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Mountain of Pleasures
Lavras Novas is one of these places
that have hidden themselves aside for a long time. A
once lost place, fortunately rediscovered by visitors.
Substantial number of visitors come in during weekends
and long holidays. Charming inns and restaurants
already show themselves against the mountainous scenery,
providing comfort and delight to visitors along with the
simplicity of the local people and the primitiveness of
the landscape.
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As the traveler goes along the country road,
he can anticipate the special destination he is heading to.
After all, the road in itself is a part of the adventure.
And he has to be attentive to the wondering curiosities
coming by. Suddenly, alongside the narrow road, as he goes
up the mountain slope, he comes across a perfectly
well-balanced rock on top of a tiny support. Magic? Not
exactly, it is pure physics!
The district is a small community
and its vision is dominated by the main church of
Our Lady dos Prazeres (of Pleasures). The selection
of this name seems to be well intended. Pleasure is
the dominant feeling in Lavras Novas, alternating
sometimes with surprise and enchantment... It is
home of many legends, including one that claims the
place was an old hideout for fugitive slaves. The
myths are translated into the rich folklore of
Lavras Novas. Beautiful natural attractions sometimes
hide themselves. Passageways to find them not always
are the easiest ones, requiring a little bit more
effort. But it is always worth while! Always!
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Getting to know the place and
enjoying a tour to Lavras Novas to the utmost
satisfaction is better accomplished with the
companion of a local guide. Attractions are poorly
signaled and some of them are not free of
dangers, such as the Cachoeira do Rapel waterfall.
Stretching over 200 meters of water fall -
counting all its flights - it is surely not
recommended for first-time and inexperienced
visitors. It is possible to reach close to the
falling water, passing through another attraction:
the surrounding small water-wells. Ideal for a
cooling bath.
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There are more to see and
enjoy: Cachoeira dos Namorados (sweethearts'
waterfall), Cachoeira Três Pingos (three
waterdrops waterfall), Represa do Custódio
dam... Incidentally, the most beautiful of
the waterfalls around is named for the dam.
Access to it takes some time, the car drives
up to a certain point and it demands the
visitor an additional forty-minute walk.
The sacrifice is paid off by the breathless
feeling of the power of the falling water.
A misty rain, formed by the noisy splashing
waters, refreshes the fatigue of the walking
traveler.
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It is not by chance that Lavras
Novas district boasts as its patron Holy Saint
the named Virgin of Pleasures. Nothing can be
more adequate. Enjoy it!
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