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The municipality of Aiuruoca, nestled in the picturesque region of Southern Minas Gerais, is structuring the official launch of its new gastronomic route for the second half of the year. Spearheaded by the Secretariat of Economic, Social, Environmental, and Tourism Development, the project brings together 36 local rural producers. The carefully curated itinerary showcases rural properties dedicated to the artisanal production of cheeses, premium olive oils, authentic cachaças, craft beers, and fine wines.
Even before the official debut of this municipal circuit, local receptive tourism agencies are already operating exclusive tasting tours. Guide Marcus Arantes, from the agency Ajuru Táxi e Turismo, leads excursions that include visits to the Lage Goa farm, a renowned cheese manufacturer, and the Lá da Serra Frutas Vermelhas berry farm. This guided tour focused on the region’s rich gastronomy costs R$ 350 per person, excluding the individual tasting fees charged at each property.
Seamless Integration with Ecotourism
The city is beautifully situated at the foot of Pico do Papagaio (Parrot Peak), a striking rocky formation towering 2,105 meters high that serves as a magnet for hikers and nature lovers. The trail, safely operated by agencies accredited by the Minas Recebe program, takes approximately ten hours to complete, with departures at 8:00 AM and expected returns by 6:00 PM. The scenic journey winds past the breathtaking Garcias Waterfall (Cachoeira dos Garcias) and various rural properties that serve as welcoming support points, such as local olive oil estates.
Located about 20 kilometers from the city center, accessible via a rustic dirt road, the Matutu Valley (Vale do Matutu) is another must-visit destination that perfectly blends pristine nature with artisanal heritage. The area is home to an information center and the Loja do Paiol cooperative, which offers a variety of regional products. Visitors arriving in the city can enjoy the following immersive experience tourism options:
- Guided visits to artisanal cheese farms, such as Queijo Goa and Laticínio Bela Vista.
- Tasting sessions at exceptional olive oil extraction properties, including Olibi Azeites and Azeite Serra dos Garcias.
- Historical tours of traditional cachaça distilleries, like Cachaçaria Tiê, located in the rural neighborhood of Guapiara.