Gruta Rei do Mato Sete Lagoas
Discover ancient geological wonders and prehistoric art within the well-structured Gruta Rei do Mato cave, complemented by a serene picnic garden.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Avoid waiting for tours
Gruta Rei do Mato Sete Lagoas
Best Time
Avoid waiting for tours

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Discover ancient geological wonders and prehistoric art within the well-structured Gruta Rei do Mato cave, complemented by a serene picnic garden.
"Beautiful caves with very good accent lighting and sturdy walkways and stairs throughout."
Book Guided Tours
Tours are mandatory & depart hourly. Plan your arrival to match the schedule to minimize wait times. :ticket:
English Tours?
Call ahead to arrange an English-speaking guide if needed. Tours are in Portuguese by default. :iphone:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Stalactites and Stalagmites
Inside the cave
Marvel at ancient geological formations, some half a million years old, sculpted over millennia.
Prehistoric Wall Paintings
Inside the cave
Discover faint but fascinating glimpses into the past with ancient art adorning the cave walls.

Well-Maintained Walkways
Inside the cave
Explore the cave comfortably on sturdy, well-lit pathways and stairwells designed for visitors.

Picnic Garden
Outside the cave
Relax and enjoy a meal in the serene green garden adjacent to the cave entrance.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Tour Timing is Key
Beyond the Cave
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Book Guided Tours
Tours are mandatory & depart hourly. Plan your arrival to match the schedule to minimize wait times. :ticket:
English Tours?
Call ahead to arrange an English-speaking guide if needed. Tours are in Portuguese by default. :iphone:
Picnic Spot
Enjoy the pleasant green garden for a picnic lunch after your cave exploration. :sandwich:
Cave Infrastructure
The cave features good accent lighting and sturdy walkways, making exploration comfortable. :hiking_boot:
Tips
from all over the internet
Book Guided Tours
Tours are mandatory & depart hourly. Plan your arrival to match the schedule to minimize wait times. :ticket:
English Tours?
Call ahead to arrange an English-speaking guide if needed. Tours are in Portuguese by default. :iphone:
Picnic Spot
Enjoy the pleasant green garden for a picnic lunch after your cave exploration. :sandwich:
Cave Infrastructure
The cave features good accent lighting and sturdy walkways, making exploration comfortable. :hiking_boot:
Limited Museum
Don't expect a full museum; there's a prehistoric skeleton and some paintings, but no extensive exhibits. :mag:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise Gruta Rei do Mato for its well-structured cave with impressive geological formations and good lighting. The mandatory guided tours are informative, and the adjacent picnic garden is a pleasant addition. Some note the lack of extensive museum exhibits and the primary language of tours being Portuguese.
"It's not a big cave, but it has good structure + a nice green garden to make picnics ."
Pres
"Beautiful caves with very good accent lighting and sturdy walkways and stairs throughout. I could literally spend all day inside the cave. If you don't speak Portuguese, call ahead and try arranging for an English tour guide. I didn't but still enjoyed the tour even though I couldn't understand a word the guide was saying.
Contrary to what Google maps says, there is not a natural history museum here. There is one skeleton of a prehistoric animal inside the one cave, but that's all."
Courtney Burress
"Tours leave every hour, and you can only go with the guide. Plan ahead or you have to wait an hour!"
Afonso Henrique Sampaio
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Gruta Rei do Mato is located in Sete Lagoas, Minas Gerais, Brazil. While specific public transport details can vary, driving is a common method. Check local navigation apps for the most up-to-date routes and potential road conditions.
Yes, typically there is parking available for visitors at the Gruta Rei do Mato site. It's advisable to arrive a bit early during busy periods to secure a spot.
The cave operates with hourly tours. It's best to check the official operating hours for the day you plan to visit, as these can sometimes change.
No, visits to Gruta Rei do Mato are only permitted with a guided tour. Tours depart on an hourly schedule.
The cave has sturdy walkways and stairwells, which are generally well-maintained. However, the nature of a cave means there might be uneven surfaces. It's recommended to contact the site directly for specific accessibility information.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Ticket prices can vary. It's recommended to check the official website or contact the site directly for the most current admission fees.
While advance booking might not always be necessary, it's a good idea, especially during peak tourist seasons, to ensure you get your preferred tour time.
Information on discounts for students, seniors, or groups is usually available on the official site or by contacting the attraction directly.
Your ticket typically includes access to the guided tour of the cave. The garden area is usually accessible as well.
Tours are primarily conducted in Portuguese. If you require an English-speaking guide, it's advisable to call ahead and inquire about arrangements.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
The guided tour takes you through a portion of the cave, typically around 200 meters deep, allowing you to see the main geological formations.
You can expect to see impressive stalactites and stalagmites, some estimated to be around 500,000 years old, showcasing the cave's ancient history.
Yes, the cave features some prehistoric paintings on its walls and a skeleton of a prehistoric animal, offering a glimpse into its past.
Caves generally maintain a consistent, cooler temperature year-round. It's advisable to wear layers as it can be noticeably cooler than the outside temperature.
Photography is generally allowed inside the cave, but it's always good practice to check for any specific restrictions or to be mindful of other visitors and the lighting conditions.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
While there might not be a full-service restaurant, the site often has a pleasant green garden area that is perfect for picnics. Bringing your own food is a popular option.
Absolutely! The garden area is ideal for picnics, making it a great way to enjoy the surroundings and save money on dining.
Information on snack availability can vary. It's best to check with the site directly or come prepared with your own snacks and drinks.
📸 📸 Photography
The illuminated stalactites and stalagmites inside the cave offer dramatic photographic opportunities. The garden area also provides scenic backdrops.
While generally allowed, it's always wise to be considerate of other visitors and the cave's delicate environment. Check for any posted signs regarding flash usage.
Given the low light, a tripod can be very helpful for sharper images. Experiment with higher ISO settings and longer exposure times, being mindful of movement.
Drone usage is typically restricted at natural attractions to ensure safety and preserve the environment. It's highly unlikely to be permitted.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider bringing snacks and drinks for the picnic garden, which provides a relaxed space for kids to play after the cave tour. While tours are in Portuguese, the visual aspects of the cave are universally fascinating. Arriving early for the hourly tours can help manage children's patience.
💰 Budget Travelers
Opting for a picnic lunch and focusing on the natural wonders of the cave and its surroundings makes for an affordable day out. Public transportation options, if available and cost-effective, could further reduce travel expenses.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring the Cave's Geology
The cave's accessible portion is about 200 meters deep, providing a focused yet impactful experience. Beyond the stunning mineral formations, the cave also holds historical significance. Faint prehistoric paintings adorn some of the walls, hinting at the presence of early human inhabitants. Additionally, a skeleton of a prehistoric animal is on display, adding another layer of intrigue to the site's ancient past.
While the cave itself is the primary draw, the surrounding green garden offers a pleasant contrast. It's a perfect spot for a relaxing picnic after the cave tour, allowing visitors to enjoy the natural beauty of the area in a more open setting. This combination of geological marvels, ancient history, and tranquil outdoor space makes Gruta Rei do Mato a unique destination.
Navigating Your Visit: Tours and Guides
While the tours are primarily conducted in Portuguese, visitors who don't speak the language can still enjoy the visual spectacle. However, for those who wish to fully understand the historical and geological context, it's highly recommended to call ahead and inquire about arranging for an English tour guide. This proactive step can significantly enhance the experience for international visitors.
The guides are knowledgeable and often engage with questions, making the tour interactive. The infrastructure within the cave, including accent lighting and sturdy walkways, is designed to facilitate a smooth and safe journey for all visitors, regardless of their language proficiency.



Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit