Lavras Novas: Chapels, Waterfalls and Mountain Views

Lavras Novas combines history with excursions into nature. The Capela de Nossa Senhora dos Prazeres stands at the heart of the town, while waterfalls and viewpoints beyond it offer different discoveries. When planning your trip, you can choose between historic sights, easy trails and views of the surrounding mountains.

The chapel, local history and religious tradition

The Capela de Nossa Senhora dos Prazeres was built in 1762. A street layout characteristic of the first settlements in Minas Gerais developed around it. As you walk through the centre, you encounter a town plan whose origins are closely tied to this chapel. A stone cross in front of the building symbolises the faith and religious devotion of the first settlers.

Distinct from it is the Igreja de Nossa Senhora dos Prazeres, whose interior has three simple altars. The understated design of the altars provides a different accent from the stone cross outside. Lavras Novas also offers tourist routes that combine its history with ecotourism. This lets you experience its culture and nature as different aspects of a stay, without needing to combine them into a single excursion.

Waterfalls and trails at your own pace

The trail to Sweethearts' Waterfall (Cachoeira dos Namorados) is easy and about 1.5 km long. The waterfall can be reached on foot, by bicycle, on horseback or in a 4x4 vehicle. Small, shallow pools form at its base, making it a good spot for a refreshing swim. The approximate trail length and the listed ways of getting there can help you fit this excursion into your day.

The Three Drops Waterfall can also be reached by easy trails suitable for hiking, cycling or horseback riding. There is a shallow, crystal-clear natural pool there. If you enjoy walking, you can distinguish between the two waterfall destinations by their trail descriptions: an approximate distance is given for Cachoeira dos Namorados, while the easy access trails and natural pool are highlighted for the Three Drops Waterfall.

Another option is the Little Pools Waterfall, located 800 metres from the centre of Lavras Novas. The easy trail starts near Rua Principal and takes about 15 minutes on foot. Several small pools of crystal-clear water and gentle cascades define the site. You can swim there or relax on the rocks. Its proximity to the centre and approximate walking time provide a useful reference when planning excursions on foot.

Mountain views

The Serra do Trovão Lookout offers a 360-degree panoramic view of the surrounding mountains, including Serra do Caparaó, Serra da Chapada, Serra do Caraça, Ouro Branco, Pico do Itabirito and Itacolomi. Note the special rule for the trail to this viewpoint: motorised vehicles, including motorcycles and cars, are expressly prohibited. You can make the journey on foot, on horseback or by bicycle.

The Pedra Lookout offers a different viewing opportunity. It is at the end of Rua da Fonte and is easy to reach without a trail or strenuous hike. From there, you can see part of Serra do Itatiaia. The two viewpoints therefore offer different experiences: a panorama spanning several named mountain ranges at the Serra do Trovão Lookout, and a view of part of Serra do Itatiaia at the Pedra Lookout.

If you are looking for a holiday apartment, the town centre can serve as a reference point when planning your excursions: the Little Pools Waterfall is 800 metres away, and its easy walking trail starts near Rua Principal. Separate trails and access options are described for the other destinations. So base your choice on the excursions that interest you most, rather than assuming that one accommodation location suits every destination.

More destinations: Cruzília, Teófilo Otoni, Carandaí, Grão Mogol, Unaí, Diamantina, Lavras, Porteirinha.

For the broader travel overview: Minas Gerais.