Luxury Travel to Ibitipoca

An astounding nature reserve well off the tourist track

Ibitipoca State Park and Reserve is away from the tourist trails of southern Brazil but is one of the most beautiful national parks in the country.

Located in the south-eastern corner of the Minas Gerais state and just over three hours drive from Rio de Janeiro, the rolling Atlantic forest landscape stretches itself over 4000 hectares with thriving and diverse ecosystems.

Originally used as farming pastureland and caught up in the Gold Era of the 17th century, the sierra’s woodland has undergone conscientious and tenacious conservation over the past 30 years to allow the regeneration of the vital fauna and key predators. Thirty three species of monkeys now inhabit Ibitipoca along with wild boar, toucans, jaguars and the elusive and graceful puma. The astounding variety of trees is also quite beautiful, filled with monkey puzzles, cedars, candeias, Brazilian rosewoods and in between these you can cool off in the many cascading waterfalls or relax on the white sand river beaches.

We can organise a variety of private wildlife expeditions and activities to suit you and all with excellent, local English-speaking guides to allow you to get the most out of Ibitipoca’s nature, adventure and tranquillity.

We can transfer you privately from Rio by car or the Juiz da Fora airport is only an hour and a half away from the park. You could perhaps coincide a trip here with the town of Tiradentes or Ouro Preto.

What to do

Visit the local Matriz Church emblematic of the Gold Era
Take a dip in the dark rivers and cool waterfalls
Explore the Reserve and Park on horseback or foot
Enjoy the many hiking tours on offer

Itineraries including Ibitipoca

Secluded Brazil

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Away from the city bustle, this tour takes you off the beaten track to explore Brazil's more tranquil side

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Accommodation in Ibitipoca

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Positive Impact

Ibiti Project

Far from commonplace in the Brazilian interior, this elegantly restored farmhouse, nestled among the green, set in the foothills of the Mantiqueira mountain range, offers a uniquely enchanting stay. At Ibiti Project (formerly Reserva do Ibitipoca), guests can indulge in the understated luxury of its hotel and spa while enjoying diverse wildlife expeditions, horseback riding, water rafting and bespoke excursions to waterfalls and white sandy river beaches. The hotel’s rustic chic décor is beautifully reflected in its rooms, which are elegantly simple yet exude modern comfort. This is brilliantly juxtaposed with the use of antiques and restored furniture. Vibrant wall hangings and religious icons hint at the farmhouse’s history and local artisanship. A fenced veranda wraps around one corner of the farmhouse, furnished with inviting rocking chairs, armchairs, and sofas where guests can relax, enjoy breakfast, and take in the views of the surrounding hills and lake. A short stroll across the lawn leads to the hotel’s spacious spa, housed in a converted outbuilding that maintains the main farmhouse’s style. Another lodge within the garden features a sauna and heated outdoor Jacuzzi. The service at Ibitipoca is exceptional, and the staff’s extensive knowledge of the parkland’s rich flora and fauna, including red deer, jaguars, pumas and many native tree species — is sure to impress. Ibiti Project features several lodges for travellers, each designed around unique concepts: Engenho Lodge, Mogol Village and Remote, all offering different experiences of rural life in this stunning part of Brazil.

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