Sete Lagoas Travel Guide

Plan your trip to Sete Lagoas with our comprehensive travel guide. Discover the best places to visit, things to do, and where to stay during your trip.


Introduction to Sete Lagoas

Sete Lagoas is a picturesque city in Minas Gerais, a Brazilian state known for its stunning natural beauty and rich cultural heritage. The city gets its name from the seven lakes that surround it, creating serene and breathtaking scenic views. Sete Lagoas is located in the Central East region of Minas Gerais and is easily accessible by air or by land transportation from major cities in Brazil.

This comprehensive guide to Sete Lagoas will help you plan your trip by highlighting the must-see places, things to do, and where to stay during your visit.

List of Places to Visit in Sete Lagoas

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

Museum of Arts and Crafts of Sete Lagoas

The Museum of Arts and Crafts of Sete Lagoas houses an impressive collection of folk art and handicrafts from Central Brazil. The museum is housed in a former prison and features exhibits that showcase the history and culture of the local community.

Igreja de Santa Helena

Igreja de Santa Helena is an iconic church located in the historic center of Sete Lagoas. The church’s façade features intricate carvings, and the interior is equally stunning, with beautiful paintings and sculptures.

Natural Attractions of Sete Lagoas: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

Serra Santa Helena State Park

The Serra Santa Helena State Park is a popular destination for hiking and trekking enthusiasts. The park is home to several trails that lead to stunning waterfalls, rock formations, and panoramic views of the surrounding landscapes.

Lagoa Paulino

Lagoa Paulino is one of the seven lakes that lend their name to the city of Sete Lagoas. The lake is ideal for swimming, fishing, and picnicking, and there are several restaurants and bars around the lake that offer stunning views of the sunset.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Sete Lagoas

Sete Lagoas is a paradise for hiking and biking enthusiasts. There are several trails and routes that offer stunning views of the natural landscapes and allow you to explore the city’s scenic surroundings.

Pico do Itacolomi

Pico do Itacolomi is a challenging hiking trail that takes you to the top of a mountain overlooking Sete Lagoas. The trail is steep but offers breathtaking views of the city and its surroundings.

Estrada Real

Estrada Real is a famous route that connects various historical cities in the state of Minas Gerais. The road is ideal for cycling enthusiasts looking for scenic views of the surrounding mountains and forests.

Best Things to Do in Sete Lagoas: Activities and Tours

Sete Lagoas Brewery Tour

Sete Lagoas is known for its excellent craft beer, and a brewery tour is a must-do activity during your visit. Several breweries offer tours that include beer tastings and a glimpse into the beer-making process.

Horse Riding Tours

Sete Lagoas is famous for its horse riding tours, which take you through stunning countryside landscapes. You can choose from several tours that cater to different riding abilities.

Week-Long Itinerary for Sete Lagoas

Day 1: Visit the Museum of Arts and Crafts of Sete Lagoas and explore the historic center of the city.

Day 2: Hike to the top of Pico do Itacolomi for stunning views of the city and its surroundings.

Day 3: Explore the Serra Santa Helena State Park and visit some of its waterfalls and rock formations.

Day 4: Enjoy a day at Lagoa Paulino, swimming, fishing, and enjoying the scenic surroundings.

Day 5: Take a brewery tour and taste some of Sete Lagoas’ excellent craft beer.

Day 6: Take a horse riding tour and explore the stunning countryside landscapes.

Day 7: Relax and unwind in one of Sete Lagoas’ excellent spas and wellness centers.

Food and Drink Scene of Sete Lagoas

Must-Try Dishes

Pão de Queijo

Pão de Queijo is a traditional Brazilian cheese bread that originated in Minas Gerais. The bread is crispy on the outside and soft and chewy on the inside and is best served hot.

Feijão Tropeiro

Feijão Tropeiro is a hearty dish made with beans, sausage, bacon, and cassava flour. It is a staple dish in Minas Gerais and is often served with rice and a fried egg.

Local Beverages

Cachaça

Cachaça is a distilled spirit made from sugarcane juice. It is a popular drink in Brazil and is often used as a key ingredient in cocktails.

Cafuné

Cafuné is a local coffee-based liqueur that originated in Minas Gerais. It is made using coffee, cachaça, and sugar and is best served chilled.

Where to Stay in Sete Lagoas: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Sete Lagoas offers a range of accommodation options to suit all budgets and preferences. From luxurious hotels to cozy guesthouses and hostels, there is something for everyone.

Luxurious Hotels

Riviera Palace Hotel

The Riviera Palace Hotel is a luxury hotel located in the heart of Sete Lagoas. The hotel features a rooftop pool, a fitness center, and a restaurant that serves local and international cuisine.

Confins Suítes Hotel

The Confins Suítes Hotel is a four-star hotel located near the Confins International Airport. The hotel features a restaurant, a sauna, and a rooftop pool with stunning views of the surrounding landscapes.

Cozy Guesthouses

Casa Rosa Guesthouse

The Casa Rosa Guesthouse is a charming guesthouse located in the historic center of Sete Lagoas. The guesthouse features comfortable rooms, a shared kitchen, and a beautiful garden.

Pousada Villa da Serra

Pousada Villa da Serra is a cozy guesthouse that overlooks the Serra Santa Helena State Park. The guesthouse features comfortable rooms, a swimming pool, and a restaurant that serves local cuisine.

Hostels

Hostel Velho Pai

Hostel Velho Pai is a budget-friendly hostel located in the heart of Sete Lagoas. The hostel features dormitory rooms and private rooms, a shared kitchen, and a lounge area.

HI Sete Lagoas Hostel

HI Sete Lagoas Hostel is a cozy hostel located near the Sete Lagoas bus terminal. The hostel features dormitory rooms and private rooms, a shared kitchen, and a terrace with stunning views of the city.

What to Buy in Sete Lagoas: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Handicrafts and Folk Art

Sete Lagoas is known for its beautiful handicrafts and folk art, which make excellent souvenirs. You can find a range of handmade products, including baskets, pottery, and textiles, in local markets and shops.

Cachaca

Cachaça is a popular souvenir to bring home from Brazil, and Sete Lagoas offers some of the best cachaças in the country. You can find a range of high-quality cachaças in local stores and markets.

Local Culture and Customs of Sete Lagoas

Sete Lagoas is known for its cultural heritage, and there are several customs and traditions that locals hold dear. One of the most important customs is the Festa de Santa Helena, which takes place every year in August. The festival celebrates the city’s patron saint and includes processions, music, and traditional dance performances.

Best Time to Visit Sete Lagoas

The best time to visit Sete Lagoas is during the dry season, which runs from May to September. The weather is mild and pleasant during this time, making it ideal for outdoor activities and sightseeing.

Do’s and Don’ts of Sete Lagoas

Do:

  • Try the local cuisine and drinks, including the famous cheese bread (pão de queijo) and cachaça.
  • Respect the local customs and traditions, including the Festa de Santa Helena.
  • Explore the natural beauty of Sete Lagoas, including the Serra Santa Helena State Park and the seven lakes that surround the city.

Don’t:

  • Wear revealing clothing outside of the beach or pool areas.
  • Ignore the safety guidelines when participating in outdoor activities, including hiking and horse riding.
  • Engage in any illegal activities, including drug use or trafficking.

Safety and Health

Safety in Sete Lagoas

Sete Lagoas is a safe city in Brazil, but visitors should still take precautions, especially when exploring the natural surroundings. The hiking trails can be challenging, and visitors should only attempt them with a guide or in a group. Visitors should also be careful when swimming in the lakes, as they can be deep in some areas.

Health in Sete Lagoas

Sete Lagoas has several healthcare facilities that offer basic and emergency medical services. Visitors should ensure that they have adequate travel insurance before visiting the city.

Getting to Sete Lagoas: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Sete Lagoas

The Confins International Airport is the nearest airport to Sete Lagoas, located approximately 40 kilometers away. The airport serves major Brazilian cities and international destinations.

Bus Stations Near Sete Lagoas

The Sete Lagoas Bus Terminal is located in the city center and serves several bus routes from major Brazilian cities.

Other Options

Sete Lagoas is also accessible by car, and there are several rental car services available at the Confins International Airport.

How to Get Around in Sete Lagoas

Sete Lagoas is a small city, and most of the sights and attractions are within walking distance of each other. Taxis and car rentals are also available, and there are several local bus routes that serve the city and its surrounding areas.

Where to Go Next from Sete Lagoas: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Belo Horizonte

Belo Horizonte is the capital of the state of Minas Gerais and is located approximately 70 kilometers from Sete Lagoas. The city is known for its rich cultural heritage and stunning architecture.

Ouro Preto

Ouro Preto is a UNESCO World Heritage Site located approximately 150 kilometers from Sete Lagoas. The city is famous for its baroque architecture and rich cultural heritage and is a must-visit destination for history and culture enthusiasts.

Conclusion

Sete Lagoas is a charming city in Minas Gerais, Brazil, offering stunning natural landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and warm hospitality. With this comprehensive guide, you can plan your trip to Sete Lagoas with ease, knowing that you will experience the best that the city has to offer.

Railroad Museum Railroad Museum