Where Minas becomes the sea: the canyons that rise from the Serra

Where Minas becomes the sea: the canyons that rise from the Serra


Discover the beauty of the canyons of Furnas Lake, Minas, and explore breathtaking landscapes and unmissable activities in this natural paradise

The canyons of Lake Furnas, located in Minas Gerais, have become one of the main tourist attractions of the state. This vast artificial lake, created in the 1960s for the construction of the Furnas Hydroelectric Power Plant, is today surrounded by rocky walls and breathtaking waterfalls. The environment, characterized by the green of the waters and the reddish walls, offers not only natural beauty, but also various possibilities for recreation and contact with nature.

Over the years, tourism has grown significantly in the region. Towns around the lake, like Capitolio, have become popular destinations for visitors seeking lush scenery and outdoor activities. Families, groups of friends and tourists from all over Brazil tend to visit the place, especially during holidays and holiday periods. The lake’s calm waters and deep canyons create the ideal environment for various sports and recreational activities.

How were the canyons of Lake Furnas formed?

The formation of the canyons of Lake Furnas is directly related to the opening of the basin for the hydroelectric power plant. Before the dam, the Rio Grande followed its natural path through the region’s mountains. With the flooding of the valley, part of the rocky relief was submerged, while other areas formed imposing walls that border the lake. This geological process, associated with the action of time, water and wind, has contributed to the current appearance of the canyons, where fissures, caves and steep drops stand out.

Interestingly, canyons combine several ecosystems. In the higher areas the typical Cerrado vegetation predominates, while on the banks and walls exposed to humidity there are plant species adapted to the proximity of water. In this way, the landscape transforms as the visitor explores the different parts of the lake.




What are the main attractions of the Furnas canyons?

The Furnas Canyons offer a broad and diverse tourist experience. Among the most popular activities is the speedboat ride, which allows you to explore the rock formations, access the waterfalls and dive into the crystal clear waters of the lake. The route passes through hidden caves, natural pools and strategic points to appreciate the geological richness of the place.

  • Speedboat trips: Favorite option for tourists to discover the main canyons and waterfalls accessible only by water.
  • Seaside areas: Several spots on the lake offer shallow, calm waters for swimming and relaxing, with scenery varying between coves and natural pools.
  • Ecological routes: Numerous paths lead to panoramic points with privileged views of the canyons and the basin, recommended for those who love walking in the midst of nature.
  • Rappelling and adventure sports: With vertical canyon walls, the region is also popular with lovers of abseiling, climbing and other extreme sports.

Furthermore, around the lake there are floating restaurants, inns and recreational facilities that guarantee comfort for visitors. A variety of tourism services help the region stand out as a center of nature tourism in Minas Gerais.



The Furnas Canyons offer a broad and diverse tourist experience – depositphotos.com / Cristian_Lourenco

Why visit the canyons of Lake Furnas in 2025?

Visiting the canyons of Lake Furnas in 2025 is an opportunity to discover a destination in constant tourist development, which combines natural beauty, possibilities for adventure and contact with the culture of Minas Gerais. The place, updated in infrastructure and safety, is preparing to receive more and more visitors interested in activities such as boat trips, water sports and gastronomic experiences. New itineraries are developed each season, offering even more options to those who choose to explore this region.

Thanks to the growth of conscious tourism, projects aimed at preserving and enhancing natural heritage are gaining importance. Agencies, residents and local authorities have invested in sustainable practices to ensure the conservation of water and vegetation in the canyons. Therefore, everyone who visits Furnas Lake in 2025 contributes to the balanced development of the region, making the experience even more meaningful and enriching.

In this way, the canyons of Lake Furnas continue to enchant visitors and rank among Brazil’s top natural destinations, combining adventure, recreation and environmental preservation in one place.

Source: Terra

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