Two distinct themes shape a trip to Lavrinhas: waterscapes and the history of the town. The Rio Paraíba do Sul runs through the municipality; at the same time, Lavrinhas lies at the foot of the Serra da Mantiqueira and is surrounded by clear, bluish waterfalls. If you are looking for a vacation rental for your stay here, you can first consider whether swimming spots and nature or buildings and culture are your priority.
River, Waterfalls and Swimming Spots
The Rio Paraíba do Sul has rapids in Lavrinhas. In the Capela do Jacu area, there are natural swimming pools formed by the rivers. The Cachoeira da Pedreira – Rio do Braço is also in this district. Its features include clear water and natural hydromassage pools.
The balneários also differ in the water experiences they offer. Balneário Perroni allows you to swim in the clear waters of the Rio Jacu. Balneário Rancho Carlos Lopes has a lake, a fishing pond and pedal boats. Balneário Rancho do Zé João has a natural pool and a river with clear water. This makes it possible to choose between the locations based on what you are looking for: swimming in the river, additional bodies of water or a natural pool. The rapids of the Rio Paraíba do Sul are another feature of the river landscape, not the same bathing option as the balneários mentioned above.
Serra da Mantiqueira and Protected Areas
Part of Pedra da Mina lies within the municipality of Lavrinhas, on the border with Queluz and Passa Quatro. The natural Rampa de Voo Livre – Lavrinhas is at an altitude of 876 meters and has a vertical drop of 367 meters. These specific elevation figures are part of the municipality’s extensive mountain landscape.
The Serra Fina traverse is connected to Lavrinhas via Pedra da Mina and is considered the most difficult traverse in Brazil. Part of Pedra da Mina lies within the municipality of Lavrinhas, which borders Queluz and Passa Quatro. Access conditions may change, so check them before planning a specific hike. Lavrinhas is also part of APASM, established by State Decree No. 91.304 of June 3, 1985. The municipality is also home to the 225.0-hectare RPPN da Travessia.
Buildings and Local History
The Capela de São João Batista dates from 1920 and was built in the Gothic style. The railway offers another glimpse into local history: Lavrinhas station was inaugurated in 1874 and is one of the town’s most important sights. The Pontilhão is a passage on the Dom Pedro II Railway dating from 1877.
The bridges also represent different aspects of local history. Ponte dos Arcos is named after Bellarmino José Fernandes; in 1933, it was built as the first concrete bridge over the Rio Paraíba do Sul. Ponte de Ferro is used for viewing the landscape and taking photographs. Historic sites also include Casarão Pinheiros, a cultural center in a building dating from the late 19th century, and Sobradão. Records indicate that Lavrinhas’s first mixed-gender school operated there. The dates therefore range from a bridge built in 1933 and a railway passage dating from 1877 to the older building of Casarão Pinheiros.
Crafts, Water and Events
Casa do Artesão exhibits and sells locally made handicrafts. Fonte Mirífica brings together local history and present-day use: it dates from before the 1932 Revolution and is still used by residents. Visitors also come to taste its natural water. Water use and local conditions may change; check the situation if you plan to visit.
The Torneio Leiteiro is traditionally associated with the Recinto de Exposições Benedito Inácio Nunes in the Capela do Jacu district. The main event is a cow-milking competition. Dates and programming may change; before traveling, check whether the event coincides with your dates.
The Rodovia Presidente Dutra provides road access to Lavrinhas; Km 22 is listed as the access point. This allows you to plan your journey separately from the focus of your stay.
Discover more destinations: Divinolândia, Santa Clara d'Oeste, Carlópolis, Alambari, Franco da Rocha, Araras, Vargem, Braúna
For the overview of the region: São Paulo.
