Those wishing to combine cultural events in Pontevila with experiences around Lago de Furnas will find a range of options. Carnaval includes parades, music and folk performances; boat trips are offered on the lake, and Ilha das Pedras lies near the tourist district. To help plan your visit, first decide whether you are mainly interested in events, a boat trip on the lake, or nature and activities on the island.

Carnaval and events in Pontevila

On March 23, 2026, Carnaval de Pontevila was recognized as a cultural manifestation of the municipality of Formiga and added to its official events calendar. The recognition was announced on March 27, 2026. Carnaval includes parades, music and folk performances in the tourist district of Pontevila. A description from April 2024 also referred to Festival do Peixe as a traditional event in this district. These details give an impression of the area's cultural themes, but are no substitute for checking specific dates: check when events are taking place before your trip.

Boat trips and an island on Lago de Furnas

At Clube Náutico in Balneário Furnastur, boat trips of approximately two hours are offered. They visit several tourist spots on Lago de Furnas and take place with Mestre Gil, who is accredited by the Brazilian Navy. You can allow about two hours for the trip; check before you leave whether it is being offered on your travel dates.

Another way to experience the lake is to visit Ilha das Pedras. The rocky island, covered in native vegetation, is in Lago de Furnas near the tourist district of Pontevila. It can be reached by crossing the lake in the direction of Condomínio Mangueirão. Activities on the island include fishing, swimming in the lake, photography and taking in the Mar de Minas landscape. This offers a choice between a guided trip to several spots on the lake and activities at a single, nearby natural destination.

Accommodation and tourism history

Clube Encosta do Lago is in a residential area on the shore of Lago de Furnas in the district of Pontevila. The operator's website lists chalets, cabins, swimming pools, sports courts, a sauna, a camping area and a restaurant.

The lake's tourism development is also part of Pontevila's recorded history: the district has been described as a pioneer in developing tourism at Lago de Furnas. An account from 2017 described Balneário Furnastur as the first tourism enterprise on the lake.

A cultural addition in the wider destination of Formiga

In the wider destination of Formiga, Museu Francisco “Nhonhô” Fonseca offers a unique perspective on the municipality's history. It opened on June 5, 2003, in the building that had previously housed Formiga's former railway station. Old objects, photographs, works of art and documents tell the story of Formiga there. Alongside its permanent exhibition, the museum presents themed exhibitions about the traditions and typical festivals of Formiga and Brazil.

The museum also includes Vagão Biblioteca. It offers classes for children and serves visitors as an information point about Formiga's main attractions. Another historical landmark there is the Pelourinho: it commemorates the last execution by hanging in Minas Gerais, which took place on October 12, 1842, on Rua do Sabão in Formiga. The museum and the Pelourinho tell different chapters of the municipality's history in the wider destination of Formiga.

For the wider travel overview: Formiga.