National Park

Welcome to the Serra da Canastra National Park, a land of rugged beauty and immense geographical significance. We are standing on the high plateau of southeastern Brazil, in the state of Minas Gerais. …

We stand now before the awe-inspiring Casca d'Anta, the first major waterfall of the São Francisco River and undoubtedly the park's most iconic landmark. Plunging from a staggering height of 186 meters, it is equivalent to a…

It is a profound experience to stand at the 'Nascente do Rio São Francisco.' Here, in a quiet, marshy area on the high plateau, the great 'Velho Chico' begins its journey as a small, bubbling spring. It is hard to imagine that…

As we navigate the rolling hills of the upper plateau, we come across a striking man-made structure known as the 'Curral de Pedras.' This historic corral was constructed over a century ago by local 'tropeiros' and cattle ranchers…

Driving along the ridge of the mountains, we find ourselves on the 'Estrada do Céu' or the Sky Road. This narrow, winding track is aptly named, as it often feels as though you are driving through the clouds. …

No visit to the Serra da Canastra is complete without exploring its most famous cultural export: 'Queijo Canastra.' This artisanal cheese has been produced in the region for over 200 years, brought here by Portuguese settlers and…

Hidden within the folds of the mountains are dozens of lesser-known waterfalls, each offering a unique sanctuary for the nature lover. One such spot is the 'Cachoeira do Palmito,' mentioned in the transcripts for its remarkably…

As our exploration of the Serra da Canastra National Park comes to a close, take a moment to look back at the high plateau one last time. We have stood at the source of a great river, marveled at the power of the Casca d'Anta,…