Swimming in the crystal-clear waterfalls of Usina and Escorrega

In the territory of the municipality of Santa Rita do Sapucaí, especially in the hamlet of Natercia, where the indigenous populations had to face the advance of the bandeirantes, Brazil's first explorers, numerous votive chapels have sprung up, such as the Rosario chapel and the parish of Santa Catarina. The most famous waterfalls of the State are hidden in these mountains: such as the Usina waterfall, famous for the 45-metre drop made by the waters that form natural pools into which one can plunge surrounded by lush vegetation. Also in its purest state is the Escorrega waterfall where, in an almost unexplored environment, water falls from two different branches behind caves set in the rock, forming pools of crystal-clear, icy water in which, with a little courage, you can even swim. Also exceptional and spectacular is the liquid leap of the Cachoeira do Brás, which runs 70 metres high in Buritis, forming a small lake around which families flock festively and set up barbecued meat picnics.