Parque Florestal de Ibitipoca in Brazil

This park is 85 km from Juiz de Fora, the largest city in southwestern Minas, see www.pjf.mg.gov.br. The park is rich with wildlife, including maned wolf and there are quartzite-encrusted caves, interesting rock formations, waterfalls, rivers, many different types of vegetation, orchids, bromeliads, cacti and lots of lichens and flowers, such as purple quaresmeiras. Evidence suggests that the land was once under the sea. More recently it was on the bandeirantes' trails . A little gold was found, but it was mostly mica that was extracted; there is quartzite everywhere you look.

Ibitipoca preserves birds and animals, including monkeys, which you are likely to hear rather than see. The French botanist Auguste St-Hilaire visited the area in 1822. To see all that the park has to offer takes about four days. There are a number of trails of varying length; on the longest be prepared for stretches of up to eight hours (take water and protection against the sun). It's possible to stay overnight

The nearest village, Conceição de Ibitipoca, is one of the oldest in Minas Gerais. Its church was built in 1768 and has original paintings on the ceiling. There is a statue of São Sebastião and a separate bell tower. The key for the church is at Ibiti-Bike. Mass is held once a month. Modern buildings in the village give it a messy look, but the park is definitely worth visiting. There are various places to eat in the village and the local speciality is pão de canela (cinnamon bread). Hand-dyed and woven bedspreads and handicrafts in wood are also made in the village.