My trip to São Thomé das Letras was unlike any other—an encounter with mysticism, nature, and art high in the quartz mountains of Minas Gerais. Every street seemed to whisper stories, and every viewpoint felt like a window into another dimension.
Arriving in the stone city
Driving up the serpentine roads to São Thomé das Letras already feels like a ritual. The small town appears suddenly at the top of a hill, entirely made of quartz stone—houses, streets, churches, everything. As I walked through its steep alleys, I understood why people say this place carries special energy. The sunlight bouncing off the rocks gave everything a silvery glow, as if the whole town shimmered.
Legends and mystical stories
São Thomé das Letras is surrounded by myths. Locals say the town was discovered after a runaway slave found an image of Saint Thomas in a cave, which is now one of the main tourist attractions. But that’s just one of many stories. Some believe the region has portals to other dimensions, UFO activity, and crystals with healing power. Even if you’re skeptical, it’s impossible not to be enchanted by the atmosphere of mystery. The air feels charged with something—maybe it’s just the altitude, maybe not.
Exploring nature and viewpoints
One of the things I loved most was how easy it is to connect with nature here. Around the town, there are countless waterfalls, caves, and hiking trails. I visited the Véu de Noiva waterfall, where water falls gracefully among green cliffs, and the Gruta do Sobradinho, a cave system that you explore by flashlight. But what truly left me speechless were the viewpoints. From the Mirante da Pirâmide, I watched the sunset paint the entire valley in orange and violet. It felt like the horizon itself was breathing.
Art, music, and bohemian nights
São Thomé is also a meeting point for artists, musicians, and free spirits. At night, the main square comes alive with guitar sounds, craft fairs, and laughter. I met travelers from different parts of Brazil, each with their own reason for being there—some chasing energy, others simply chasing peace. In one of the stone-walled bars, I sipped a local cachaça while listening to a man play rock classics on an acoustic guitar. It was simple and perfect.
The soul of the town
What makes São Thomé das Letras special isn’t just the scenery—it’s the feeling of belonging to something timeless. The combination of mysticism, natural beauty, and human warmth gives the town an almost magnetic pull. Walking through its stone streets, I often caught myself smiling without reason. It’s as if the place itself invites you to drop your worries and be fully present.
Visiting São Thomé das Letras was more than a trip—it was an experience of connection and wonder. Whether you come for the legends, the landscapes, or just the quiet rhythm of the mountains, the town has a way of changing your perspective. I left with the sense that, somewhere among its stones and stars, São Thomé keeps a piece of everyone who passes through.