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Before you go
Your trip to São Thomé das Letras.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
São Thomé das Letras – MG Destination Circuito das Águas de Minas about 320 km from Belo Horizonte
How to get there
It is about 320 km from Belo Horizonte. The most used access is via Três Corações, about 40 km away, by a paved road that climbs the mountain. From São Paulo, the route follows the Fernão Dias to the Três Corações region. The waterfalls are on dirt roads that start from the town.
How many days
Two days allow for the stone downtown, the grotto, the Parque Municipal Antônio Rosa and the nearest waterfalls, such as Eubiose and Vale das Borboletas. With three or four days you can reach more distant waterfalls, like Shangri-lá, about 16 km away.
When to go
From April to September it rains less and the sky is usually clearer, with cold nights. From November to March the waterfalls usually have more water, but rain and fog are frequent. Long holidays and the end of year fill the town.
The seasons shown are the most usual ones; nature doesn't always follow the calendar.
Do you need a car?
For the downtown and the park, no: everything is within walking distance, on stone slopes. The waterfalls are between 3 and 17 km from the center on dirt roads; for them, a car or tours from local agencies help.
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.
One day in São Thomé das Letras
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Morning
Mother Church and Gruta de São Thomé
Start at Praça Barão de Alfenas, with the Igreja Matriz de São Thomé and the grotto beside it. Climb the stairs behind the grotto up to the viewpoint over the center.
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Afternoon
Eubiose Waterfall
Go to the Eubiose Waterfall, about 3 km away on the road to Sobradinho, and spend the afternoon at the pool and the rapids.
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Late afternoon
Sunset at Antônio Rosa
Climb up to Parque Municipal Antônio Rosa, with the Casa da Pirâmide, the Cruzeiro and the Pedra da Bruxa, to watch the late afternoon over the mountains.
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Evening
Stone streets
Descend with a flashlight and dine downtown, among the stone houses and craft shops.
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
Why is the town called São Thomé das Letras?
The name combines the image of São Tomé, which according to legend was found in a grotto in the center in the 18th century, and the rock paintings in the mountain grottoes, which early inhabitants called letters.
Where to see the sunset in São Thomé das Letras?
The most popular spot is Parque Municipal Antônio Rosa, at the top of the town, with the Casa da Pirâmide, the Cruzeiro and the Pedra da Bruxa. The viewpoint over the Gruta de São Thomé in the center is another option.
Do you need a car in São Thomé das Letras?
For the downtown and the park, no. The waterfalls are between 3 and 17 km away on dirt roads; for them, a car or tours from local agencies help.
What is the altitude of São Thomé das Letras?
The town is at about 1,440 meters altitude, atop a quartzite mountain range. Nights are usually cold, especially from May to August.