Mandala das Águas

Top choice in Minas Gerais


Near the valley’s far end, the delightfully tranquil Mandala boasts spacious rooms, verandas with hammocks, an ofurô (Japanese hot tub; per two people R$100), panoramic views of Pico do Papagaio and trails to secluded swimming holes in the gorgeous river below. Hearty homemade meals feature produce from the American-Brazilian owners' garden, and the pão de queijo at breakfast is superb.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Minas Gerais attractions

1. Casarão do Matutu

1 MILES

At the far end of the valley is the attractive century-old Casarão do Matutu, the headquarters of AMA-Matutu, a community organization dedicated to…

2. Cachoeira Santa Clara

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Among the nicest and most accessible of Mauá’s dozen or so waterfalls, this one is a 10-minute drive or a 40-minute walk northwest of Alto Maringá via the…

4. Parque Nacional do Itatiaia

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Brazil’s oldest national park, Itatiaia shelters a stunning variety of landscapes, from dense rainforests to spare and rugged upland peaks. Most visitors…

6. Agulhas Negras

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7. Prateleiras

22.81 MILES

In the upper section of Parque Nacional do Itatiaia, this jumble of massive boulders is one of the park's highest peaks (2548m) and a favorite climbing…

8. Itaporani Waterfall

24.53 MILES

Accessible via a 750m trail a few kilometers up the road from park headquarters, this broad series of falls tumbles over rocky shelves into a deep emerald…