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Cave · Cordisburgo, MG
Maquiné Cave
A limestone cave a few kilometers from the center of Cordisburgo, discovered in 1825 and explored by Peter Lund from 1834. It has seven chambers over about 650 meters, with guided tours and lighting.
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 Maquiné Cave
The Gruta de Maquiné was discovered in 1825 by the landowner Joaquim Maria Maquiné and was studied scientifically from 1834 by the Danish naturalist Peter Wilhelm Lund. In it Lund found fossils of extinct animals, including a species of giant sloth, and for that reason the cave is remembered as the cradle of paleontology in Brazil. The most important finds were taken to Denmark.
The cave has seven chambers totaling about 650 meters of linear extension, with a height difference of only 18 meters: it is a continuous, wide gallery with a high ceiling, which makes the visit easy. It has welcomed tourists since 1908 and was the first Brazilian cave to receive artificial lighting, in 1967. The chambers have large stalactites, stalagmites, flowstones and crystals, and guides point out shapes nicknamed by visitors.
The cave is protected by the Monumento Natural Estadual Peter Lund, created in 2005, and the visit is guided, in timed groups. The visitor center has an exhibition with replicas of the fossils found in the region, restrooms and parking, and there are a restaurant and shops near the entrance.
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
About an hour in the cave; an hour and a half including the visitor center.
Best time
In the morning, to combine with the Museu Casa Guimarães Rosa in the afternoon. On holidays and during July vacation groups fill up; arrive early or book if booking is available.
How to get there
It is about 3 to 5 km from the center of Cordisburgo, by paved road, with signs from MG-231. From Belo Horizonte it is about 125 km via BR-040 and MG-231.
Tip
Check the opening days in advance and whether you need to schedule the visit. Bring a light jacket if you are sensitive to humidity and do not touch the formations.
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Maquiné Cave
How many chambers does the Gruta de Maquiné have?
Seven chambers, totaling about 650 meters in length, with a height difference of only 18 meters.
Is the Gruta de Maquiné difficult to visit?
No. The gallery is wide and almost flat, with walkways and lighting, and the visit is guided. It is one of the easiest caves to traverse in the region.
Who discovered the Gruta de Maquiné?
The landowner Joaquim Maria Maquiné, owner of the land, in 1825. The naturalist Peter Lund explored it from 1834.