Serra do Rola-Moça State Park: A Natural Sanctuary

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Discover Minas Gerais' natural beauty at Serra do Rola-Moça State Park: hiking, diverse ecosystems, and panoramic views await near Belo Horizonte.

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Serra do Rola-Moça State Park

Escape the urban bustle and immerse yourself in the Serra do Rola-Moça State Park, a sprawling protected area in Minas Gerais. Offering hiking trails, panoramic viewpoints, and diverse flora and fauna, the park provides a refreshing connection with nature just a short distance from Belo Horizonte.

A brief summary to Serra do Rola-Moça State Park

Av. Montreal, s/nº, Nova Lima, Jardim Canada, State of Minas Gerais, 34000-000, BR
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Monday 8 am-5 pm
Tuesday 8 am-5 pm
Wednesday 8 am-5 pm
Thursday 8 am-5 pm
Friday 8 am-5 pm
Saturday 8 am-7 pm
Sunday 8 am-6 pm

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Serra do Rola-Moça State Park.

Arrive early to avoid crowds and enjoy cooler temperatures for hiking.
Bring plenty of water and snacks, as facilities within the park are limited.
Wear sturdy hiking shoes and appropriate clothing for a comfortable experience.
Check trail conditions and park hours before your visit.
Consider visiting on weekdays for a more peaceful experience.

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Getting There

Public Transport

From Belo Horizonte, take a bus from the central bus station (Estação Rodoviária) to Nova Lima. Look for buses heading towards 'Nova Lima' or 'Jardim Canadá'. Upon arriving at Nova Lima's bus terminal, take a local taxi or rideshare to the park entrance on Av. Montreal. Taxi fare typically ranges from R$20 to R$30. Alternatively, inquire at the bus terminal for local bus routes that may take you closer to the park.
Taxi/Rideshare

From Nova Lima, use a local taxi or rideshare service like Uber to get to Serra do Rola-Moça State Park. Input the park's address (Av. Montreal, s/nº - Jardim Canada, Nova Lima - MG, 34000-000) into your app. Fares vary depending on the distance and time of day, but expect to pay around R$15 to R$25 from central Nova Lima.
Driving

From Belo Horizonte, take BR-040 towards Nova Lima. After approximately 11 km, take exit 126 toward MG-030. Continue on MG-030 for about 7 km, following signs for Nova Lima. Once you reach Nova Lima, turn onto Av. Montreal, which leads directly to the park entrance. Parking fees may apply, so have cash available.

Discover more about Serra do Rola-Moça State Park

Serra do Rola-Moça State Park, established in 1994, is a vital conservation area spanning across the municipalities of Belo Horizonte, Nova Lima, Ibirité, and Brumadinho. This park protects six essential springs that supply water to the metropolitan region of Belo Horizonte. The park's name has a unique origin, inspired by a poem by Mário de Andrade, recounting the tragic tale of a newlywed couple who fell to their deaths while crossing the mountains on horseback. The park's diverse landscape lies in the transition zone between the Cerrado and Atlantic Forest biomes, featuring areas of Atlantic Forest, Cerrado, alpine tundra, and rupestrian ferruginous fields. The rare ferruginous field vegetation, found on iron-bearing 'canga' crust, is particularly unique, existing only in the Iron Quadrangle of Minas Gerais and the Carajás Mountains. Visitors can explore this unique environment accompanied by park monitors. The park is home to a wide array of plant species, including orchids, bromeliads, and species like *Cariniana legalis*, *Gochnatia polymorpha*, and *Vellozia squamata*. It also serves as a refuge for endangered animals such as cougars, ocelots, oncillas, maned wolves, Pampas deer, and solitary tinamous. Hiking trails and lookouts like Três Pedras, Planeta, Jatobá, and Morro dos Veados offer panoramic views. The best time to visit is during the dry season, from April to October. Visitors can enjoy hiking, birdwatching, and exploring the park's geological formations. The park also plays a crucial role in environmental education, promoting awareness and conservation of the region's natural heritage.