Águas da Prata offers a range of reasons to visit: the protected Fonte Vilela spring, the Caminho da Fé, designed as a pilgrimage route, and various activities at Pico do Gavião.
The SP-342 provides access to Águas da Prata and connects São Paulo with Minas Gerais. This road link helps orient your long-distance travel planning; once there, your choice of places to visit can depend on your interests.
Spring, Vegetation and Views
Fonte Vilela is a protected spring in the Águas da Prata State Reserve. It is also a mineral-water drinking fountain surrounded by the vegetation of the Serra da Mantiqueira, where animals such as monkeys can also be found. Here, the spring and the surrounding natural environment come together.
At Mirante do Cristo, the panorama takes center stage: from there, a 360-degree view stretches across the interior of the state of São Paulo. The two destinations offer different aspects of the landscape: spring and vegetation at Fonte Vilela, and a sweeping view from the lookout.
Activities at Pico do Gavião
Pico do Gavião is considered one of the best places in the world for free flight, including paragliding and hang gliding. There is a free-flight club with experienced professionals who assist people looking to embark on this adventure. As operational details can change, check the latest information before your visit.
Mountain biking, mountaineering and trekking are also possible at Pico do Gavião. In addition, 13 kilometers of roads amid nature can be used for cycling. Activities thus extend beyond flying; when planning, you can distinguish between flying and cycling, and mountaineering and trekking.
Waterfalls and Trail Conditions
Cachoeira Sete Quedas can be reached via a walking trail of about 2.5 kilometers, with some moderately difficult sections. The approximate length and assessment of the sections provide two specific points to help with your planning: the distance describes the trail, while the difficulty rating adds information about its character.
Access to Cachoeira Cascatinha reopened on March 26, 2026, after paths and trails were cleared and the site was inspected by Civil Defense. Access conditions may change after severe weather. Check the latest access information before your visit.
The Caminho da Fé
The Caminho da Fé was designed as a pilgrimage route that was to run from Águas da Prata to Aparecida; Águas da Prata is part of the route. Its purpose is to support pilgrims on their way to the National Shrine of Aparecida by providing necessary support points and infrastructure. This sets the pilgrimage route apart in purpose from the sporting activities at Pico do Gavião. If you are planning a trip focused on pilgrimage, this is a specific point of reference; if you are more interested in nature, views or physical activity, you can plan around the relevant destinations and activities.
Discover more destinations: Queluz, Boracéia, Ribeirão Pires, Barretos, Ubarana, Boituva, Ferraz De Vasconcelos, Limeira.
For the broader travel overview: São Paulo.
