Aguanil is a municipality in the Oeste de Minas region, known for its strong agriculture and access to the vast Lago de Furnas. Discover its history, its welcoming small-town atmosphere, the Cristo Redentor monument, and its famous local waterfalls, like Cachoeira do Tamanduá.
Aguanil is a small and peaceful municipality located in the Oeste de Minas region, approximately 240 km from the capital, Belo Horizonte. Known for its strong agricultural economy, the city’s name, derived from the Portuguese “água nil” (or águas azuis, claras – blue, clear waters, from the original Água Limpa stream), hints at its main geographical feature: its proximity to the vast Lago de Furnas, often called the Mar de Minas (sea of Minas).
The city offers a serene atmosphere, where the cultural heritage of the countryside blends with the natural beauty of the regional landscapes, especially the waterfalls and the large lake that define its tourist appeal.
History: from indigenous territory to municipal emancipation
The region where Aguanil is located was originally inhabited by the Cataguases indigenous people before the arrival of the colonial settlers.
Origin and development
The settlement developed from the former village of Água Limpa, named after the stream that crosses the area. The growth of the settlement was driven by agricultural and livestock development, which remains the economic foundation of the municipality. The community eventually established a chapel dedicated to Nossa Senhora Aparecida, a common practice that fueled the town’s social structure.
Elevation to municipality
The village was elevated to the status of a district of Campo Belo in 1948, receiving the name Aguanil. After decades of development, Aguanil was finally emancipated as a municipality on December 30, 1962, becoming independent from Campo Belo and establishing its own political-administrative structure.
Economy: agriculture and lake trade route
Aguanil’s economy is primarily sustained by agriculture and livestock.
Agricultural production
The local economy is heavily reliant on agropecuária (agriculture and livestock), producing a diverse range of goods, including:
- Coffee
- Fruits and vegetables
- Cereals
- Meat and milk
Strategic connection
Aguanil holds a strategic position on the road that connects the Oeste and Sul de Minas regions, with a bridge over the Lago de Furnas on the Rio Grande between Aguanil and Boa Esperança. This connection is vital for transporting local production and is a privileged route for receiving tourists interested in the region’s aquatic attractions.
Tourism and attractions: waterfalls and the furnas lake
Aguanil’s main tourist appeal is linked to its natural heritage, especially the region’s hydrographic features.
Lago de Furnas and the mar de minas
The municipality is bathed by the large reservoir of the Lago de Furnas, a major regional reference point for tourism. The proximity to this immense artificial lake allows visitors to explore various contemplation areas, such as Lagoa Rica/Boticão, Recanto das Pedras, and the bridge over the lake at the former Porto Jacaré river port. The lake is a hub for regional tourism, offering opportunities for leisure and enjoying the landscape.
Waterfalls and natural bathing
The local rivers and streams create beautiful waterfalls and natural pools, which are popular spots for visitors:
- Cachoeira do “Dr. Noé”: Known as the most beautiful and having the largest drop, though with more difficult access, located about 18 km from the city center.
- Cachoeira do “Tamanduá”: The easiest to access, located virtually next to the road, it has a beautiful drop and a large natural lake suitable for swimming.
- Cachoeira dos “Maias”: The closest to the city, it is known for its cascata and extremely cold water, offering a secluded natural environment.
Urban landmarks
- Cristo Redentor: A statue of Christ the Redeemer inaugurated in 2007, a symbol of peace and love that offers a panoramic view of the city.
- Igreja Matriz de Nossa Senhora Aparecida: The main church, linked to the original settlement’s foundation and a central point of the community’s faith.
Aguanil, with its simple, welcoming small-town charm and its gateway to the watery expanses of the Lago de Furnas, is an authentic representation of the Brazilian interior, offering peace, rural tradition, and natural beauty.