Santa Rita de Jacutinga

Known for its waterfalls, canyons, forests and trails, Santa Rita de Jacutinga is particularly popular with eco-tourists. The biggest natural attraction in the municipality is the Boqueirão Canyon beyond the Boqueirão da Mira waterfall, with a gap one hundred metres across and fifty metres deep. The waterfalls of Santa Clara, Meirelles, Vargem do Sobrado, and Ronco are good options for photography and bathing. The Véu da Noiva waterfall doesn’t permit swimming, but it does allow visitors to shower under its cascades. Another interesting venue is the Batalhão do Elefante (Elephant’s Battalion) Hill, with a variety of unusual rock formations reminiscent of the animal after which it is named. The city is also home to important historical farms, the main example of which is the Santa Clara Farm, which was constructed in around 1760 and is part of the region’s coffee-producing cycle. The large farmhouse is full of curious quirks, such as its 365 windows, one for each day of the year. The Senzala (old slave’s residence) has windows painted onto its façade. These fake windows were designed to prevent slaves escaping through real ones, and the building now keeps alive the memory of the everyday life of up to 2000 slaves. Religious fervour forms part of the heritage of this small city, and there is a church in every neighbourhood. As well as the Santa Rita de Cássia Church, highlights include the chapels of Nossa Senhora Aparecida and São Sebastião, and the Nossa Senhora da Conceção Church. Other cultural attractions are the Melo Viana Bridge, the Matriz Square, and the old REFESA Tunnel, the railroad of central Brazil.

Travel Tips: Tourists who enjoy extreme sports will find good options in Santa Rita de Jacutinga; the Pacau waterfall is the perfect place for activities such as canyoneering and cascading, while the Nogueira and Barbosa waterfalls boast rapid-style cascades that are ideal for rafting. Other places worth visiting for such activities are Rio Preto and the Posses Canyon, on the Bananal River. There are several ecological trails for trekking in the region, and the Posses Trail is good for horse riding as well.