The Cavernas do Peruaçu National Park is one of the largest archaeological sites in Brazil.
If you’re looking for the best natural parks in Brazil for archaeology, look no further than Cavernas do Peruaçu National Park, a newly designated UNESCO World Natural Heritage Site (2025) and one of the most fascinating destinations for eco-adventure and cultural exploration in South America.
Located in northern Minas Gerais, Brazil, this spectacular park is a perfect mix of monumental caves, 12,000-year-old rock paintings, lush trails, and breathtaking canyon views — making it one of the top hidden travel gems in Brazil for 2025.
Here, visitors can experience not just nature, but the story of humanity itself.
History and Location
Created in 1999, Cavernas do Peruaçu National Park spans more than 56,000 hectares (140,000 acres) across the municipalities of Januária, Itacarambi, and São João das Missões, in Brazil’s scenic Minas Gerais region.
The name “Peruaçu” comes from an Indigenous expression — Peru meaning “fissure” and Açu meaning “great” — a poetic description of the massive caverns and gorges that define this landscape.
For travelers searching where to hike near Minas Gerais caves, this park offers a rare opportunity to combine archaeology, geology, and adventure. With over 180 catalogued caves and more than 3,000 prehistoric rock paintings, some dating back 12,000 years, it’s a living open-air museum of South America’s ancient civilizations.
Unmissable Attractions in Brazil’s UNESCO Caves
Whether you’re an adventurer, historian, or simply a nature lover, Cavernas do Peruaçu National Park delivers unforgettable experiences. Below are the highlights that make it one of the most unique UNESCO caves and prehistoric art sites in Brazil.
1. Gruta do Janelão
The park’s signature attraction, Gruta do Janelão, impresses with galleries nearly 100 meters high. Inside, explorers encounter colorful rock paintings and the famous “Perna da Bailarina”, the world’s largest stalactite at 28 meters tall.
Trail length: 4.8 km (round trip)
Difficulty: Moderate
Estimated time: 5.5 hours
The Gruta do Janelão is one of the most impressive caves in the region.
2. Lapa Bonita & Lapa do Índio
Lapa Bonita features a stunning red chamber naturally lit by sunlight beams, while Lapa do Índio is known for its ancient paintings and panoramic lookout Mirante do Índio, offering breathtaking views of the Peruaçu valley.
Trail length: 1.5 km (round trip)
Difficulty: Easy
Estimated time: 2.2 hours
3. Lapa do Boquete
For archaeology lovers, this cave is one of the most valuable in South America. Human skeletons over 7,000 years old and remnants of prehistoric food storage pits were discovered here, making it a key reference for Brazil’s early civilizations.
Trail length: 1.2 km (round trip)
Difficulty: Easy
Estimated time: 1.5 hours
4. Lapa dos Desenhos
With over 3,000 rock paintings spread across walls and ceilings up to 15 meters high, this site represents one of the largest concentrations of Brazil UNESCO caves and prehistoric art. The trail follows the Peruaçu River and showcases lush native vegetation.
Trail length: 2.6 km (round trip)
Difficulty: Easy
Estimated time: 2.2 hours
The Lapa dos Desenhos has more than 3,000 images spread across its walls and ceiling.
5. Lapa do Rezar
This massive cave boasts an entrance chamber 90 meters wide and over 40 meters tall. Visitors will find well-preserved ancient engravings — but reaching them requires stamina to climb more than 500 steps.
Trail length: 2.4 km (round trip)
Difficulty: Hard
Estimated time: 3.5 hours
6. Lapa do Caboclo & Lapa do Carlúcio
These twin trails showcase unique caboclo-style rock art, native to the Minas Gerais region, and breathtaking viewpoints overlooking the forest canopy.
Trail length: 2.65 km (round trip)
Difficulty: Medium
Estimated time: 3.8 hours
7. Arco do André
Among the best hiking experiences in Brazil’s UNESCO cave parks, Arco do André is a circular trail that passes through monumental chambers with emerald-green water mirrors formed by the Peruaçu River.
Trail length: 8 km (circular)
Difficulty: Intermediate
Estimated time: 6 hours
The Arco do André is one of the most challenging and impressive trails in the Cavernas do Peruaçu National Park.
How to Visit Responsibly
To maintain safety and preserve the fragile environment, follow these guidelines:
Guides required: All visits must be with a certified ICMBio guide (up to 8 people per group; 5 for Lapa Bonita and Arco do André).
Booking: Reserve in advance via cavernas.peruacu@icmbio.gov.br.
Gear: Wear hiking shoes, bring sunscreen, repellent, water, snacks, and a flashlight.
Safety: Helmets are provided. Stay aware of trail conditions, especially during the rainy season.
If you’re planning an eco-adventure and wondering where to hike near Minas Gerais caves, Cavernas do Peruaçu offers one of the most rewarding and safe ways to connect with Brazil’s natural wonders.
UNESCO World Heritage Recognition
In 2025, the park officially joined the list of UNESCO World Natural Heritage Sites, celebrating its global importance for science, culture, and sustainability. This recognition confirms Cavernas do Peruaçu as one of the best natural parks in Brazil for archaeology and ecotourism — a destination that blends history, biodiversity, and adventure in perfect balance.
Why Visit Cavernas do Peruaçu National Park
If you love discovering hidden travel gems in Brazil, this park is a must. It’s a journey back 12,000 years in time — through ancient human art, awe-inspiring caves, and untouched landscapes.
Whether you’re a hiker, photographer, or heritage explorer, Cavernas do Peruaçu National Park is an experience that connects the past and the planet in a single breathtaking adventure.
If you enjoy learning about Brazil’s culture, travel, and hidden nature, follow Soul Brasil Magazine on Instagram, Tiktok and Facebook, and off-the-beaten-path destinations designed to inspire your next trip to South America.
For consulting and assistance in the United States, or for flights to Brazil and Latin America, please contact our travel agent Magali Da Silva – Phone / WhatsApp: 1 (323) 428-1963. We are based in Los Angeles, California, and have been established for over 25 years.
In addition to its archaeological value, the Lapa do Carlúcio is also known for the viewpoints along the trail.
FAQs – Frequently Ask Questions
Where is Cavernas do Peruaçu National Park located?
The park is in northern Minas Gerais, Brazil, near the towns of Januária, Itacarambi, and São João das Missões — about 400 miles north of Belo Horizonte.
Why is the Cavernas do Peruaçu park considered so important?
It combines stunning caves, archaeological sites with rock art over 12,000 years old, and unique ecosystems — earning it UNESCO World Natural Heritage status in 2025.
What are the must-see attractions at Cavernas do Peruaçu ?
Highlights include Gruta do Janelão, Lapa Bonita, Lapa dos Desenhos, and Arco do André – each offering breathtaking formations and ancient rock art.
How can visitors explore the Cavernas do Peruaçu park safely?
Visits must be scheduled in advance and accompanied by a certified guide. Wear hiking shoes, bring water and protection against the sun, and follow trail instructions.
When is the best time to visit Cavernas do Peruaçu ?
The dry season (April to September) offers better trail conditions and visibility inside the caves, ideal for photography and hiking.
