Parque Nacional da Serra do Cipó
Parque Nacional da Serra do Cipó
Parque Nacional da Serra do Cipó
4.5
8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Monday
8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Tuesday
8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Wednesday
8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Thursday
8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Friday
8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Saturday
8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Sunday
8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
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46 within 3 miles
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10 within 6 miles
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
4.5
806 reviews
Excellent
554
Very good
204
Average
38
Poor
4
Terrible
6
RHAHJ
Nijmegen, The Netherlands1,972 contributions
Jan 2021
I went here on January 11 and 13, 2021. My main objective was to picture some birds and maybe other wildlife. On the first day many waterfalls were closed. I started going around the circuito das lagoas. I saw a good deal of birds there. Around 11.00 I walked towards the cachoeira do Capao, the only one open to visit this day. The waterfall was nice. There were quite many other visitors. The second day was nicer.I hired a bike at the entrance, and went for the cachoeira da Farofa and the canyon at the other extreme of the park. It was interesting to have to pass through some large bodies of water crossing over the roads and trails. The waterfall was nice, and drew many visitors. The great dusky swift is a bird that hangs out there. The canyon was alright too, although I didn't have time to explore it properly, and I drowned my phone while crossing the river to get there. Some kind of rail to hold on to while crossing would be nice there.
Generally, the landscape is awesome. A serious drawback is that the place is hard to reach unless you have your own car. Taxis don't want to bring you over the entrance road, because it is in a bad condition, and the walk of 5 km lets you start the trails somewhat fatigued already. There is a bike rent in town, but it opens only at 8.00, at which time the park is already open.
Generally, the landscape is awesome. A serious drawback is that the place is hard to reach unless you have your own car. Taxis don't want to bring you over the entrance road, because it is in a bad condition, and the walk of 5 km lets you start the trails somewhat fatigued already. There is a bike rent in town, but it opens only at 8.00, at which time the park is already open.
Written January 25, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Aaron A
LaSalle, Canada62 contributions
Aug 2017 • Friends
So, I will try to give a fair amount of detail, since I know that it can be hard to find a lot of information about Serra do Cipo online.
1) Getting there - even though it is a National Park, the standard route from BH easily takes between 1.5 to 2 hours for less than 100km. Why? Because after getting off the highway, you end up going through a small town with literally 15 or so speed bumps, really slowing things down. When getting close to the park, you will pass by some abandoned looking entrance area. Within a few minutes or this, the main park entrance exists. BEWARE - there is a small sign pointing to the right (right before the small, single lane bridge), and the road is a small, single lane (but 2 way road) that is not in good condition. It is unpaved and has a lot of larger rocks. This road will take you to the parking lot, and takes about 10 to 15 minutes driving very slow.
2) Entering the park - after parking, it is clear of where to go. One of the park workers spoke English and was excited to have a foreigner, so he was quite welcoming. At the entrance, you can rent a bike (which is not a bad option). They also have a small book that explains the different routes you can take. THERE IS NO ENTRANCE FEE!
3) Routes - this last time my friend and I completed 2 different hikes. 1) The canyon - this is a 12 km one way hike, and has a beautiful canyon at the end. I would suggest bringing a backpack with food and water, and spending some time relaxing at the end. It took us about 2 hours to reach the canyon. Just past 9 kms you have to cross a river - this is what amazed me. There was no bridge, the river was about 10 m wide, and at some parts got at least 60 cm deep. There is a warning sign before entering this part that all of the rocks on the river bottom can be dangerous and slippery - so beware. So keep this in mind if trying to go with younger kids. Also, the canyon area you need to navigate through some larger rocks, so it is not 100% easy.
3) 2) Farofa waterfalls - we returned from the canyon and off the trail was an exit for this waterfall (from the park entrance, it is about 8 km away). The waterfall itself is beautiful, but by the time we reached it (around 1:30pm) it was very crowded. I would estimate 40 to 50 people. There are some parts close to the actual falls that might be a little challenging for people to navigate through, so beware. It is quite a beautiful falls, but we were disappointed with how crowded it was at the time. Still worth it though.
We arrived at the park around 9:30am (and finished both hikes by ~3:15pm). I would suggest that you arrive by the time, or earlier (I think the park opens at 8am). Also, I would strongly suggest bringing sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses, etc. Most of the route you are exposed to the sun, so it can be strenuous. Also, as I mentioned before, bring snacks. There is a restaurant at the park entrance, but I am not sure if it is always open or if they sell individual things. There is a water fountain and bathrooms at the park entrance. The trail itself is decent and clearly marked, but at some parts it is sort of sandy, making it difficult to walk. Make sure to wear really comfortable shoes!!!
There are other hikes available at the park, but I think that it is only open from 8am to 4pm. So, if you wish to do others, I would suggest staying in the area over night or for a few nights. Happy hiking!
1) Getting there - even though it is a National Park, the standard route from BH easily takes between 1.5 to 2 hours for less than 100km. Why? Because after getting off the highway, you end up going through a small town with literally 15 or so speed bumps, really slowing things down. When getting close to the park, you will pass by some abandoned looking entrance area. Within a few minutes or this, the main park entrance exists. BEWARE - there is a small sign pointing to the right (right before the small, single lane bridge), and the road is a small, single lane (but 2 way road) that is not in good condition. It is unpaved and has a lot of larger rocks. This road will take you to the parking lot, and takes about 10 to 15 minutes driving very slow.
2) Entering the park - after parking, it is clear of where to go. One of the park workers spoke English and was excited to have a foreigner, so he was quite welcoming. At the entrance, you can rent a bike (which is not a bad option). They also have a small book that explains the different routes you can take. THERE IS NO ENTRANCE FEE!
3) Routes - this last time my friend and I completed 2 different hikes. 1) The canyon - this is a 12 km one way hike, and has a beautiful canyon at the end. I would suggest bringing a backpack with food and water, and spending some time relaxing at the end. It took us about 2 hours to reach the canyon. Just past 9 kms you have to cross a river - this is what amazed me. There was no bridge, the river was about 10 m wide, and at some parts got at least 60 cm deep. There is a warning sign before entering this part that all of the rocks on the river bottom can be dangerous and slippery - so beware. So keep this in mind if trying to go with younger kids. Also, the canyon area you need to navigate through some larger rocks, so it is not 100% easy.
3) 2) Farofa waterfalls - we returned from the canyon and off the trail was an exit for this waterfall (from the park entrance, it is about 8 km away). The waterfall itself is beautiful, but by the time we reached it (around 1:30pm) it was very crowded. I would estimate 40 to 50 people. There are some parts close to the actual falls that might be a little challenging for people to navigate through, so beware. It is quite a beautiful falls, but we were disappointed with how crowded it was at the time. Still worth it though.
We arrived at the park around 9:30am (and finished both hikes by ~3:15pm). I would suggest that you arrive by the time, or earlier (I think the park opens at 8am). Also, I would strongly suggest bringing sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses, etc. Most of the route you are exposed to the sun, so it can be strenuous. Also, as I mentioned before, bring snacks. There is a restaurant at the park entrance, but I am not sure if it is always open or if they sell individual things. There is a water fountain and bathrooms at the park entrance. The trail itself is decent and clearly marked, but at some parts it is sort of sandy, making it difficult to walk. Make sure to wear really comfortable shoes!!!
There are other hikes available at the park, but I think that it is only open from 8am to 4pm. So, if you wish to do others, I would suggest staying in the area over night or for a few nights. Happy hiking!
Written August 21, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
John M
142 contributions
Jul 2015 • Couples
On arrival at the Areias entrance about 3 km from the highway, the visitors' center staff welcome you with a good overview of the Serra do Cipó national park and its main attractions, mostly in photographic format. The park staff are helpful and informative and explain the unique nature of the cerrado/savannah biome and its flora and fauna, although you won't see much of the latter, at least during regular park hours. There are two good hikes up fairly flat river valleys to various waterfalls and canyons. The longer, which can be up to 28 km in total depending on how you plan it, heads up the Mascates valley, reaching the turn off to the Farofa waterfall after 6 km with about 2.5 km more through grassy flats, riparian forest and the stream bed itself to the falls. This is a nice cascade with a deep pool surrounded by large rocks at the base of the hill where you can stop for that lunch you are carrying. You then return to the main trail and head on for another 6 km, crossing the shallow stoney Mascates River about a kilometer before the Bandeirinhas canyon, a narrow gorge the river is carving through the rock. We preferred this very special spot to spend the rest of our afternoon alone luckily, before hoofing it back down the valley for a couple of hours to reach headquarters by 1800 hours when the park closes. The gate is open if you're late and you can walk in the dark as the trail is really an access road in the lower section. There are other side hikes in this valley that you can take, including the Mirante do Bem lookout for the sunset, among others. The other hike leaves from the Retiro entrance (but can be reached on foot across the grasslands from the previous trail) and goes up the Bocaina valley for about 8 km to the Gavião waterfall, with several others (Troubador) about 4 km further on. This is also a nice open pool surrounded by large rocks with easy access for swimming. We didn't stay long here, preferring to return about 500 m down the trail, cross the river and head up a nearby stream to the Andorinhas waterfall. Access here is more difficult as you must follow the stream bed over large rocks and along the cliff walls with large sections of sloping rock face. It's worth the effort though and the various pools are deep and enticing, as are the surrounding cliffs. There's a lookout about 500 m from the Retiro gateway where you can watch the sunset on your return. For a steep hike through the cerrado vegetation, follow the highway (MG-010) through Cardeal Mota town about 3 km up the hill to the Trilha dos Escravos, just after the entrance to the commercial Veu da Noiva waterfall. There is a small car park here on the left, opposite and just beyond the signed trail entrance. The stone paved trail rises quickly and sharply through typical scrubland trees and shrubs with many flowers, plants and grasses. There is a side trail leading off to the top of the waterfall about 500 m away. Return and continue on up the trail for another 500 m to the stream for a break before heading on to reach a couple of swimming holes. These are the main free attractions in the park. There are numerous other waterfalls on private property in the area and for which access is about R$20-30.
Written July 25, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Laura O
39 contributions
Jan 2019 • Couples
It’s a national park, with two major waterfalls. The first one, “Farofa”, is located at 6,5 km from the parks entrance. The second, it’s a cânion with several falls and pools. That one is 11,5 km from the entrance. Some people walk, we rented bikes at the entrance. Amazing nature, a beautiful mountain, and dark cold water to swim in. No facilities inside the park, bare nature. Take food and water a lot of water! Throughout most of the year, scorching sun. If you prefer, you can rent a horse, but call one day in advance to book one.
Written April 7, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Cynthia F
Seattle, WA39 contributions
Jun 2014 • Friends
Serra Cipo makes a nice weekend or day outing. For non Brazilians it's a chance to see the CERRADO, a unique flora and fauna biome to Brazil. If you really want to get away from it all go to Lapinha da Serra, a small village of 300 people, currently not on Trip Advisor radar. It's my current favorite place in Brazil with hiking, mountain biking and canoeing available right from your doorstep.
Written June 26, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
JCAndrade
Recife, PE8 contributions
Sep 2019
Just had a great day on my own. Beautiful waterfalls and tracking. Definitely, it was worth the visit!
Written November 11, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Keira
3 contributions
Sep 2019
An unforgettable experience. Beautiful landscapes with waterfalls you can swim under. Several trails for hiking. Saw some wild monkeys in the trees. You can spend the whole day here.
Written November 7, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
WC-Travelers-75
West Chester, PA2,192 contributions
Jun 2017 • Couples
We did two day hikes to over 2 days while staying nearby in Bangalos do Cipo. They were to different falls - Cachoeira Capão dos Palmitos & Cachoeira do Farofa. Moderate hikes. Park entrance is gated with rangers attending. Plenty of parking space. Bathrooms available and reasonably clean. Trails well marked.
Written March 23, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Koen B
16 contributions
May 2016 • Couples
We hiked in Serra do Cipo for 3 seperate days. Beautiful to see the different waterfalls. The park staff is very friendly. The hikes are easy to moderate in difficulty.
Written January 10, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Goldcontakt
Cologne, Germany8 contributions
Nov 2015 • Friends
There are so many things that you can do there: Horse riding, Climbing, High Line, Moutains Biking, Canoeing, Bird Watching, Trekking etc etc.
We did the tour with an english speaking guide from "KOPA turismo". I really recommend the tour, we learned a lot about local culture and animals. The natives are really nice and welcome you in a special way.
We did the tour with an english speaking guide from "KOPA turismo". I really recommend the tour, we learned a lot about local culture and animals. The natives are really nice and welcome you in a special way.
Written November 25, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Gostaria de saber sobre guias locais da regiao para levar para as cachoeiras:??? indicaçãoooo
Written March 29, 2024
Gostaria de saber sobre guias locais da regiao para levar para as cachoeiras:??? indicaçãoooo
Written March 29, 2024
How much should it be to get a taxi straight from CNF airport to Serra do Cipó? I've been quoted R$330 but uber says around R$150 - question is, would an Uber driver really accept such a long ride from the airport?
(We don't have driving licences and will be getting the Saritur bus back to Lagoa Santa on return. Unfortunately it doesn't coincide with our arrival flight!)
Written January 27, 2023
Onde o pessoal aluga as bikes para passear no parque? É perto da portaria? Qual a média de valor do aluguel/dia?
Written December 27, 2021
Bom dia, pretendo ir ao parque de ônibus, saindo de BH. Alguém indica alguma pousada próxima ao parque e que o ônibus pare perto?
Written December 26, 2019
Este lugar cobra alguma taxa para realizar ensaio fotográfico? Precisa de marcar horário? Tem algum telefone para informações? Obrigada!
Written May 27, 2019
O parque não cobra entrada, logo, creio que não cobre para realização de ensaios. Seguem meios para contato:
Email: parna.serradocipo@icmbio.gov.br
Telefones: (31) 37187151 / 37187475 / 37187481 / 37187469.
Written May 29, 2019
qual o valor da entrada? tem restriçoes á bebidas alcoolicas? tem estacionamento gratuito?
Written January 20, 2019
No parque não se cobra entrada, tem estacionamento gratuito antes da portaria e não é permitida bebida alcoólica
Written January 20, 2019
BOM DIA!!! qual o valor da entrada na serra do cipó? tem estacionamento gratuito? tem alguma restrição em levar bebidas alcóolicas?
Written January 20, 2019
É free, de graça não paga nada , eu quando fui tava com a mochila cheia de comidas e bebidas ninguém perguntou nada , o estacionamento fica ao lado na entrada é totalmente free, gratis
Written January 21, 2019
Em qual cidade se hospeda pra ir a pé pra entrada do parque? Alguma sugestão de hostel ou camping?
Written January 9, 2019
Vc pega o onibus pra Belo horizonte e de la pega o saritur ou serro pra serra do cipi ha muitas pousadas portanto te aconcelho a pesquisar! Eu como moradora te aconcelho a alugar um carro pois a caminhada fica pesada do centro ao parque
Written January 19, 2019
Roam47690798250
Betim, MG
Percebi que as respostas para a pergunta ja tem mais de um ano. Atualmente, 23/11/18, quanto paga para entrar no parque? tem estacionamento? quanto é o estacionamento?
Written November 23, 2018
Estive no local recebtemente. Paga-se somente nos acessos das cachoeiras que estão em propriedade privada, como é o caso da Cachoeira Grande, citada em outra resposta. A entrada principal da reserva do Parque do Cipó não cobra entrada e possui local para estacionamento. Neste parque pagamos somente pelo aluguel das bikes, o que vale muito a pena para otimizar a visitação e possibilitar ir às cachoeiras mais distantes. Além disso, andar de bike dentro do parque é uma delícia.
Written November 24, 2018
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