Parque Estadual do Biribiri

Biribiri State Park is one of the most unique conservation units in Minas Gerais. It protects lush mountain nature and preserves an old 19th-century worker's village, combining ecotourism, history, and culture in the same space. It is located in the central portion of the Serra do Espinhaço, a region recognized as a Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO in 2005. Inserted in the Cerrado biome, the park has a diverse fauna and flora, with many of its species considered endangered, such as the maned wolf, jaguar, deer, everlasting flowers, orchids, bromeliads, and canela-de-ema, among others. In areas of rocky outcrops, at altitudes above 900 meters above sea level, there is a phytophysiognomy of rupestrian fields that stand out, for example, for the remarkable occurrence of everlasting flowers and canela-de-ema. The main points of the park are distributed along a 13-kilometer internal road, widely used by hikers, runners, and mountain bikers. - Cachoeira da Sentinela: Located a few kilometers from the entrance, the river flows over channels and steps of quartzite stone, forming small waterfalls and shallow pools that serve as natural hydromassages. - Cachoeira dos Cristais: One of the most popular spots for swimming. It has a sequence of gentle waterfalls that flow into a large pool of clear water, surrounded by light sandy beaches. - Vila de Biribiri: Located at the end of the internal road, it is the historical heart of the park. It is an old worker's village that preserves colonial houses painted in blue and white, the Church of São Francisco de Assis, and the old factory warehouse. Today, the houses host restaurants serving typical Minas cuisine and small inns. - Archaeological Sites: On the rocky cliffs along the trails, it is possible to observe rock paintings that record prehistoric human presence in the Serra do Espinhaço region. - Trails: The park has several trails, among which the most visited are the Sentinela, Cristais, and Caminho dos Escravos trails. The Sentinela and Cristais trails are 5km and 9km long, respectively, starting at the park entrance but with a different layout from the road. They present a medium level of difficulty. They are well marked, so there is no need for a guide. The Caminho dos Escravos is a passage built in the 18th century to facilitate the flow of diamond production from the region. The path starts in the center of Diamantina and ends in the district of Mendanha, with a total length of 20km. The section inside the park is approximately 16km long. Part of this path was paved by slaves, and near the trail, there are several wells and waterfalls. A guide is recommended. Entrance to the park is free. Entrance to the Vila de Biribiri charges a fee of R$ 15.00.