Serra da Canastra: A Practical Guide to Waterfalls, Trails, and Authentic D.O.P. Cheese

Few places in Minas Gerais offer such a raw connection with nature as the Serra da Canastra. Located in the central-west region of the state, this area combines high-altitude plateaus, preserved cerrado (Brazilian savanna), and the headwaters of the most important river for national integration: the "Velho Chico" (São Francisco River).

If you are looking for a destination to disconnect from the urban pace, hike through open trails, and taste farm-to-table gastronomy, São Roque de Minas and its surroundings are the ideal starting point.

Where It Is and How to Get There

The most structured gateway to the Serra da Canastra National Park is the municipality of São Roque de Minas, located about 320 km from Belo Horizonte.

• By car: The main access from BH is via the BR-262 highway to Luz, followed by the MG-176 to Bambuí, and finally the LMG-827 to São Roque.
• Vehicle type: A standard passenger car is sufficient for driving in the city center. However, to navigate the dirt roads of the National Park (especially at Entrance 1), a high-clearance vehicle or 4x4 provides much more peace of mind, especially during the rainy season.

What to Do in Serra da Canastra

1. Explore the Upper Part of the National Park

Entrance 1 provides access to the park's main plateau. High up, the landscape takes on the contours of a savanna, where it is common to spot giant anteaters, pampas deer, and maned wolves.

• Historic Source of the São Francisco River: A spot marked by stone monuments where the river begins as a small, crystal-clear stream.
• Curral de Pedras (Stone Corral): Historic ruins of an ancient dry-stacked stone wall, used in the 19th century to contain cattle.
• Casca d'Anta Lookout: A panoramic view from the top of the 186-meter-high waterfall.

2. Visit the Lower Part and the Casca d'Anta Waterfall

Entering through Entrance 2, in the district of Vargem Bonita, you reach the base of the Casca d'Anta Waterfall. The hike to the main pool is easy (about 1.5 km on a flat trail) and leads to the point where the spray from the giant waterfall refreshes your energy.

3. The Canastra Cheese Producer Route

The Canastra Artisanal Minas Cheese holds a Geographical Indication seal, and its production method is recognized as Intangible Cultural Heritage by IPHAN. Visiting the producing farms is a mandatory item on your itinerary.

• Estância Capim Canastra: Famous for its aging process and international awards.
• Fazenda do Ivair: Known for its white-mold cheese with a velvety rind and distinct flavor.
• Fazenda Pinga Ouro: One of the most traditional in the region, perfect for understanding the manual pressing and salting process.

3-Day Itinerary Suggestion

• Day 1: Arrival in São Roque de Minas, lunch in the city center, and a visit to Fazenda Capim Canastra in the late afternoon.
• Day 2: A full day in the Upper Part of the National Park (Source, Stone Corral, and hike to the edge of Casca d'Anta).
• Day 3: Head to the Lower Part (Vargem Bonita district) to see the Casca d'Anta from below and enjoy a boneless traíra (local river fish) lunch by the river.

Local Gastronomy: What to Taste

In addition to cheeses at different stages of curing (fresh, semi-cured, and aged), local cuisine highlights dishes such as pão de queijo (traditional Brazilian cheese bread) stuffed with country-style sausage, chicken with okra, and cornmeal cakes baked in a wood-fired oven.

Want to Vary Your Itinerary After the Mountain Fresh Air?

If, after wearing out your boots on the trails of Canastra, you want to trade the mountain scenery for the beaches of the southeast coast, check out some of the upcoming road trips we have prepared with direct boarding from Belo Horizonte:

• To enjoy the extended carnival festivities by the sea, see our trip for the Carnival Hangover 2026 at Praia do Forte, Cabo Frio (RJ).
• If the idea is to relax in the waters of Espírito Santo, check out the Guarapari (ES) Day Trip.
• For those who want sea and sand in March, secure your spot for Praia do Forte, Cabo Frio (RJ) from March 20 to 22, 2026.
• And for a classic weekend in the "Marvelous City," visit the Copacabana - Rio de Janeiro Day Trip.

Crucial Tips Before You Travel

• Cash: Internet signal inside the park and at some remote farms is non-existent. Carry cash to pay for waterfall entrance fees and cheese purchases.
• Sunscreen and warm clothing: Due to the altitude, the sun burns quickly during the day, but the temperature drops significantly at the top of the mountain in the late afternoon.
• Fuel: Always refuel your vehicle in São Roque de Minas before entering rural areas.