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Before you go
Your trip to Vargem Bonita.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
Vargem Bonita – MG Destination Nascentes das Gerais e Canastra about 322 km from Belo Horizonte
How to get there
It is about 320 km from Belo Horizonte, via MG-050 to Piumhi and then by paved road to the town. From São Roque de Minas there is also a dirt shortcut. Portaria 4 of the park is about 22 km away, along a dirt road that passes the district of São José do Barreiro and usually allows a regular car during the dry season.
How many days
One day for the lower section of Casca d'Anta and Cachoeira da Chinela. With two days you can include the trail that climbs to the upper section of the waterfall or the river beaches of the São Francisco. Those who also want to visit the upper part of the park via Portaria 1 should add a day leaving from São Roque de Minas.
When to go
From April to October there is less rain and the dirt roads become easier. From November to March the waterfalls usually have more water, but the river rises quickly after rains. Holidays and July attract more visitors.
The seasons shown are the most usual ones; nature doesn't always follow the calendar.
Do you need a car?
Yes. The town can be explored on foot, but Portaria 4 is 22 km away and the waterfalls are in the rural area, along dirt roads. In the rainy season a higher-clearance vehicle helps. There are local drivers who offer tours for those who do not drive.
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 Vargem Bonita
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Morning
Casca d'Anta from the lower side
Leave early for Portaria 4, about 22 km away, passing through São José do Barreiro. Do the roughly 1.5 km trail down to the base of the fall and bathe in the pool.
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Afternoon
Cachoeira da Chinela
On the way back, stop at Cachoeira da Chinela, a few kilometers from town, with greenish water pools and the stone mill of the farm.
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Late afternoon
Banks of the São Francisco
End the day at one of the São Francisco river beaches near town, where the river already flows wide after descending the plateau.
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Evening
Dinner in the centre
Dine in the town center, near the church, and try queijo canastra and the sweets from the region's farms.
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 Vargem Bonita to Cachoeira Casca d'Anta?
Portaria 4, which gives access to the lower section of Casca d'Anta, is about 22 km from downtown Vargem Bonita via a dirt road that passes the district of São José do Barreiro. From the gate, a roughly 1.5 km trail leads to the base of the fall.
Can you reach the lower section of Casca d'Anta with a regular car?
In the dry season, generally yes: the road from Vargem Bonita to Portaria 4 is dirt but is usually in good condition. In the rainy season there can be mud and slippery sections; go slowly and check conditions before leaving.
What to do in Vargem Bonita?
Visit the lower section of Cachoeira Casca d'Anta, Cachoeira da Chinela and the São Francisco river beaches, and buy queijo canastra from local farms. The town is also the starting point for the trail that climbs to the upper section of Casca d'Anta.
Does the Rio São Francisco pass by Vargem Bonita?
Yes. After falling at Casca d'Anta and descending the Serra da Canastra, the São Francisco flows past the town, one of the first towns it waters on its way to the Atlantic.