sinkhole · Cáceres, MT
Dolina Água Milagrosa
A sinkhole about 25 km from downtown, with a lake whose water ranges from turquoise blue to emerald green, reached by a trail and a stairway. It draws divers, and locals believe the water has healing properties.
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 Dolina Água Milagrosa
The Dolina Água Milagrosa is a large natural sinkhole in rural Cáceres, in western Mato Grosso, with forest-covered rock walls and a lake of very clear water at the bottom. Depending on the light, the water ranges from deep blue to green.
The name, meaning "Miracle Water Sinkhole," comes from its local reputation: residents say the water has healing powers, a popular belief with no proof. The depth of the pit remains unknown, since divers have gone down more than 180 meters without reaching the bottom. The site is on private property surrounded by preserved cerrado (Brazilian savanna).
From the top, a forest trail and a stairway lead down to the water's edge. Down below, you can float with a mask and snorkel, watch fish along the rock walls and go diving with supervision. The main building has support facilities with meals and lodging.
It is an outing for anyone who enjoys nature and crystal-clear water, and it takes some stamina for the descent and climb. Because it is private, you must book your visit in advance.
Before you go
Practical information
How much time to set aside
Allow half a day, including the dirt road, the trail, the stairway and time in the water.
Best time
Outside the heavy rainy season, when the water is clearer; around midday, the sun reaches into the pit and brings out the color of the lake.
How to get there
It is in rural Cáceres, outside the city, reached by car on a partly dirt road from the MT-343, toward Balneário Piraputanga. On the property, you continue on foot along the trail and down the stairway to the lake.
Tip
Book your visit in advance through the property's channels, wear sturdy shoes for the stairway and, if you have them, bring a mask and snorkel; equipment can also be rented on site.
A look at the place
Dolina Água Milagrosa in pictures
These pictures are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs. They may differ from the place.
Click the picture to enlarge it.
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Dolina Água Milagrosa
Where is the Dolina Água Milagrosa?
In rural Cáceres (MT), on private property, reached by a partly dirt road from the MT-343.
Do I need to book to visit the Dolina Água Milagrosa?
Yes. Because it is private property, you must book your visit in advance with the site managers. There is an entrance fee.
Can you swim in the Dolina Água Milagrosa?
Yes. You can float with a mask and snorkel and go diving with supervision; equipment can be rented on site.
How deep is the Dolina Água Milagrosa?
No one knows for sure. Divers have gone beyond 180 meters without finding the bottom.
Why is it called Água Milagrosa?
Because of its popular reputation that the water has healing powers ("água milagrosa" means "miracle water"), a local belief with no proof.