Royal Diamonds > Diamond Waters

1.3 – FROM BELO HORIZONTE TO DIAMANTINA

Itinerary inspired by the extraction of diamonds in Serra do Espinhaço.

Here we have one post about the Diamonds Water (full trip 2009) pictures from our client Jussara Oliveira (Cuiabá/MT).

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Route:

DAY 1 – RECEPTION

INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT OF BELO HORIZONTE (CONFINS) / CHECK-IN
Confins – Lagoa Santa (20 km) – Hotel – Relax – Lecture – Dinner / Overnight stay.

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DAY 2 – LAGOA SANTA

REST DAY / JET LAG RELAX / RIDERS MEETING

LAGOA SANTA

Lagoa Santa belongs to the metropolitan area of the state capital, Belo Horizonte. Besides its natural beauty, the city is recognized worldwide due to the variety of fossil discoveries that make up the rich archaeological heritage of the region.

The city holds an archaeological collection full of fossil findings, which contributed to important studies on biological and sociocultural characteristics of ancient populations. These studies were led by Danish researcher Peter Lund, recognized as the father of Brazilian archeology, speleology and paleontology. It was Lund who, in 1835, discovered Lapinha Cave, which is today one of the main sights of the city. The oldest human skeleton in the Americas was discovered in Lagoa Santa, in the 70’s. Well preserved for a woman skeleton surpassing its 11 million years, Luzia was found by a French-Brazilian mission in one of the four caves in the archaeological site Lapa Vermelha.

 

Lagoa Santa is a good choice for those looking for a beautiful, quiet and promising place to live. It now has about 50,000 inhabitants, most formed by military workers at the Aeronautical Material Park, located in the city since 1935. Protected by law, the harmonious landscape of Lagoa Santa is considered an “Environmental Protection Area”, APA Karst of Lagoa Santa. Thus, the preservation of the environment is priorized, maintaining the continuity of a highly favorable scenario for tourism. Lagoa Santa has many attractions to offer.

 

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DAY 3 – BREAKFAST, SHUTTLE AND RIDE

7 RIVERS RIDE FROM JABOTICATUBAS TO SÃO JOSÉ DA SERRA
(SERRA DO CIPÓ – 35 KM)

Transfer Van: From Lagoa Santa to Jaboticatubas (50 km)
Ride: From Jaboticatubas to São José da Serra (35 km – bike)
Lunch: Cristina’s Restaurant in São Jose da Serra
Transfer Van: From São José da Serra to Lapinha (55 km)
Overnight stay.

ALTIMETRY

ELEVATION GAIN: 1.100 m

ELEVATION LOSS: 800 m

ELEVATION MIN: 687 m

ELEVATION MAX: 918 m

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SEVEN RIVERS

Jaboticatubas is located in Serra do Espinhaço and is home to 65% of the total area of the National Park of Serra do Cipó, an ecological sanctuary that contains a profusion of flowers, birds, mammals, amphibians, fishes, and waterfalls such as those in Serra da Contagem and Serra do Bené, the natural pools of Bom Jardim river, the impressive canyon and the waterfalls of Jaboticatubas river in São José da Serra. Jaboticatubas is full of natural beauties like rivers and waterfalls, the best known are Mr. Dimas’s waterfall, Rala Bunda’s waterfall and the region of Lagoa Dourada (“Golden Pond”).

In the 40 km itinerary, the beauties of the way are disclosed before our eyes. Here we go towards the National Park of Serra do Cipó, a wonderful place of natural wealth and rare beauty, formed by many waterfalls, valleys, canyons and a huge garden with its thousands of species of endemic plants, the Seven Rivers Trail, which starts in Jaboticatubas and goes up the mountains.

The goal is to get you to this paradise in a different way that will prepare you for the beauties of the place, which is by following the Seven Rivers Trail. The suggestive name says it all: the path has seven river crossings between the two cities.

São José da Serra is a must, where you can still enjoy the tranquility which is typical of small towns and that seems to have been forgotten in the maps. There you can indulge in an authentic stuffed local food, with greaves and the typical hospitality of the place. Depending on weather conditions, we will visit one of the local waterfalls.

By late afternoon we will be moving from Serra do Cipó to the city of Santana do Riacho, more precisely to Lapinha district, where we will enjoy the best of Serra do Espinhaço.

RELATED LINKS – SEVEN RIVERS

Seven Rivers with Miss Candy and Mr. Bruno

Seven Rivers with “the Black German Guy” – Mr. Danel Hermann

Seven Rivers with Mr. Leo Bubani

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DAY 4 – LAPINHA – SANTANA DO RIACHO DISTRICT

RIDE FROM LAPINHA TO WATERFALL BICAME AND BACK TO LAPINHA (34 KM)

BREAKFAST AND RIDE: Lapinha – Bicame waterfall – Lapinha (34 km) /Overnight stay.

ALTIMETRY

DISTANCE: 34 km

ELEVATION GAIN: 730 m

ELEVATION LOSS: 716 m

ELEVATION MIN: 1048 m

ELEVATION MAX: 1304 m

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SERRA DO CIPÓ – National Park of Serra do Cipó

Serra do Cipó is located in the southern region of Serra do Espinhaço, the only chain of mountains in Brazil which, due to its formation and extension characteristics, can be considered a cordillera. It is the shelter of many canyons, caves, cliffs for climbing, trails, rivers and waterfalls. You can also find cave paintings dating back more than five thousand years, and traces of a road built by slaves in the 18th century.

In order to protect the region, it was established in 1984 the National Park of Serra do Cipó. The region is also considered a world biosphere reserve by UNESCO, due to its great natural wealth, where many of the species are endemic and are endangered.

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LAPINHA VILLAGE

Welcome to Lapinha. A fascinating place which offers its visitors the most beautiful and pleasant landscapes of Minas Gerais. Located at the foot of Lapinha’s peak, the second highest point of Serra do Cipó, with 1.687 m altitude, the small village has a charming and unique visual highlighted by its dam and breathtaking waterfalls.

Lapinha, that belongs to Santana do Riacho district, is located at Serra do Cipó and is part of APA (Environmental Protection Area) Morro da Pedreira, a protective belt of  the National Park of Serra do Cipó. Lapinha integrates the circuit of the Royal Road and is 143 km from Belo Horizonte. Some call it Lapinha da Serra, the oldest inhabitants call it Bethlehem Lapinha.

Lapinha has about 600 inhabitants living on subsistence agriculture and tourism. Possessing many natural beauties, the area attracts visitors to the waterfalls, lakes, caves, rivers, peaks, archaeological sites, fauna, flora and, the most important, people and their local culture.

There are village traditions as the religious festivities to celebrate the day of the patron saint of Lapinha, “San Sebastian”, the day of St. Peter, the day of Santa Cruz, the feast of Our Lady of Aparecida, the celebration of the month of Mary and the June parties. Formerly Lapinha was a major producer of onions, attracting “tropeiros” (muleteers) from across the region.

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BICAME WATERFALL

RIDE FROM LAPINHA TO WATERFALL BICAME AND BACK TO LAPINHA (34 KM)

Formed by the Stone River, it is one of the most beautiful waterfalls in the region, located at Brumas do Espinhaço RPPN (Natural Heritage Private Reserve).

The waterfall is named “Bicame”, which is a deviation built to remove the river from its natural bed in order to explore diamonds in the middle of last century. The “bicame” is located next to the waterfall and can be visited.

Bicame waterfall is 16 km from the village, it is possible to get there by car (5 km) and then walking (the other 11 km). Vehicle or motorcycle 4×4 runs up to 9 km and we can do the rest on foot. Visitation is controlled according to the load capacity, allowing only the entry of 30 people per day. The access between the entrance and the waterfall is possible only on foot or by bike. The entry of pets is not allowed.

Is it Bicame or Bicana? It seems tricking, but the truth is that many things still do not have well defined names in Lapinha. Exuberant and imposing, it pierces the ground with the force of Stone River, imposing a paradise setting to the crest of Serra do Espinhaço.

It is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful waterfalls of Minas Gerais. The volume of water is impressive. It is big, with a large and deep well, and even stones to stand under the fall.

The path is through one of the least visited regions of Lapinha, which provides the encounter with different species of plants beside the roads and trails.

Hand in hand with the exuberance and grandeur of this natural monument is the care one should have. There is still no tourist exploration plan for Bicame, and, until there is one, the visitation is controlled by the owners. This is a particular area and the intention of the owners is to preserve.

RELATED LINKS – BICAME WATERFALL

Bicame with Mr. Merlin Carter
Bicame with BH Bike School – Trainning day
Bicame with BH Bike School – Training Day
Bicame – Diamonds Waters
Bicame – Juca vai à Lapa Route
Bicame – Tribo Adventure (Cuiabá)

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DAY 5 – CROSSING LAPINHA – TABULEIRO – PART 1 OF 2 (25 KM)

BREAKFAST AND RIDE

Attractions: River Parauninha – Tropeiros Cruise – Overnight Stay.

ALTIMETRY

DISTANCE: 25 km

ELEVATION GAIN: 733 m

ELEVATION LOSS: 530 m

ELEVATION MIN: 1089 m

ELEVATION MAX: 1443 m

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LAPINHA-TABULEIRO CROSSING

The crossing Lapinha-Tabuleiro is a classic option for nature lovers. The landscapes are amazing. The trails are open to different viewpoints and are surrounded by lush vegetation, it is common to come across with bromeliads and the famous giant “canelas-de-ema”. The path alternates steep climbs and descents and its landmarks are a few houses of locals. Near the village board, the route enters the State Park of Serra do Intendente, that is home to the highest waterfall in the state, called Tabuleiro, with its amazing 273 m drop.

Outside the park, but inside APA Morro da Pedreira, the crossing goes through Serra do Cipó towards Northeast, departing from Lapinha district towards Tabuleiro.

The path starts in Lapinha da Serra (Santana do Riacho district), crosses Serra do Breu and ends at Tabuleiro (Conceição do Mato Dentro district). They are in total 45 km crossing Serra do Cipó hills. There are several possible variations. The traditional way goes around Serra do Breu, while other options cross this mountain.

On the first day of the journey we will sleep in the farm of Mr. Chico and Mrs. Carmen, local residents who welcome travelers with open arms and the famous local cuisine. The farm is a place to rest and enjoy nature, after the delicious meal on the edge of the wood stove.

RELATED LINKS – LAPINHA TABULEIRO CROSSING – PART 01

Lapinha Tabuleiro Crossing – Guilherme’s group day 01
Lapinha Tabuleiro Crossing with Daniel Hermann (Germany) and Cláudia – Day 01/03
Lapinha Tabuleiro Crossing with Tribo Adventure (Cuiabá – MT – Brasil)

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DAY 6 – CROSSING LAPINHA – TABULEIRO – PART 2 OF 2 (20 KM)

BREAKFAST AND RIDE

Attractions: Top of Tabuleiro Waterfall – Stone Tower
Lunch: Hotel Gameleira or Rupestre
Shuttle: Conceição do Mato Dentro (23 km)
Dining and overnight stay.

ALTIMETRY

DISTANCE: 20 km

ELEVATION GAIN: 376 m

ELEVATION LOSS: 945 m

ELEVATION MIN: 720 m

ELEVATION MAX: 1292 m

The second day of the crossing is special because we have the option to visit two wonders of nature. Tabuleiro waterfall, the third largest in Brazil, and the Stone Tower, a mystical and ancient construction whose true origin is unknown to local culture.

Tabuleiro waterfall is also known as the “heart waterfall”, due to the rock wall format from where the waters come down. It’s an attraction of the National Park Circuit of Serra do Cipó, located at the State Park of Serra Geral do Intendante, in Tabuleiro district, 19 km from Conceição do Mato Dentro-MG (the “Diamonds Way”).

They are 273 m free fall – the equivalent of a 91 floors building – in front of a multicolored wall of monumental beauty. Hence, the formation of a large pool of approximately 20 m deep and surrounded by blocks even submerged. In the high part of the waterfall, before the fall, visitors can enjoy other wells and waterfalls amid natural gardens with orchids and giant bromeliads.

The predominant vegetation in the region is the rock field, with clumps of rainforest and cerrado species. Ribeirão do Campo stream, which gave its name to the park, runs forming several natural pools of caramel-colored water to find the Black River, near the district headquarters.

Tabuleiro waterfall is one of the “7 Wonders of the Royal Road”.

And it’s no wonder that this wonder is entitled to all the titles so far received. Considered twice in a row by the “Guia Quatro Rodas” (famous Brazilian travel and roads guide) as the most beautiful waterfall in Brazil, it was also elected in 2012, with more than 40,000 votes, one of the “7 Wonders of the Royal Road.” The location is undoubtedly the most attractive not only in the city but in the entire region, and as well as other sights requires exemplary care.

RELATED LINKS – TABULEIRO CROSSING – PART 02

Lapinha Tabuleiro Crossing – Guilherme’s group day 02
Lapinha Tabuleiro Crossing with Daniel Hermann (Germany) and Cláudia – Day 03/03

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DAY 7 – TRANSFER AND SWIMMING ON TELÉSFORO WATERFALL

CONCEIÇÃO DO MATO DENTRO – CONSELHEIRO MATA (170 KM)

BREAKFAST AND CHECK-OUT / LUNCH: Kussú’s Bar in Conceição do Mato Dentro / AFTERNOON: Telésforo and Fairies waterfalls / Dining and overnight stay in Conselheiro Mata.

CONSELHEIRO MATA – TELÉSFORO WATERFALL TOUR (VAN)

Telésforo is a beautiful waterfall with a huge white sand beach. It’s located 17 km from Conselheiro Mata.

RELATED LINKS – TELÉSFORO WATERFALL

Telésforo Waterfall with Daniel Hermann

Telésforo Waterfall by Photovision (Hannover)

Telésforo Waterfall – Carnaval 2013 Bike Trip

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DAY 8 – BREAKFAST AND RIDE

CONSELHEIRO MATA – DIAMANTINA (70 KM)

Conselheiro Mata – Quartéis – Mendes – Barão de Guaicuhy – Bandeirinhas – Diamantina (70 km) / Dining and overnight stay in Diamantina.

ALTIMETRY

DISTANCE: 70 km

ELEVATION GAIN: 235 m

ELEVATION LOSS: 152 m

ELEVATION MIN: 1199 m

ELEVATION MAX: 1420 m

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FROM CONSELHEIRO MATA TO BARÃO DE GUAICUHY

We will depart from Kussú’s Bar, the most famous native man in the region, not before the official photo of the day. Then we will follow trails with plenty of water, sand and obstacles. There are several galleries to be crossed. Beautiful places. We’ll ride almost all the time skirting the slopes of a river with many waterfalls.

Mendes: It is one of the only descents we have in the trail Maria Fumaça. And what a descent! We’ll pass by a set of five houses that served as home for the professionals who kept the railroad when it was still active. Several traces depict that time. Then we come to the small beach of the bridge, a wonderful place to appreciate nature and stop for swimming. Then we are only a few kilometers from reaching Barão de Guaicuhy. Time for pedaling over the mountains that embellish the trail.

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FROM BARÃO DE GUAICUHY TO DIAMANTINA

After the official photo at the station, we go through the trails surrounded by mountains and the sad remains of a disused mining. Then we reach the highway, where the support staff waits for us. However, we do not follow by the highway, but by the Natural Reserve Pau Fruta, which is managed by Copasa. The reserve contains a biological diversity which proves its excellent preservation. It is the highest point of the last stage, with a maximum altitude of 1,409 registered meters. After that, of course, challenging sandy descents where the boldest put the bike sideways in curves.

Then we arrive in Diamantina.

RELATED LINKS

From Conselheiro Mata to Diamantina

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DAY 9 – CITY TOUR – Diamantina.

 

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