Estrada Real - Caminho dos Diamantes - Trecho: Catas Altas - Morro da Água Quente - Santa Rita Durão

The 18.3 km stretch between Catas Altas and Santa Rita Durão can be divided into two stages. The first, of 6.3 kms, known as Trilha Parque, is a dirt road with local traffic that goes as far as Morro d’Água Quente. The second, of 12 kms, continues to Santa Rita Durão. The road is in the middle of the mountains with small ups and downs.

The village of Morro d’Água Quente has no tourist services. Its name refers to the thermal springs that existed in the region before they were destroyed by gold mining. This interesting fact is but one among the many stories that the local residents love to tell to visitors.

On the road between Morro d’Água Quente and Santa Rita Durão, the traveler gets a view of the Pico do Baiano in the Serra de Catas Altas, a great spot for radical sports like rock climbing. Here too is the regional landfill which has won prizes as a model of environmental administration.

And on to Santa Rita Durão, the home of the poet Frei José de Santa Rita Durão. The city was founded in 1702 and still maintains the serenity so typical of cities of the interior of Minas Gerais. The Chapel of Nossa Senhora do Rosário is a fine example of colonial architecture, restored by Iphan (The National Institute of Historic and Artistic Heritage).

More Information: http://www.estradareal.org.br/