Rio Preto offers local history in its town center, as well as nature and cultural attractions within the municipality and nearby. The geographic distinctions are useful when planning your visit: the Circuito Histórico-Cultural is in the center, Funil is a locality within the municipality, and Burro do Ouro and Fazenda de Santa Clara are nearby. This gives you a choice of different focuses, from history and folklore to nature and outdoor activities. The Rio Preto region is currently part of the Circuito Turístico Serras de Ibitipoca, established in 2006 by Brazil’s Ministry of Tourism and the Secretariat of Culture and Tourism of Minas Gerais.
Town History and Feira da Roça
The Circuito Histórico-Cultural de Rio Preto was created in 2017 to highlight historic sites in the town center. Many have plaques that tell their stories. Many of the historic buildings date from the late 17th and early 18th centuries. The plaques offer a specific connection to the history of each site, while the age of many buildings reflects the historic character of the center.
The Feira da Roça in the town center offers a different perspective: agricultural produce and handicrafts are sold there. Together, the market and the Circuito provide two distinct ways to experience Rio Preto—through the history of historic sites and through local produce and crafts. When choosing cultural attractions for your stay, you can keep these differences in mind rather than treating them as the same experience.
Funil: Activities, Waterfalls, and a Cave
Nearby Funil, a locality within the municipality of Rio Preto, offers opportunities for hiking, rafting, and climbing. Funil’s waterfalls include Ronco do Leão and Ninho da Égua; there are numerous waterfalls in total, some with tea-colored water. The small Cambuí forest can also be visited in Funil. Gruta do Funil is near the destination and is a cave with about eight chambers inside.
In Funil, these specific activities are complemented by named natural attractions: hiking, rafting, and climbing on the one hand, and waterfalls, forest, and a cave on the other. This lets you choose whether to focus primarily on an activity or on particular natural features.
Other Natural Attractions in the Municipality
Cachoeira da Água Amarela is located within Mato Limpo, in the Serra de São Gabriel. There are hiking trails nearby, and a grotto at the entrance. Nature walks, aquatrekking, and nature observation are associated with Cachoeira do Mato Limpo. The two descriptions emphasize different things: Água Amarela’s location, hiking trails, and grotto, and the activities mentioned for Cachoeira do Mato Limpo.
Folklore, Art, and Historic Sites Nearby
Fazenda de Santa Clara is considered a regional attraction and can be reached via a turnoff past São Luiz. Its main building is open to visitors; legends and relics from the era of slavery are associated with it. Check current access conditions before visiting.
Burro do Ouro is a life-size flat-iron sculpture. It weighs about 400 kilograms and was created by visual artist Paulo Brito Tavares. Burro do Ouro is near the legendary Cruz do Negro, another folklore site in Funil on the border between Rio Preto and the municipality of Olaria. Here, a specific work of art and a site associated with folklore sit side by side—two distinct cultural points of interest to consider when choosing places to visit.
Swimming Lessons on Weekdays
Swimming lessons for children and adults are held on weekdays at Parque Aquático Durval Avelar. If you plan to take part, check the current schedule in advance, as lesson times may change.
Discover more destinations: Saudade, Caratinga, Pocinhos Do Rio Verde, Lagoa Santa, Igarapé, Ribeirão Das Neves, Bueno Brandão, Nanuque
For the broader travel guide: Minas Gerais.
