Seen from afar, the immense massif of the Serra da Canastra (Sierra of the Basket) looks like a coffer or a basket. That is the origin of its curious name.

It is situated in the south-western region of the state of Minas Gerais and comprehends the Councils of Sao Roque de Minas, Sacramento and Delfinpolis.

The park holds two vital massifs that unfold over an area of 71,525 hectares: the Sierra of the Seven Turns and the Serra da Canastra, with altitudes varying from 900 to 1496 metres high.

The goal of the creation of the Serra da Canastra National Park, the 3rd of April of 1972, was to keep the source of the So Francisco River, also known as the Old Boy.

Numerous water courses are born in this area, tributaries of the Sao Francisco River, which form natural pools attracting many tourists to the higher part of the park.

It is usual to find endangered species, such as the Maned wolf and the Giant anteater, all along the roads with relative ease. The park's fauna represents a major tourist attraction because in the upper zones visitors have the chance of observing their lives it in their natural habitats; be it at first light in the morning or at dawn.

The weather

The month of July is the coldest with average temperatures of 17 C, while during the months of January and February, the warmest ones, heat hits almost 23 C. The levels of rain show a range of between 13000 and 17000 mm a year, with a rainy season in the southern hemisphere's summer and a dry season during winter. Many tourists prefer to visit the area during the period of April to October.

Attractions

Source of the Sao Francisco River:

At only 6.5 km from the entry of the park spouts the source of the Sao Francisco River, a magnificent rush of water that sustains the assortment of flora and fauna in one of the driest areas of Brazil. It flows into the Atlantic Ocean after running through 3161 km of land. It leaves a trail of greenness and life on its way, benefiting millions of people in this region where water is so scarce. That is why the river is called the Brazilian Nile.

Cachoeira Casca D'Anta

It is the most significant waterfall of the area. It is situated a few kilometres from the source of the Sao Francisco River. It forms waterfalls as well as natural pools.

Hikes and horseback rides

By riding and exploring the park on horse or mule, or simply by your own foot, you get the chance of enjoying rare landscapes and observing some animal species such as the Maned wolf, the deer and the Giant anteater, among others.

How to get there

You have to take the MG-050 road bound to Ribeirao Preto up to the link heading to Piumhi, if coming from Belo Horizonte, capital of the state of Minas Gerais. From here go along the dirt road leading to Sao Roque de Minas, 8 km away from the main entry of the park.

The access road is in good shape and tourists may also arrive on tour buses