Itacolomi Peak : at 1700 meters high (5,500 feet), Itacolomi Peak is the greatest attraction of the park. It is considered the most important geographic reference for the discovery of gold in the XVIIth century, a landmark for the arrival of the bandeirantes explorers. The sight of the peak indicated the exact whereabouts of the richest gold sites found in Minas Gerais. The very gold that went to finance the English Industrial Revolution. Going up to the peak site, in a walking journey of about 4 hours, is more than a singular experience: it is testifying the historical saga and destiny of Minas Gerais. From the top, one can enjoy a magnificent panoramic view, including as well the majestically presences of Ouro Preto and Mariana. Second to none...

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Manso Forest Reserve : located in the lowest sector of Itacolomi Park, the reserve concentrates some interesting attractions. The native forest that once covered a great part of the region can still be appreciated. The place had sheltered considerable plantations of black Indian Tea, a main produce of Ouro Preto´s economy until the 1940´s. Even today there is reminiscence of those plantations. There are also a museum (Casa do Chá- Tea House) and a library. The Custódio dam and the lagoons and small creeks scattered through the reserve territory render it still more a country-like atmosphere and calmness. Casa Bandeirista (a construction typical of the bandeirantes explorers´ old days) and a rustic small chapel complements the tour.

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Casa Bandeirista (bandeirantes
-style house) : it is a landmark of the bandeirantes explorers´ architecture of the beginning of the XVIIIth century. The building was submitted to a comprehensive restoration that cared for the preservation of its original features. The work was so detailed that the visitor can appreciate the inner parts of walls and pavements, taking notice of the original engineering skills of the 1700´s. Formerly built between 1706 and 1708, it is considered one of the first public building of the state, since it once served as an official outpost for the collection of taxes and monitoring the mining territory.

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Tea Museum : in the first half of the XXth century Fazenda do Manso farm was an important center for tea production. It is still possible to witness the old times at the museum that shows the german machinery used in processing the tea leaves that were harvested in the plantation fields of the farm.

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Natural scenic overviews : they are a presence for the visitor during his entire journey. The route to Itacolomi Peak in itself renders a splendorous scenery. Each resting stop discloses a new perspective, a pleasant way to contemplate the mountains. When you are going up do not make haste... A more detailed sight may translate more than natural beauties. It is a great opportunity for reflection, wondering and being impressed with all the sacrifices of those pioneers that were the first discoverers. And Itacolomi, Ouro Preto and Mariana witnessed this great human saga.

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Trilha do Forno (Oven Trail) : it runs through an area of atlantic rain forest, with muddy sections. The name is after an oven made of stone that exists at the end of the route. It is believed that it belonged to an old pottery established in the area in the XIXth century. The trail extends for 1,5km (roughly 1 mile).

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Trilha da Capela (Chapel Trail) : runs through an iron-rich terrain plenty of mosses and ferns, that lies behind the chapel of São José. Trail extension: 1,2km (roughly ¾ mile).

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Trilha da Lagoa (Lagoon Trail) : it runs around the lagoon next to the chapel of São José extending for 400m (¼ mile).

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