Located in Minas Gerais, this lakeside town is known for its dramatic canyon walls rising above Lake Furnas and its clear emerald waters ideal for boat tours.
Capitólio lies in southwest Minas Gerais, where the Furnas Reservoir cuts through cliffs of red rock and dense tropical vegetation. Often called the “Queen of the Lakes,” this small town of 8,600 people attracts visitors with its steep canyons, human-made beaches, and waterfalls. When water levels in the reservoir drop, the remains of Guapé’s old church become visible, offering a direct link to the area’s past. Speedboats travel through narrow gorges on Furnas Lake, and hiking paths lead to spots like Morro do Chapéu. Accommodations here range from countryside farms to lodges near the water, making the area easy to visit without losing its rugged appeal.
Boat Tours and Hikes at Furnas Lake
Formed in 1958 to generate electricity, Furnas Lake covers 1,440 square kilometers, with cliffs rising more than 20 meters above its channels. Rent a speedboat or book a guided tour to explore the canyons, where sunlight reflects off the rock walls onto the water below. Divers can investigate submerged tree trunks near the lake’s floor, left behind when the valley was flooded. During peak holidays, up to 30,000 visitors arrive, causing delays at popular canyon entrances. After a rockfall in January 2022 damaged tourist boats, the Brazilian Navy and local officials began stricter safety checks and route monitoring.
Staying Safe on the Water
The 2022 rockfall emphasized potential dangers in the canyons, especially after heavy rain or earth tremors. Teams now inspect rock formations regularly to identify loose sections. Check the weather forecast before booking a boat trip, and listen carefully to crew instructions during your visit. Keep boats away from steep cliff edges, and choose tour companies with valid safety permits. Emergency teams like the Air Operations Battalion are prepared to respond, but staying alert yourself matters most.
Swimming and Rentals at Praia Artificial
Praia Artificial, a human-made beach on Furnas Lake, has a designated swimming zone with sand brought from other regions. Showers, shaded seating areas, and snack stalls line the shore. Weekdays see fewer crowds, giving families more space to spread out. Protective barriers keep waves low, though water depth changes as the reservoir level shifts. Rent a kayak or paddleboard from nearby operators to visit quiet inlets along the coast. Restrooms and parking are available, but spaces fill quickly on weekends.
Hiking Morro do Chapéu and Visiting Waterfalls
Morro do Chapéu, a 900-meter mountain east of town, has trails that take about two hours to reach waterfalls such as Cachoeira Lagoa Azul. The path winds through sections of Atlantic Forest, where bromeliads and orchids grow among the trees. Shallow pools at the base of the falls let you swim in water that stays cool year-round. Guides provide helmets and ropes for navigating wet rocks near the falls. Start your hike early to avoid the strongest sun, and wear shoes with firm grip for uneven terrain.
Where to Stay in Capitólio
Balneário do Lago and Escarpas do Lago are popular hotels with rooms facing the lake, many including private balconies for watching the sunrise. For a countryside experience, Fazenda Engenho da Serra organizes horseback rides and serves locally made Minas cheese. Most hotels are close to the town center, near restaurants specializing in regional dishes like feijão tropeiro and cheese bread. Affordable guesthouses can be found along Rua São Sebastião, but reserve ahead during busy periods like Carnival or June festivals.
Travel Routes and Local Transport
Passos, the closest city with major services, is 50 kilometers north and connects to Capitólio by bus. Direct buses from São Paulo take roughly eight hours, using highways that pass through rolling hills. Renting a car gives you freedom to explore remote trails, though roads have sharp curves after Piumhi. Capitólio’s central area is small enough to explore on foot, while taxis or hotel shuttles can take you to attractions like Cachoeira do Antônio Ricardo. Heavy rains sometimes cause road closures, so verify conditions before driving between November and March.
