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Lagoon · Lapinha da Serra, MG
Lagoa da Lapinha
A reservoir built in the 1950s that surrounds the village at the foot of the range. It allows swimming, kayaking and paddleboarding, and on the other side of the water there is a site with rock paintings.
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 Lagoa da Lapinha
Lagoa da Lapinha is a reservoir created in the 1950s by Companhia Industrial de Belo Horizonte, which dammed the stream to generate power. Over time, the water began to encircle the settlement, and the lagoon became the center of life in Lapinha da Serra: the village sits on one shore, and the range, with Pico da Lapinha and Pico do Breu, rises just behind.
There are swimming spots along the banks, and you can rent kayaks and paddleboards in the village. On the other side of the lagoon is the Lapinha archaeological site, with rock paintings that Iphan dates to about 7,000 years ago. The shortest access is by boat, operated by locals who make the crossing; arrange it in the village.
A trail runs along the lagoon and continues to Cachoeira do Lajeado, about 7 km of walking with no major climbs, passing through gates and streams that flow down from the range. In prolonged dry spells, the water level often drops and the shore moves away from the village.
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
1 to 2 hours for swimming and paddling; half a day including the crossing to the archaeological site; a full day if you include the hike to Cachoeira do Lajeado.
Best time
Sunny days, between late morning and late afternoon. Water levels are usually highest at the end of the rainy season, between March and May.
How to get there
The lagoon is next to the village; you can walk to it from the settlement's streets. For the archaeological site, arrange the boat crossing with locals.
Tip
Arrange the crossing to the archaeological site in advance and do not touch the paintings. Take your trash back with you. On the water, wear a life jacket when paddling.
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Lagoa da Lapinha
Can you swim in Lagoa da Lapinha?
Yes. There are swimming spots along the banks near the village, and kayaks and paddleboards are available for rent in the village.
How do you get to the rock paintings of Lapinha da Serra?
The archaeological site is on the other side of Lagoa da Lapinha. The shortest route is by boat, run by locals who make the crossing; arrange it in the village.
Does Lagoa da Lapinha dry up?
It does not dry up, but in prolonged droughts the water level often falls considerably and the shore recedes from the village. Levels are highest at the end of the rainy season.