Before you go

Your trip to Januária.

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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Januária – MG Destination Peruaçu Caves about 600 km from Belo Horizonte

How to get there

  • Aeroporto de Montes Claros – Mário Ribeiro (MOC) Montes Claros · 170 km
  • Rodoviária de Januária Januária · 2 km

Approximate road distances. Check flights and bus schedules before you travel.

From Belo Horizonte it is about 600 km via BR-040 and BR-135, passing through Montes Claros, about 170 km from Januária. Those arriving by plane land in Montes Claros and continue by road. There are buses from Belo Horizonte, Brasília and Montes Claros to Januária bus station.

How many days

Three days: one day to arrive and two days visiting the park, including Gruta do Janelão and other routes. Those who want to cover most of Peruaçu need four to five days in the region.

When to go

From May to September is the dry season, with hot days, mild nights and firm trails in the park. From November to March heavy rains and intense heat occur; some routes may be suspended. September and October are the hottest months.

The seasons shown are the most usual ones; nature doesn't always follow the calendar.

Do you need a car?

Yes. The park headquarters is about 45 km from the center, and the routes depart from different points connected by dirt roads. A private or rented car or transport arranged with the guide is necessary. In town, the center and the riverside are walkable.

Suggested itinerary

An order that works

Built with the places on this page. No rush: it's paced so you have time to see them.

2 days in Januária

Day 1

  1. Morning
    Gruta do Janelão

    Leave early from Januária for the park headquarters in Fabião I, meet the guide and hike to Gruta do Janelão.

  2. Afternoon
    Lapa dos Desenhos

    After lunch in the community of Fabião, continue with the guide to Lapa dos Desenhos, with rock paintings on the cliffs.

  3. Evening
    São Francisco riverside

    Return to Januária and dine near the São Francisco riverside.

Day 2

  1. Morning
    Gruta do Rezar

    Take with the guide the route to Gruta do Rezar or Lapa Bonita, according to your booking.

  2. Afternoon
    Gruta do Carlúcio

    In the afternoon, head to Gruta do Carlúcio through the gallery forest, and return to town before dark.

Check before you go. Opening hours and days change, and places may close for renovations, holidays or events. This itinerary is a suggestion from Cidade Turismo, not a commitment: plan yours by checking directly with each place you intend to visit.

Before you go

Frequently asked questions

What is the distance from Januária to Parque Nacional Cavernas do Peruaçu?

About 45 km to the park headquarters, in the community of Fabião I, beside the BR-135.

What is the distance from Belo Horizonte to Januária?

About 600 km, via BR-040 and BR-135, passing through Montes Claros. From Montes Claros to Januária is about 170 km.

Does Januária have an airport?

The nearest airport with regular flights is Montes Claros, about 170 km away. From there you proceed by car or bus.

Is it better to stay in Januária or Itacarambi to visit Peruaçu?

Januária has more hotels, restaurants and services, about 45 km from the headquarters. Itacarambi is closer, about 20 km away, with simpler accommodation.

Back to Januária