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Park · Januária, MG
Peruaçu Caves National Park
National park of 56,448 hectares in the Peruaçu River canyon, a UNESCO World Heritage site, with caves such as Janelão and cliffs with rock paintings. Visits are always with an accredited guide and by appointment.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
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About Peruaçu Caves National Park
The Peruaçu Caves National Park was created on September 21, 1999 and protects 56,448 hectares in the municipalities of Januária, Itacarambi and São João das Missões in northern Minas Gerais, managed by ICMBio, the Chico Mendes Institute for Biodiversity Conservation. The Peruaçu River, a tributary of the São Francisco, crosses a limestone massif there and opens a canyon with caves, arches and sinkholes. On July 13, 2025 the canyon was inscribed by UNESCO on the World Heritage List as a natural property.
The Gruta do Janelão is the best-known attraction. Its galleries exceed 100 meters in height and width, and large openings in the ceiling let in light, with trees growing inside the cave and the river running along the bottom. There is the Perna da Bailarina, a stalactite of about 28 meters. Other routes lead to Lapa Bonita, Lapa do Índio, Gruta do Carlúcio, Gruta do Rezar and Arco do André, the latter involving about 8 km of walking and viewpoints over the canyon.
The cliffs and rock shelters contain archaeological sites with rock paintings and engravings and traces of human occupation dating back some 12,000 years. Lapa dos Desenhos has one of the most extensive panels. Walkways protect the most fragile areas.
All visits require a guide accredited by ICMBio, hired by the visitor, and prior booking confirmed by the park. Each guide takes up to 8 people; at Lapa Bonita and Arco do André, up to 5. Routes depart from the headquarters, in the community of Fabião I, beside the BR-135, and the trails start at points connected by dirt roads, which requires a vehicle.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
A full day for Gruta do Janelão and a second route; four to five days for most of the park.
Best time
From May to September, in the dry season. Start hikes early, before the strong midday heat. In the rainy season, from November to March, some routes may be suspended.
How to get there
The headquarters is in the community of Fabião I, at km 155 of the BR-135, about 45 km from Januária and about 20 km from Itacarambi. From there the guide takes the group by vehicle to the start of each trail.
Tip
Schedule the visit and hire the guide in advance, especially on holidays, because each route has a daily limit. Bring plenty of water, a hat, sunscreen, a flashlight and hiking shoes. Do not touch the rock paintings.
Official website
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Peruaçu Caves National Park
What is the Perna da Bailarina?
It is a stalactite of about 28 meters in Gruta do Janelão, regarded as one of the largest in the world.
Which routes to do in Peruaçu with two days?
Generally, Gruta do Janelão on the first day and, on the second, Lapa dos Desenhos with Gruta do Rezar or Lapa Bonita, depending on booking and the guide.
Is there a fee to enter Peruaçu Caves National Park?
Visits require hiring an accredited guide, arranged directly with them. Check the park's page for entry and booking conditions.