The 'Sea of Minas' reservoir was created by the flooding of an area to form the Furnas Hydroelectric Plant, significantly altering the local landscape.
The canyon walls consist of quartzite, which provides the distinctive light and sometimes reddish color seen in the rock faces.
The name 'Vale dos Tucanos' (Toucan Valley) references the native bird species often spotted in the surrounding riparian forest.
The water depth within the narrowest parts of the canyon can exceed 10 meters.
The specific microclimate inside the canyon walls is consistently cooler than the surrounding open lake area due to shade and water evaporation.
Vale dos Tucanos is a canyon complex located within the Furnas reservoir, often referred to as the 'Sea of Minas' in Brazil. The site features narrow gorge walls carved by water, reaching significant heights and creating natural channels navigable by boat. It is situated in the municipality of São José da Barra, Minas Gerais. Visitors access the site primarily via nautical excursions that traverse the deep turquoise waters of the reservoir. The canyon walls contain geological formations typical of the region's sedimentary rock. The area is a key point of interest for ecotourism and water-based recreational activities. The surrounding landscape is characterized by the Minas Gerais highlands.
The narrowest point of the canyon gorge, where the light reflects off the water onto the rock walls.
Bring a waterproof bag for electronic devices to protect them during boat transit.
Use biodegradable sunscreen to minimize environmental impact on the reservoir water quality.
Arrive early in the day to navigate the canyons before the peak of motorized boat traffic.
Avoid swimming in areas where boat traffic is heavy; always stay within the designated safe zones indicated by tour operators.
Life jackets must be worn at all times while on the water. Do not discard waste or food into the reservoir.
