Things To Do
in Capitólio
Capitólio is a small lakeside town in Minas Gerais best known as the gateway to the dramatic canyons and emerald waters of Lago de Furnas. The town serves as base for boat tours that thread between towering rock faces, waterfalls and hidden swimming spots. Scenic lookouts, short hiking trails and a friendly, rapidly growing tourism infrastructure make Capitólio a popular weekend escape for Brazilians and international visitors alike.
Expect rustic charm, outdoor adventure options, and busy high-season crowds on weekends and holidays.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Begin your day with a visit to the majestic Cascata da Lagoa Azul, where you can soak in the tranquil beauty of the turquoise waters cascading down the rocks. Take a refreshing swim in the natural pool at the base of the waterfall, surrounded by lush vegetation. Capture the perfect photos of this breathtaking scenery as the early morning sun illuminates the area.
After a hearty lunch at a local restaurant, head to the nearby Cascata do Fervedouro, known for its unique bubbling waters. Spend your afternoon floating in the warm waters, feeling the gentle currents as they create a relaxing massage. Enjoy the serene atmosphere and the stunning views of the surrounding hills.
As the sun sets, make your way to a traditional Brazilian steakhouse where you can indulge in a delicious dinner of grilled meats and local specialties. Engage with locals and learn about their culture while enjoying the lively atmosphere. Finish your evening with a leisurely stroll along the lakeside, taking in the sparkling reflections of the stars above.
Start your day with a boat tour of the stunning Furnas Lake, known for its picturesque scenery and dramatic cliffs. As you glide across the water, keep an eye out for the unique rock formations and hidden coves that make this lake a natural wonder. Stop at some of the secluded spots to take a dip in the refreshing water.
After the boat tour, enjoy a picnic lunch on one of the islands nestled in the lake, surrounded by nature's beauty. Spend your afternoon hiking along the trails that offer panoramic views of the lake and its vibrant surroundings. Capture the breathtaking landscapes and enjoy the tranquility of this idyllic setting.
Return to the mainland and experience a local culinary delight at a lakeside restaurant. Savor traditional dishes that showcase the flavors of the region while overlooking the glistening waters of Furnas Lake. Conclude your day with a sunset view that paints the sky in vibrant hues, creating a perfect end to your adventure.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $10-15 |
| 🍽️Three-course meal for two at mid-range restaurant | $30-50 |
| ⛴️Boat tour (per person, typical) | $30-80 |
| ☕Coffee and pastry | $2-5 |
| 🚕Short taxi or transfer (local) | $5-20 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Spectacular canyons, emerald waters and photogenic landscapes
- Wide range of outdoor activities (boat tours, hiking, water sports)
- Close enough to major cities for a weekend escape
- Friendly local hospitality and regional cuisine
- Can be very crowded on weekends and holidays
- Limited public transport—best explored by car or tours
- Basic infrastructure in parts (spotty mobile signal in remote areas)
- Weather can be unpredictable in the rainy season
- "Bom dia" - Good morning
- "Por favor" - Please
- "Obrigado / Obrigada" - Thank you (male/female speaker)
- "Quanto custa?" - How much does it cost?
- "Onde fica o mirante?" - Where is the viewpoint?
- "Socorro! / Ajuda!" - Help!
- "Tem cartão?" - Do you take card?
Places to Visit in Capitólio
Visit one of these nice places.
Panoramic viewpoint with sweeping views of the canyon walls and emerald reservoir—best at sunrise or late afternoon for soft light.
From the boat you can photograph towering cliffs, waterfalls, and moody reflections in the water—close-ups of rock textures and wide shots of the canyon corridor are highlights.
Accessible waterfalls with photogenic cascades and pools; move carefully on wet rocks for the best angles.
High vantage point for sweeping sunset silhouettes and long-exposure shots over the water.
Country roads through rolling hills and small farms create atmospheric compositions with mist in the morning and colorful sunset skies.
Food in Capitólio
Capitólio Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Cheese bread made from tapioca flour — a Minas Gerais staple found in bakeries and cafés throughout Capitólio.
Must-Try!
Hearty bean-based side dishes typically served with rice, collard greens and pork—available at traditional restaurants and força (family-style) meals.
Freshwater fish from Lago de Furnas, often grilled or fried at local lakeside restaurants; order with local sides like mandioca or rice.
Regional cheeses and sweet conserves (doce de leite, goiabada) sold at markets and specialty shops.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Small markets and roadside stalls sell fresh fruits, local cheeses, cakes and savory snacks — great for sampling regional flavors and buying picnic supplies.
Simple kiosks near boat docks offer snacks like pastéis, fried fish, cold beverages and juices for take-away before tours.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Brazilians are warm and use handshakes or light cheek kisses among acquaintances—begin with a handshake if unsure, and smile often.
Leave no trace at viewpoints and waterfalls—don’t litter, avoid graffiti, and obey signage around cliffs and swimming zones.
If visiting churches or chapels, dress modestly and remove hats when entering.
Service can be relaxed and unhurried; be patient, say 'por favor' and 'obrigado/obrigada' often, and negotiate prices politely at markets.
Safety
Tipping in Capitólio
Ensure a smooth experience
Restaurants commonly add a 10% service charge (serviço) to the bill; additional tipping is not required but rounding up or leaving 5–10% for good service is appreciated. Tip tour guides, boat crews and drivers modestly (R$10–20 or equivalent) depending on service and group size.
Cash (Brazilian real) is widely used—small shops and food stalls may be cash-only. Credit and debit cards are accepted at most restaurants and hotels, but signal can be unreliable in remote spots; bring cash for boat operators, market stalls and smaller businesses.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
December–March brings hot temperatures, frequent afternoon thunderstorms and high water levels—great for swimming and boat tours but expect sticky heat and possible rain delays.
April–May offers milder days, lower rainfall and stable conditions—ideal for hiking, boating and clearer photography opportunities.
June–August is cooler and drier with chilly nights—days are pleasant for outdoor activities but bring a light jacket for evenings; water levels may be lower later in the season.
September–November features warming temperatures, blossoming countryside and occasional rains—good balance between comfortable weather and scenic greenery.
Capitólio at Night
Hiking in Capitólio
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Short hikes to major viewpoints along the canyon rim and lakeside—photography-focused trails with moderate footing and excellent vistas.
Multiple short trails lead to waterfalls such as Cascatinha and other local cascades; trails vary from easy walks to steeper, rocky approaches—bring non-slip shoes.
A longer drive away but a premier hiking and nature destination in Minas Gerais, offering longer treks, wildlife viewing and dramatic plateaus—suitable for multi-day trips.
Airports
How to reach Capitólio by plane.
Major international airport ~3–4 hours by car from Capitólio; most long-haul and domestic connections arrive here. Rent a car, book an intercity transfer, or take a shuttle to reach Capitólio.
Smaller regional airport with limited connections and a drive of around 2–3 hours depending on route; useful if flying regionally or using charter services.
Major international hub ~4–6 hours by car or bus—often used by international travelers combining a flight to Brazil with a road transfer or domestic flight to Belo Horizonte.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
A small-town population largely of mixed Portuguese and indigenous descent (common to Minas Gerais), engaged in tourism, agriculture and local services.
Significant numbers of visitors from São Paulo, Belo Horizonte and other Brazilian cities, especially on weekends and holidays.
Growing but still modest portion of tourists from abroad—often adventure and nature travelers seeking the canyons and lake.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
The most popular sport regionally and nationally—local residents follow professional teams passionately and informal matches are common in public spaces.
Volleyball is popular socially; lakeside areas and open spaces often host casual games.
Given the reservoir, recreational water sports and fishing are widely practiced by locals and visitors alike.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Capitólio.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options exist but are more limited than in big cities; expect salads, rice and bean dishes, cheese-based plates and vegetable sides—ask restaurants in advance and opt for markets for fresh produce.
Vegan choices can be sparse; request dishes without cheese or dairy and rely on beans, rice, vegetable stews and fruit. Self-catering or buying from markets is easiest for strict vegans.
Some dishes like grilled meats, fish and many rice-and-bean combinations are naturally gluten-free. Tapioca-based foods (like some pão de queijo variations) are usually okay but always confirm cross-contamination at bakeries.