The park was established to protect a strategic watershed area that feeds into the local drainage basin.
It is specifically managed to preserve biodiversity corridors between urbanized hillsides.
The park's name, 'Butterfly Forest,' reflects the historical presence of diverse lepidoptera populations attracted by the native flora.
The internal trail system is intentionally designed to minimize soil erosion on the steep slopes of the Sion district.
Parque Mata das Borboletas is a 3.5-hectare urban park located in the Sion neighborhood of Belo Horizonte. It features a central lake and a pedestrian trail that winds through a preserved remnant of Atlantic Forest vegetation. The park serves as a green buffer zone within a dense residential area, providing habitat for local bird and butterfly species. Visitors can access a small lookout point that offers views of the surrounding neighborhood and park canopy. The terrain consists of both paved paths and natural earth trails. It is managed by the Belo Horizonte municipal government as part of the city's network of public parks.
The wooden footbridge spanning the central lake, providing a mirrored view of the surrounding trees.
Wear comfortable sneakers with good grip, as the unpaved sections of the trail can be slippery after rainfall.
Bring insect repellent, as the dense vegetation and lake attract mosquitoes.
The park is relatively small; combine it with a visit to the nearby Praça da Bandeira for a longer outing.
Avoid walking the trails immediately after heavy tropical rainstorms due to muddy and uneven ground conditions.
Generally closed on Mondays for maintenance, similar to most municipal parks in Belo Horizonte.
Maintain silence to observe local wildlife; no littering, no swimming in the lake, and keep pets on a leash.
