Nascente do Rio São Francisco, Mata Dos Cocais Travel Guide

4.8 (45)

Discover the source of Brazil's lifeblood: the São Francisco River, a humble spring with a grand destiny, nestled in the Serra da Canastra.

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Nascente do Rio São Francisco

Visit the humble source of the mighty São Francisco River, one of Brazil's most important waterways, nestled high in the Serra da Canastra National Park. It's a place of simple beauty and profound significance.

A brief summary to Nascente do Rio São Francisco

QH85+68, São Roque de Minas, São Roque de Minas, State of Minas Gerais, BR

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Nascente do Rio São Francisco.

The park entrance fee is R$10, and they only accept cash.
A 4x4 vehicle is highly recommended to navigate the rough roads within the park.
Bring sunscreen, a hat, and plenty of water, as the area offers little shade.
Consider hiring a local guide to learn about the park's history, flora, and fauna.
Combine your visit with a trip to a local cheese farm to sample the famous Queijo Canastra.

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Explore Nascente do Rio São Francisco on the Map

A handpicked selection of must-see spots near Nascente do Rio São Francisco, mapped for you.

Getting There

Driving

From São Roque de Minas, take the road towards the Serra da Canastra National Park. The most accessible route to the Nascente is through Portaria 1, about 11 km from the town center. Be prepared for a bumpy ride, as the road is unpaved and rocky. A 4x4 vehicle is highly recommended. There is an entrance fee of R$10 (cash only) to enter the park. From the park entrance, follow the signs to the Nascente do Rio São Francisco. Parking is available near the trailhead.
Other

Many tour operators in São Roque de Minas offer guided tours to the Nascente do Rio São Francisco. These tours typically include transportation in a 4x4 vehicle, a knowledgeable guide, and stops at other attractions within the park. Prices vary depending on the tour operator and the itinerary, but expect to pay around R$250 per person.

Discover more about Nascente do Rio São Francisco

The Nascente do Rio São Francisco, or the Source of the São Francisco River, marks the beginning of a 2,914-kilometer journey across Brazil. Located within the Serra da Canastra National Park in Minas Gerais, this unassuming spring gives rise to a river that is vital to the country's ecosystem, history, and culture.Though not a dramatic cascade or a vast lake, the Nascente is a serene and symbolic location. A simple stone marker and a statue of São Francisco de Assis, the river's namesake, stand as a testament to the river's importance. The actual source bubbles up from a small pool, often teeming with tiny fish, a fragile beginning for such a significant waterway.The surrounding landscape offers stunning views of the Serra da Canastra National Park. The park itself was created in 1972 to protect the headwaters of the São Francisco River. The park's diverse terrain includes grasslands and rocky outcroppings. Visitors can explore the area via 4x4 vehicles, hike to nearby waterfalls such as the Casca D'Anta, and sample local cheese.