One of the most incredible cities I’ve ever visited in Brazil is called São Thomé das Letras, located in Minas Gerais. Before I even entered the city of São Thomé das Letras, I was surprised: the city has no conventional asphalt. Most of the streets are made of “São Thomé Stones”, which, besides being very beautiful, are athermic stones, meaning they don’t absorb heat. We soon realized that this would be the beginning of a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
In this São Thomé das Letras travel guide, we will go over travel tips and what to do in this amazing city. If you are looking at traveling all around Brazil, we also have our complete Brazil travel guide, which you can read later.
The town of São Thomé das Letras is located at an altitude of 4,921.26 feet (1,400 meters) and offers breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding valley. Surrounded by mountains covered in lush vegetation, São Thomé das Letras is a true natural paradise. To help you decide when to go, read our best time to visit Brazil.
Lucas observing the landscape on the way to São Thomé das Letras
In addition to its natural beauty, the town is also famous for its mystique and unique energy. With ancient legends and stories passed down from generation to generation, there is an air of mystery and enchantment that surrounds the place. The locals are welcoming and proud to share their cultural traditions with visitors. And it’s worth noting that the town has just over seven thousand inhabitants, which makes the experience even more interesting.
São Thomé das Letras is a destination I recommend to all my friends who love nature and are adventurous. With an abundance of stunning waterfalls hidden among the mountains, you can enjoy refreshing dips in crystal-clear waters. Well-maintained trails allow you to explore the forest and discover natural secrets along the way.
One factor that also made me love São Thomé das Letras is its affordability. If you want to save money on a trip, this is the place. You can buy many souvenirs for friends and family for as little as $1 or even less. Of course, there will always be more expensive options. The food is excellent and very cheap. For $10 you can dine on a great feast!
In recent months, São Thomé das Letras has become a magnet for spiritual retreats and digital detox getaways. With minimal signal and maximum stargazing, it’s perfect for those seeking clarity, quiet, and a deeper connection with nature.
São Thomé das Letras Travel Guide
How to get to São Thomé das Letras, Minas Gerais
The town of São Thomé das Letras is located in the state of Minas Gerais, in the middle of a rocky mountain at an altitude of almost 4921,26 feet (1,400 meters). As you drive along the BR-381 highway, you realize how magical this little place in the middle of nowhere is. We even caught a bird of prey hunting a snake and a group of toucans flying freely.
São Thomé das Letras is in the middle of the three largest capital cities in Brazil, see below:
- Belo Horizonte: 192 miles (310 km)
- Rio de Janeiro: 211 miles (340 km)
- São Paulo: 217 miles (350 km)
Renting a Car
If you live in another state or don’t have your own car, renting a car for a few days can be an excellent option to enjoy days of vacation and relaxation. The roads connecting the city are in good condition, and traveling by car will give you more flexibility in choosing what to do and comfort while traveling.
But I can tell you this: in the small town of São Thomé, you won’t need to get around by car or any other form of transportation. You can reach any point in the town, such as the Stone Church, Pedra da Bruxa, igreja de pedra , Gruta do Carimbo, and Igreja Matriz, with a short walk. But if you’re planning on hiking or visiting some of São Thomé’s dozens (yes, you read that correctly, dozens) of waterfalls, be prepared to drive at least 4 miles (8 kilometers) to a maximum of 10 miles (17 kilometers).
São Thomé das Letras Travel Guide
What to do in São Thomé das Letras:
Just walking around the town and visiting the many stores and bars is worth it. In the meantime, plan your trip and visit one of the seven places I’ve listed below. They’re all worth it! You won’t regret it.
1 – Downtown São Thomé das Letras:
It’s in the historic center of São Thomé das Letras where most guesthouses, bars, restaurants, and even some small tour agencies are located. Just a heads-up: you’ll be going up and down many hills! Take some special time to stroll through the cobblestone streets and explore the alleyways of são tomé das letras.
2 – Parque Municipal Antônio Rosa:
Parque Municipal Antônio Rosa, By Lucas Müller
At one of the highest points in São Thomé das Letras lies the Antônio Rosa Municipal Park, home to four of the city’s tourist attractions, all located next to each other: the Witch’s Stone, the Cruzeiro (Cross), the Pyramid House, and the Therapy and Thought Square.
3 – Pedra da Bruxa (Witch’s Stone):
Indeed, the name is derived from the rock formation, which, when viewed from the side, appears to outline the profile of a witch. It’s one of the cool spots to watch the sunset.
4 – Cruzeiro (Cruise):
Cruzeiro , By Leonardo Luz
Also situated atop the hill, the cross was erected there during the colonial period, and to this day, the city maintains the tradition of celebrating Holy Week from that spot.
5 – Casa da Pirâmide (Pyramid House):
Pyramid House, By Leonardo Luz
The most sought-after attraction in São Thomé. There, people gather to admire the sunset (the view is truly beautiful)! And anything goes, you know? Some even lay their towels right on the rooftops to await the spectacle.
6 – Praça Terapia ao Pensamento (Thought Therapy Square):
The Therapy to Thought Square is a designated area where you can gather stones, build your own pyramid, and make a wish. According to legend, when someone else knocks down your structure, your wish will come true!
7 – Assistir ao pôr do sol (Watching the sunset):
Beautiful sunset in São Thomé, by Lucas Muller
Sunset is one of the most anticipated moments for those visiting São Thomé – especially because it’s the time when they say the elves appear. Will you be lucky enough to see one?
To enjoy the view, there are three main spots: the Pyramid, the Cruzeiro, and the Witch’s Stone. All three are located within the Antônio Rosa Municipal Park, which we described in the previous item. And don’t arrive just five minutes before sunset, okay? This event is highly anticipated, and the spots fill up quickly (especially on weekends or holidays)! I can tell you exactly: the sunset in São Thomé das Letras was the most beautiful I’ve ever seen in my life. Ever since I was a child, I’ve seen the sun set mainly in coastal towns and in the countryside, and I always thought that nothing could beat it here. But the day came: I visited this magical town.
São Thomé das Letras Travel Guide
How long to stay in São Thomé das Letras:
You can visit the main attractions of São Thomé das Letras in 2 or 3 days. I would dedicate 4 days to explore everything at ease and without rushing. Of course, it’s worth avoiding holidays, as the small town gets much busier than usual (many tourists take advantage of short holidays or even a weekend to visit the city).
Waterfalls and Caves
To talk about São Thomé das Letras and not mention some of its waterfalls and caves is wrong, to say the least. The city is known nationally for these unique beauties. Here are some waterfalls and caves for you and your family to enjoy!
Cachoeira Vale das Borboletas (Vale das Borboletas Waterfall):
Visiting Vale das Borboletas Waterfall is like stepping into a fairy tale. The waterfall cascades down in a delicate 32 feet (10-meter curtain), surrounded by rocks adorned with numerous ferns. Nestled within the forest, the waterfall is surrounded by beautiful plants, filled with flowers and butterflies. Each butterfly has its own season to appear; for instance, January is the time for blue butterflies to grace the area with their colors!
Cachoeira Shangri-lá (Shangri-lá Waterfall):
Its access is moderately challenging, requiring a dirt road, which is why it’s the least frequented. The landscape’s beauty is breathtaking, and at the site, cave paintings are dating back 6,000 years! The waterfall is located atop Serra do Gavião, and its course over the pink quartzite rocks forms small water pools ideal for bathing. This is truly an unmissable tip for fans of natural retreats.
Gruta do Sobradinho (Sobradinho Cave):
If you have a few extra days in São Thomé, it’s worth including Sobradinho in your plans, which is just 20 kilometers away, to visit the gruta de sobradinho (Sobradinho Cave) and Waterfall. You can also extend your trip to visit the Hidden Pools (there are four natural pools: Emerald Pool, Blue Pool, Crystal Clear Pool, and Green Pool).
The cave is quite special. It spans 360 feet (110 meters) in length, 19 feet (6 meters) in height, and 9 (3 meters) in width. To explore it, you need to go with local guides who provide the necessary equipment and safety measures (be prepared to get your feet wet!). Along the way, there are several pools where you can take a dip, and it ends with a delightful waterfall. Just head over there, pay the visitation fee 5$ (R$25), wait for a group to gather, and enjoy the tour! They operate every day from 8 am to 6 pm.
São Thomé das Letras Travel Guide
Is it Worth Visiting São Thomé das Letras?
Waiting for the sunset in São Thomé, by Lucas Muller
In short, São Thomé das Letras is much more than just a tourist town. It’s a place where legends mix with reality, where exuberant nature meets spirituality, and where every visit is a journey of discovery and enchantment. From the mystical waterfalls to the enigmatic caves, from the cobblestone streets of the historic center to the dazzling sunsets, São Thomé das Letras offers a unique and transformative experience for all who visit. Whether you’re a nature lover, a spiritual seeker, or simply looking for a relaxing getaway, São Thomé das Letras promises to surprise and delight at every turn. So why visit São Thomé das Letras? Because here, every moment is an adventure and every visit is a lifelong memory.
São Thomé das Letras Travel Guide
Bonus: Famous legends of São Thomé das Letras
The city is also famous for its caves, full of legends and fascinating stories that attract many visitors in search of adventure. Come and discover the legend that instigates many people to embark on an international journey!
According to the legend, by crossing the Gruta do Carimbado (Carimbado cave), you can reach Machu Picchu in Peru, 2,485 miles (4,000 kilometers) away. The energy at the site is so intense and powerful that many believe it is possible to make this crossing and even travel to another dimension! There are reports that the Incas, who inhabited the Andes, came to São Thomé through this cave, but no one has reached the end of the cave to confirm this theory.
