Print this page
Canastra Mountain Ridge National Park
Photo by Nilson Nishida Junior
"Seen from afar, this huge massif of the Serra da Canastra (Sierra of the Basket) resembles a coffer or a basket, therefore its curious name. It is located in the south-western region of the state of Minas Gerais and encompasses the municipalities of Sao Roque de Minas, Sacramento and Delfinópolis.The park holds two important massifs which unfold over an area of 71525 hectares: the Sierra of the Seven Turns and the Serra da Canastra, with altitudes varying between 900 and 1496 metres high.The objective of the creation of the Serra da Canastra National Park, the 3rd of April of 1972, was to preserve the source of the Säo Francisco River, also known as the Old Boy.Numerous water courses are born in this area, tributaries of the Sao Francisco, which form natural pools attracting many tourists in the higher part of the park.It is possible to find endangered species, such as the Maned wolf and the Giant anteater, along the roads with relative ease. The park's fauna constitutes a major tourist attraction for visitors have the chance of watching it in its natural habitat in the upper zones; be it at first light in the morning or at dusk."
Photo by Nilson Nishida JuniorThe vegetation in the area is typical of the Cerrado , with some Atlantic influence.
Photo by Nilson Nishida Junior Numerous water courses are born in this area, tributaries of the São Francisco River, which form natural pools attracting many tourists in the higher part of the park.
Photo by Nilson Nishida Junior
"A região da Serra da Canastra, no sudoeste de Minas Gerais, possui algumas das mais deslumbrantes e desconhecidas paisagens do Brasil. Durante muito tempo, esteve isolada por precárias estradas de terra e só há poucos anos entrou nos roteiros de viagem como lugar privilegiado para a prática de esportes radicais, vivência ambiental e turismo ecológico. A região ecoturística da Serra da Canastra tem mais de 200 mil hectares e abrange 6 municípios: São Roque de Minas, Vargem Bonita, Delfinópolis, Sacramento, São João Batista do Glória e Capitólio. A maior atração é o Parque Nacional da Serra da Canastra, criado em 1972 para proteger as nascentes do rio São Francisco e que tem a portaria principal a 8 km de São Roque de Minas. Dentro do Parque Nacional estão alguns dos mais belos cartões postais do Brasil, como a cachoeira Casca D'Anta, de quase 200 metros, a primeira grande queda do "velho Chico"."
The group is ready to hit the trail. What a gorgeous view!
Photo by Nilson Nishida Junior
Photo by Nilson Nishida Junior 
Photo by Nilson Nishida Junior
Photo by Nilson Nishida Junior
Photo by Nilson Nishida Junior 
Photo by Nilson Nishida Junior 
A very hard and challenging trail named "Rola Maraca"
Here is part of the group posing for a picture
Junior climbs some hills, climbs some rocks and is now at the top of this beautiful cliff!
Photo by Nilson Nishida Junior A little restaurant at Delfinópolis , Minas Gerais, where the group stayed for a meal at the end of the day. Take a look on that amazing roof made with many piece of rocks.
Delfinópolis is a small town in the state of Minas Gerais, a vast state rich in agricultural and mining resources. Delfinópolis is the gateway to the awe-inspiring Serra da Canastra National Park.
The group of friends of Avaré Trail Clube is ready to go on to this great adventure. From top left to right we see Fernando Borges, Gabriel Minardi, Juliano Bueno, Luiz Henrique, Marcos Dias, Rafael Frango, Cesar Milanello, Plínio Nigro, Nilson Nishida Junior, Flávio Ferreira, Wagner Branco and Germano. CLICK ON PHOTOS TO ENLARGE AND CLICK ON THE GREEN LINKS TO SEE ANOTHER SITES
