Guapé on Lake Furnas: Water and History

You can plan a trip to Guapé around three distinct highlights: Lake Furnas, the town’s history and culture, and Cachoeira do Paredão in a rural setting. If you’re looking for hotels in Guapé, these themes can help you tailor your plans to the interests that matter to you. The lake shapes the landscape; museums preserve connections to the time before the reservoir, and visiting the waterfall involves a hike.

Lake Furnas: The Lake and Activities

Lake Furnas, also known as the Mar de Minas, is the heart of Guapé. It was formed by the reservoir of the Furnas Hydroelectric Power Plant (UHE Furnas), inaugurated in 1963, and is Brazil’s third-largest artificial lake. The body of water shapes the town; more than 60 islands dot the horizon. During dry periods, sandy beaches emerge. The expansive lake landscape and a shoreline that changes with the seasons sit side by side: the islands shape the horizon, while sandy beaches appear in dry periods.

Sport fishing is possible on Lake Furnas in Guapé, as are speedboat trips. These offer different ways to spend time at the lake: you can consider sport fishing or a speedboat trip. Both options are related to Lake Furnas, but that does not mean they form part of a single program.

Museums and the History of Guapé

Two museums offer different ways to explore the town’s past. The Bangalô is one of the few surviving buildings from old Guapé and now houses a museum that tells its story. The Casarão Museu de Guapé preserves furniture, photographs, and everyday objects from before the reservoir was built and is located in the center of Guapé. While the Bangalô’s surviving building itself is part of its historical significance, the Casarão focuses on everyday objects from before the reservoir. Visitor information for the Casarão Museu is being updated; check the latest information before visiting.

Cultural Traditions

The Guarda de Moçambique is officially registered as an intangible cultural heritage of Guapé. Congado de Guapé brings together more than 400 participants, including men, women, and children; the number may change over time. The Congo e Moçambique celebration takes place at Igreja Matriz N. Sra. do Rosário in the center of Guapé. These are different aspects of cultural life: official heritage status, the people who take part in Congado, and the location of the celebration.

Ferry Across Lake Furnas

The public ferry crossing, Travessia de Balsa, crosses Lake Furnas and connects Guapé with communities on the opposite shore. Its role differs from that of a speedboat trip: the ferry provides a connection to these communities, while a speedboat trip is another possible lake activity. If you plan to use the ferry, check the schedule in advance.

Cachoeira do Paredão and the Hike

In the rural surroundings of Guapé, Cachoeira do Paredão forms a pool surrounded by imposing rock walls. Reaching it involves an easy to moderate hike with some steeper sections. Both details are important when assessing the trail: overall, the hike is easy to moderate, but some stretches are steeper. Take these sections into account when planning. As trail conditions can change, check the current condition of the trail before visiting.

Discover more destinations: Goncalves, Campanha, Santana Do Riacho, Santos Dumont, Lambari, Santo Antônio do Pirapetinga, Monte Sião, Tombos

For the broader travel overview: Minas Gerais.