São Domingos–Pomarão Trail
Explore an abandoned copper mine with a striking toxic lagoon, offering a unique, almost spiritual experience amidst apocalyptic beauty.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Peaceful exploration, fewer crowds
São Domingos–Pomarão Trail
Best Time
Peaceful exploration, fewer crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore an abandoned copper mine with a striking toxic lagoon, offering a unique, almost spiritual experience amidst apocalyptic beauty.
"An oasis in an unexpected arid place, inviting us to slow down and feel everything surrounding us."
Visit Off-Season for Peace
Avoid July/August crowds at the lagoon and beach bar for a more serene experience.
Embrace the Unique Scenery
The abandoned mine and toxic lagoon offer an apocalyptic yet beautiful, spiritual vibe.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Toxic Lagoon
Flooded excavation pit
A striking, acidic lagoon with vibrant red and yellow hues, creating an apocalyptic yet beautiful scene.
Abandoned Mine Ruins
Copper extraction mine
Ghostly buildings and remnants of a past era, offering a fascinating glimpse into industrial history.
Peaceful Village Ambiance
São Domingos village
A charming village with cafes, perfect for relaxing and soaking in the local atmosphere after exploring.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Key for Tranquility
Embrace the Unique Landscape
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Visit Off-Season for Peace
Avoid July/August crowds at the lagoon and beach bar for a more serene experience.
Embrace the Unique Scenery
The abandoned mine and toxic lagoon offer an apocalyptic yet beautiful, spiritual vibe.
Explore the Village Cafes
Relax and enjoy local refreshments in the village after your exploration.
Look for English Info
Some information about the area is available in English, especially in the village.
Tips
from all over the internet
Visit Off-Season for Peace
Avoid July/August crowds at the lagoon and beach bar for a more serene experience.
Embrace the Unique Scenery
The abandoned mine and toxic lagoon offer an apocalyptic yet beautiful, spiritual vibe.
Explore the Village Cafes
Relax and enjoy local refreshments in the village after your exploration.
Look for English Info
Some information about the area is available in English, especially in the village.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors are impressed by the unique, almost spiritual atmosphere of the São Domingos Pomarão Trail, highlighting the striking toxic lagoon and fascinating abandoned mine ruins. It's described as an oasis and an apocalyptic yet beautiful scene, perfect for peaceful exploration outside peak season. However, the beach bar's ambiance and musical selection received criticism, and the lagoon's toxicity means swimming is not an option.
"Impressive place. It's a must to visit"
TomBeta F&T
"Childhood memories and an oasis in an unexpected arid place. Invites us to slow down from the fast pace of life and stay still, feeling and sensing everything that surround us: the crickets in summer warm nights, the beautiful night sky filled with stars, the refreshing water of the lagoon, walking and feeling the scent of eucalyptus. A truly peaceful experience, almost spiritual.
The only setback is that in July and August the lagoon is far too crowded ad well as the beach bar ( which needed a different style both in decoration and musical selection)"
H d'Almeida
"The strangest archaeological site I have ever visited. An abandoned copper extraction mine with an apocalyptic scenario of ghostly buildings and a large toxic lagoon where the acidic waters display shades of red and yellow."
Antonio Dias de Figueiredo
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The trail is well-signposted from the village of São Domingos. Driving is the most common way to reach the area. Parking is available near the mine entrance and the village.
Public transport options might be limited. It's advisable to check local bus schedules in advance or consider a rental car for flexibility.
The main areas, including the mine ruins and lagoon, are generally well-signposted. Comfortable walking shoes are recommended for exploring the uneven terrain.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Entry to the São Domingos Pomarão Trail and its surrounding areas is generally free. There are no specific ticket requirements for exploring the mine ruins or the lagoon.
The trail and surrounding natural areas are accessible year-round during daylight hours. The village cafes will have their own operating times.
No, there is no entrance fee for exploring the abandoned copper mine ruins. It's an open-access archaeological site.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
It's a unique archaeological site featuring an abandoned copper mine with striking ruins and a distinctive toxic lagoon. It offers a peaceful, almost spiritual experience, especially outside peak season.
No, the lagoon is toxic due to acidic waters from the former copper extraction. Swimming is not advised.
Expect uneven ground around the mine ruins and the lagoon. Comfortable walking shoes are essential for exploring the site safely.
Basic facilities might be limited. It's best to use facilities in the village of São Domingos before or after your visit. Pack any food or drinks you might need.
While visually interesting, the toxic nature of the lagoon and the industrial ruins require close supervision if visiting with children. It's more suited for older children interested in history and unique landscapes.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
The village of São Domingos has a few cafes where you can sit and relax. For more extensive dining options, you might need to travel to nearby towns.
There is a beach bar near the lagoon, but reviews suggest its style and music selection could be improved. It's best to check current offerings.
Yes, bringing your own food for a picnic is a good idea, especially if visiting outside of peak season when cafe options might be limited or you prefer a more secluded spot.
📸 📸 Photography
The vibrant colors of the toxic lagoon, the eerie abandoned mine buildings, and the stark landscape offer unique photographic subjects. The night sky is also noted for its stars.
Absolutely. The contrast between the arid surroundings, the industrial ruins, and the uniquely colored lagoon provides dramatic and compelling landscape photography opportunities.
Golden hour (early morning or late afternoon) can enhance the colors of the lagoon and the textures of the ruins. Midday sun can create harsh shadows but also highlight the starkness of the site.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider visiting during off-peak times to allow children more space to explore without feeling overwhelmed. The village cafes offer a good spot for a break. It's recommended for families with children who have a keen interest in unique landscapes and historical sites, rather than those seeking typical playground activities.
🚶♀️ Solo Travelers & Explorers
Solo travelers will appreciate the opportunity for quiet reflection and photography. The village cafes provide a friendly spot to rest and perhaps chat with locals. The well-signposted nature of the site ensures a safe and manageable exploration for those traveling alone.
📸 Photographers & Art Enthusiasts
For art enthusiasts, the site is a powerful example of how nature reclaims industrial landscapes, creating a unique blend of human history and environmental transformation. The play of light and shadow on the ruins, especially during golden hour, can yield stunning results. The night sky, noted for its clarity, also presents opportunities for astrophotography.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Unique Ecology of the Toxic Lagoon
This unusual landscape offers a surreal and almost apocalyptic atmosphere. The vibrant, unnatural colors of the lagoon against the backdrop of the ghostly mine buildings create a scene that is both haunting and beautiful. It's a place that invites contemplation about nature's resilience and the remnants of human endeavor. The surrounding arid environment further accentuates the dramatic visual contrast, making it a photographer's dream.
Exploring the Abandoned Mine Ruins
Exploring these ruins is like stepping back in time. The architecture, though decaying, hints at the former operations and the lives of the people who worked there. It's a place that sparks the imagination, encouraging visitors to ponder the stories held within these weathered walls. The site is generally well-signposted, allowing for a safe and informative exploration of this intriguing archaeological landscape.
The Serene Village of São Domingos
The village provides a sense of normalcy and local charm that contrasts with the dramatic, almost otherworldly nature of the archaeological site. It's a place to slow down, perhaps reflect on the experience, and enjoy a moment of quietude. The presence of these cafes makes the visit more comfortable, especially for those who wish to spend a few hours exploring the area.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit