São Thomé das Letras Beyond the Mysticism: Waterfalls, Stone, and an Unclichéd Itinerary

Located at an altitude of over 1,400 meters in the south of Minas Gerais, São Thomé das Letras is often remembered for its UFO stories and mystical lore. However, the municipality offers a unique geological landscape in Brazil, featuring buildings constructed entirely of quartzite stone, accessible waterfalls, and a sunset that attracts travelers from all over the country.

If you want to explore the city in a practical way, without falling into the usual stereotypes, check out this guide on what is truly worth including in your trip.

Quartzite Architecture and the Historic Center

The great distinction of São Thomé das Letras lies in the ground you walk on. The extraction of quartzite (known locally as 'São Thomé stone') has shaped the local architecture. Old houses, sidewalks, and walls were built with blocks stacked without the need for mortar in many historic structures.

• São Thomé Mother Church: Built in the 18th century, it houses ceiling frescoes attributed to students of the school of Aleijadinho.
• Stone Church (Nossa Senhora do Rosário): Built by enslaved people in the 19th century, it is notable for having no external coating, leaving the stone masonry exposed.

Natural Attractions and Postcard Views

Sunset at the Pyramid and Cruzeiro Lookout

The traditional meeting point at the end of the afternoon is the Pyramid House, an abandoned stone structure located atop a rocky plateau with a 360-degree panoramic view of the Minas Gerais mountains. Next to it is the Cruzeiro Lookout, which offers one of the highest views in the region.

Flávio Waterfall and Butterfly Valley

For those looking for a river dip without exhausting hikes, two stops are mandatory:

• Flávio Waterfall: Ideal for families, it features a shallow pool, a natural shower, and easy access via a well-marked dirt road.
• Butterfly Valley (Vale das Borboletas): Named for the abundant presence of butterflies at certain times of the year, it features two waterfalls that form a clear natural pool surrounded by canyons.

Peanut Hill and Carimbado Cave

The Peanut Hill (Ladeira do Amendoim) sparks curiosity due to an optical effect where parked vehicles appear to roll uphill on their own due to a terrain illusion. Nearby is the entrance to the Carimbado Cave, famous for urban legends about extraterrestrial portals, although full internal access is currently restricted for preservation reasons.

High-Altitude Minas Gerais Gastronomy

The altitude of the Serra da Mantiqueira calls for hot, hearty dishes. Restaurants in the center serve classic feijão tropeiro (a traditional dish of beans, manioc flour, and sausage), tutu (creamy bean puree), sautéed collard greens, and pot roasts cooked on wood-burning stoves. Don't miss the artisanal cheeses produced on neighboring farms and the fresh corn bread baked daily in local bakeries.

Suggested 2-Day Itinerary

• Day 1: Arrival and walk through the Historic Center (churches and craft shops). In the afternoon, head up to the Pyramid to watch the sunset. Evening dinner with traditional country-style cuisine in the center.
• Day 2: Morning dedicated to the waterfall circuit (Butterfly Valley and Flávio Waterfall). In the afternoon, visit the Peanut Hill and stop for photos at the city's iconic rock formations.

Plan Your Next Trips with Turismo BH

After recharging your energy in the mild climate of the Minas mountains, how about planning a getaway to the coast for your next vacation?

The Turismo BH portal organizes comfortable trips departing from the capital to the most popular beach destinations in the Southeast. Secure your spot on options like the [Bate Volta Guarapari - ES](/passeios/bate-volta-guarapari-es-de-27-de-fev-a-01-mar-2026), choose the traditional [Bate e Volta Copacabana - Rio de Janeiro](/passeios/bate-e-volta-copacabana-rio-de-janeiro-de-18-a-19-de-abril-2026), or enjoy the crystal-clear sea of the Lake Region on the [Praia do Forte Cabo Frio (RJ)](/passeios/praia-do-forte-cabo-frio-rj-de-20-a-22-de-marco-2026) tour. For those who want to enjoy the extended festivities by the sea, also check out the special edition of the [Ressaca de Carnaval 2026 Praia do Forte Cabo Frio (RJ)](/passeios/ressaca-de-carnaval-2026-praia-do-forte-cabo-frio-rj).