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Cave · Lagoa Santa, MG
Lapinha Cave
Limestone cave in the Parque Estadual do Sumidouro, explored by Peter Lund in 1835, with about 511 meters of length, 40 meters of vertical difference and illuminated chambers. The visit is guided, and the Museu Peter Lund is next door.
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 Lapinha Cave
The Gruta da Lapinha is located in the Parque Estadual do Sumidouro, a conservation unit of about 2,000 hectares created in 1980 between Lagoa Santa and Pedro Leopoldo and managed by the Instituto Estadual de Florestas de Minas Gerais (IEF). It was recorded in 1835 by the Danish naturalist Peter Wilhelm Lund, who found fossils and minerals there and chose it as one of the first caves for his research in the region.
The cave crosses a limestone massif of marine origin, about 600 million years old. It is approximately 511 meters long with a 40-meter vertical difference, and the visit covers about 300 meters through chambers connected by stairways cut into the rock or made of metal, featuring stalactites, stalagmites, curtains and columns highlighted by LED lighting. Temperature and humidity remain stable year-round.
The tour is guided by monitors and lasts about 40 minutes. Beside the entrance is the Museu Peter Lund, with original fossils found by the researcher, sent back by the Natural History Museum of Copenhagen, and exhibits on karst formation and human occupation of the region. Nearby is also the Museu Arqueológico da Lapinha, housed in a castle-shaped building.
The park has short trails, such as the Circuito Lapinha, and the Trilha do Sumidouro, which starts at the Casa Fernão Dias, the headquarters of a 17th-century fazenda in Pedro Leopoldo, and continues to the Lapa do Sumidouro.
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 40 minutes in the cave; 2 to 3 hours including the Museu Peter Lund and a short trail.
Best time
Early in the morning, Tuesday to Friday, when there are usually fewer people. On holidays and during the July school break, arrive early. The cave has the same temperature at any time of year.
How to get there
It is in the Lapinha neighborhood, north of downtown Lagoa Santa, about 10 km away; follow Rua Nossa Senhora do Rosário to the end. From Belo Horizonte it is about 50 km via MG-010. There is parking at the park.
Tip
Wear shoes with firm soles: the cave stairs and floors can be wet. Check the park's opening days before going. Do not touch the formations.
Official website
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Lapinha Cave
Does Gruta da Lapinha have guided tours?
Yes. The tour is always accompanied by park guides and lasts about 40 minutes.
How long does a visit to Gruta da Lapinha take?
About 40 minutes inside the cave. With the Peter Lund Museum next door and a short trail, allow 2 to 3 hours.
Can children visit Gruta da Lapinha?
They can, accompanied by parents. The route has stairs and wet sections, so small children should hold hands and wear sturdy shoes.