Peruaçu National Caves
Parque Nacional Cavernas do Peruaçu, officially known as Parque Nacional Cavernas do Peruaçu, is one of Brazil’s most extraordinary natural treasures, located in the northern region of Minas Gerais. Spanning over 56,000 hectares across the municipalities of Januária, Itacarambi, and São João das Missões, the park protects a remarkable karst landscape of limestone plateaus, deep canyons, rivers, and an extensive system of caves that form a dramatic natural environment where biodiversity and ancient human history meet.
In 2025, this unique site was recognized as a UNESCO World Natural Heritage Site for its outstanding scenic beauty, geological significance, and exceptional conservation value, drawing attention from travelers and nature lovers around the world.
Price: BRL 4000 per person – Two Days
BRL 4500 per person – Three Days
Location & Travel Time
- Located 208 km from Montes Claros, the tour is conducted with licensed guides from Green Ecotrip Tourism Company.
- The car journey takes around 1 hour and 20 minutes , depending on road conditions.
What Makes the Park Special
Cave Systems and Geological Wonders
The park is home to a vast network of caves — many measuring hundreds of meters in size — carved by water over millions of years. These caves feature magnificent formations such as stalactites, stalagmites, dolines, and underground rivers. The stunning Gruta do Janelão is a highlight, with towering ceilings, natural skylights, and the famous “Perna da Bailarina” — one of the largest stalactites in the world with 28 meters.
Rich Biodiversity
Sitting at the intersection of three major Brazilian biomes — Cerrado, Caatinga, and Atlantic Forest — the park supports a rich variety of plant and animal species, including many that are rare or threatened.
Cultural and Archaeological Heritage
The Vale do Peruaçu is also an archaeological treasure. Throughout the park, you’ll find ancient rock paintings and archaeological sites that document human presence going back thousands of years. These cultural expressions add a deep historical layer to the natural splendor.
Main Attractions & Activities
- Gruta do Janelão – The park’s most iconic cave with massive rock formations, natural light shafts, and prehistoric art.
- Arco do André Trail – A longer, more adventurous hike leading to spectacular viewpoints and monumental limestone arches.
- Gruta Bonita and Gruta do Índio – Caves featuring remarkable geological formations and archaeological features.
- Lapa dos Desenhos – Home to one of the densest concentrations of ancient rock paintings in the region, showcasing vivid prehistoric art.
- Other Caves and Grottos – Explore hidden caves like Gruta do Caboclo and Gruta do Carlúcio, each offering unique geological and scenic experiences.
Guided visits with trained environmental guides are required to ensure safety and conservation. The park’s trails and viewpoints are suitable for a range of visitors, from casual nature enthusiasts to experienced hikers.
Included
- Transportation
- Light snack during the tour
- Guided Trails
- Support from the guides throughout de tour
- Quality-Accomodation
Visit Planning Tips
To fully appreciate everything the park offers, plan with Green Ecotrip to spend multiple days exploring its trails, caves, and scenic overlooks. A variety of routes accommodate different fitness levels, but many of the highlights, especially the longer hikes, require good physical conditioning.