Marliéria: Nature, Views and Culture

Marliéria brings together nature, views and culture. If you’re looking for a hotel in the area, it can help to first decide what you want to focus on during your trip: the Parque Estadual do Rio Doce is known for nature conservation and Atlantic Forest, while Lagoa Dom Helvécio is noted for its specific dimensions and regulated fishing opportunities. The Igreja Matriz Nossa Senhora das Dores, Mirante do Jacroá and Cavalgada de Marliéria add a range of cultural connections to the picture.

Natural Landscapes, Water and Views

The Parque Estadual do Rio Doce also extends into Marliéria. It was the first protected area established in the state of Minas Gerais and is considered the largest continuous area of protected Atlantic Forest in Minas Gerais.

Lagoa Dom Helvécio, also known as Lagoa do Bispo, has a water surface area seven kilometers long and reaches depths of up to 40 meters. Sport fishing is permitted at the lagoon for visitors with a fishing license. To control exotic fish populations, rowboats or boats with electric motors may be used. If you plan to fish there, check the regulations before your visit.

Pico do Jacroá offers a different perspective: from its summit, visitors can see around 40 lagoons within the Parque Estadual do Rio Doce. For trip planning, it helps to distinguish between activities and views: if you want to fish at the lagoon, you need a fishing license; rowboats or boats with electric motors may be used there to control exotic fish populations. Pico do Jacroá, by contrast, connects the natural landscape with views of around 40 lagoons in the park. This can help you decide whether you’re more interested in a regulated activity on the water or a view of several bodies of water.

Cultural Sites and the Cavalgada

The Igreja Matriz Nossa Senhora das Dores was inaugurated on October 5, 1961, by Dom Oscar de Oliveira, Archbishop of Mariana. Mirante do Jacroá is recognized in a different way: the state of Minas Gerais designated the viewpoint as being of significant cultural interest on July 12, 2022. Travelers interested in cultural history can consider these two aspects separately.

The Cavalgada de Marliéria is an annual traditional event. It includes a horseback parade, music and local cuisine, as well as a marching competition with various categories and cash prizes. Unlike the church and the viewpoint, the Cavalgada is an event, so its specific date is important when planning your trip. If you’d like to plan your visit around it, check the dates and program for that year’s edition.

Discover more destinations: Antunes, Passos, Manhuaçu, Conselheiro Lafaiete, Betim, Guaxupé, Santa Bárbara, Paraguaçu

For the broader travel overview: Minas Gerais.