Itambé do Mato Dentro: Waterfalls, Rock Art and Culture

Itambé do Mato Dentro lies among the rocks of the Serra do Espinhaço. In the surrounding area, waterfalls meet striking rock formations; in town, the Igreja Matriz de Nossa Senhora das Oliveiras adds a cultural touch. Experiences range from a short, easily accessible descent to Cachoeira do Lúcio to caves, rock art and an annual festival held in July in the district of Cabeça de Boi. If you are looking for a holiday rental, you can plan your trip around the landscapes and experiences you want to shape your stay.

Waterfalls with different features

Cachoeira do Lúcio is one kilometre from Itambé do Mato Dentro. It is easily accessible; the descent takes about five minutes. Of the waterfalls described here, it is the closest to town. Nine kilometres away is Cachoeira da Serenata: its waterfall is about eight metres high, and its pebble- and sand-covered pool forms a small beach. Cachoeira do Funil is seven kilometres from town. There, three successive waterfalls form natural pools of clear water that are suitable for swimming. Each has a different standout feature: the short descent at Lúcio, the small beach at Serenata and the swimming pools at Funil.

Cachoeira da Vitória offers a different scale. It is 4.5 kilometres away, almost 70 metres high and flanked by high rock walls. Compared with Cachoeira da Serenata, which is about eight metres high, its sheer scale is especially striking. Those considering several destinations will find a range of landscapes: pools and a beach, successive waterfalls, or a tall waterfall between rock walls.

Rocky landscapes and archaeology

About 2.5 kilometres from the town centre lies the Serra dos Milagres natural, scenic and archaeological complex. It extends over 200 metres and includes rock shelters, caves and the Córrego dos Milagres. The rock art site there is considered an important source for archaeological studies. This landscape combines striking natural formations with archaeological significance.

Pico do Itacolomi de Itambé is also a landmark for navigating the landscape: it is one of the highest points in the municipality. Together with the town’s setting among the rocks of the Serra do Espinhaço, it shows that the surrounding area is shaped by more than just its waterfalls.

Culture and local traditions

The ensemble of altarpieces in the Igreja Matriz de Nossa Senhora das Oliveiras is protected as a heritage site. The protection was established on 5 March 2004 by the mayor of Itambé do Mato Dentro. This adds a clearly dated connection to the town’s history to the natural and rock art attractions.

The Festival da Banana takes place every July in the district of Cabeça de Boi. Residents, together with the municipal government, decorate the local square and set up bamboo stalls for typical products of the June festivals. A Quadrilha dance is also performed, and bananas with molasses are served at the stalls. The festival offers a different focus from excursions to waterfalls and rock formations: it centres on community participation and local festival traditions. Check current local announcements about dates and the programme when planning your visit.

Planning your trip

Itambé do Mato Dentro is approximately 122 kilometres from the capital of the state of Minas Gerais; the route distance may vary depending on your journey. The natural attractions are also at varying distances from town. When choosing a holiday rental, you can consider what you want your stay to focus on: the waterfalls, the rocky landscape and rock art, or the culture in town and the festival in the district. Factor your accommodation’s location into your plans and check which location suits the destinations you want to include.

Discover more destinations

Guapé, Goncalves, Maria da Fé, Monte Verde, Rio Pomba, Araxá, Passa Quatro, Teófilo Otoni

For the broader travel guide: Minas Gerais.