The Ibiti Project is a socio-environmental initiative covering 6,000+ hectares in Lima Duarte, Minas Gerais, forming a green belt around Ibitipoca State Park. It advances regenerative tourism by funding rewilding: 96% of the land naturally regenerates, 4% is for human activity, and most staff are locals. Under the Ibiti Regenera program, each guest is linked to a regenerating hectare.
This itinerary balances active outdoor exploration with a luxurious yet authentic stay at Engenho Lodge, one of Ibiti’s accommodations. Guests enjoy daily morning yoga and adventures like diving at Lago Negro, a treetop course, and canyon walks. Transport across the reserve relies on 4×4 vehicles, e-bikes, or electric motorbikes, seamlessly immersing travelers in the area’s natural beauty.
The full-board gastronomy celebrates traditional Minas Gerais cuisine prepared on a wood-fired stove, using organic ingredients grown inside the reserve or sourced sustainably. Dinners elevate the experience with à la carte menus crafted by renowned chef Claude Troisgros.
Full itinerary: Lago Negro diving boards, a sunset downhill-trike ride, the Water Circuit to Concha Dourada, a treetop course, the Gavião circuit, a day at Areião, and canyoning.
More than 6,000 hectares bordering Ibitipoca State Park, with access to over 300 km of exclusive trails and dozens of waterfalls, viewpoints, caves, and lakes.
A stay that supports rewilding in Brazil: the Ibiti Regenera program assigns one of the reserve’s regenerating hectares to each guest for a year.
All excursions and walks are conducted directly by the Ibiti Project’s resident guiding team, with local, English-speaking guides accompanying every step.
All-inclusive experience (Standard): 3-night accommodation, full board (breakfast, lunch, and dinner), morning yoga, guided group tours, every itinerary activity, and transport between them.
Please note: The following itinerary is a suggestion and may be modified by the local team based on availability, operation, and weather conditions.
Lago Negro3 m and 5 m diving boards · 5 km from the lodge
Andorião waterfall
Downhill-trike rideAt sunset
Your Ibitipoca adventure trip starts with check-in at Engenho Lodge from 3 PM. Once settled, head out on an easy first outing to Lago Negro, 5 km from the lodge, where the 3–5 m diving boards are the first test of the trip. The day’s plan also takes in the Andorião waterfall and the Tumba.
As the sun goes down, ride the downhill trike with the wind in your face. In the evening, rest for the active days ahead in the lodge’s jacuzzi and sauna.
Meals included: Dinner
Day 2
Water Circuit & Concha Dourada / Treetop Course / Gavião Circuit / Pizza at Rancho Garnet
Water CircuitStone trail along the stream to the Concha Dourada waterfall
Treetop courseAtlantic Forest
Gavião circuitGavião viewpoint · Afternoon
Follow the course of the water along a stone trail to Concha Dourada waterfall, then take on the treetop course, strung through the native Atlantic Forest that covers much of the reserve.
After lunch, set out on the Gavião circuit to the Gavião viewpoint, then continue on an adventure route up to Rancho Garnet, in the high part of the reserve, where the evening ends with pizza.
Waterfalls and viewpointsMountain views, rock walls, and forest trails
LunchMinas Gerais cooking
Explore Areião, a remote corner of the Ibiti Project. The route links waterfalls, open mountain views, rock walls, and trails through the forest, one of the longest outings of the trip.
Lunch is served at a restaurant along the way, with the home-style Minas Gerais cooking the region is known for. Back at the lodge, the evening is free for the sauna, the jacuzzi, or a quiet dinner.
Meals included: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
Day 4
Canyoning / Check-out
Canyoning1 km down the main canyon · Morning
Check-outBy 12 PM
Spend your last morning canyoning in the reserve’s main canyon: a 1 km descent through water caves and jumping from small waterfalls and cascades before you say goodbye to Ibitipoca.
Standard check-out is at 12 PM. If you prefer to extend your stay, a late check-out option (until 3 PM, including lunch) can be arranged for an additional 30% of the daily rate, depending on availability.
Meals included: Breakfast
What is Included
3-night stay in a double room
Meals (fullboard): breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Non-alcoholic drinks with meals (still water, natural juices with seasonal fruit, teas, and coffee)
Morning yoga practice at Spa Raízes
Transport to the activities by e-bike, electric motorbike, or 4x4
Access to more than 300 km of exclusive trails, the Big Family statues, the Oca and works by renowned artists
Immersion in a socio-environmental project
Guided walks with the Ibiti Project’s local, English-speaking guides
Not included
Flight tickets
Transfers to and from the Ibiti Project (available as an optional extra)
Alcoholic drinks
Outdoor meals
Private tours and vehicle rental
ECO PRINT fee of R$250 per day if you drive your own vehicle inside the reserve
Early check-in or late check-out (30% of the daily rate each)
Personal expenses and travel insurance
Engenho Lodge is the Ibiti Project’s flagship farmhouse accommodation, alongside its Village and Remote concepts. Originally the headquarters of Fazenda do Engenho—purchased in 1982 to establish the initiative—its main house inspired the lodge’s overall design.
The lodge pairs Minas Gerais farmhouse tradition with the comfort of an eco lodge in Brazil: rustic interiors, a lake, and trails leading from the door. Rather than an Ibitipoca hotel in the village, you sleep inside the reserve, among the waterfalls and trails you explore by day.
Please note: Ibiti offers other accommodations (Ibiti Village and Remote), but this itinerary focuses on staying at Engenho Lodge. If you would like to learn about other options, please contact us.
Engenho Lodge
Engenho Lodge is the Ibiti Project’s flagship farmhouse accommodation, alongside its Village and Remote concepts. Originally the headquarters of Fazenda do Engenho—purchased in 1982 to establish the initiative—its main house inspired the lodge’s overall design.
The lodge pairs Minas Gerais farmhouse tradition with the comfort of an eco lodge in Brazil: rustic interiors, a lake, and trails leading from the door. Rather than an Ibitipoca hotel in the village, you sleep inside the reserve, among the waterfalls and trails you explore by day.
Suites
Combining rustic surroundings with sophisticated finishes, Engenho Lodge features 8 suites in total. Suites 1 through 7 span 40 m², whereas Suite 8 offers a more spacious 60 m² layout; every unit comfortably accommodates up to 3 adults.
Casa Carlinhos
Casa Carlinhos offers a traditional Minas Gerais farmhouse experience for families or small groups. Spanning 300 m², this private residence features local craft decor, a lake-view veranda, and 3 suites accommodating up to 6 guests.
Rented exclusively as a full house, it stands out as the sole accommodation option on the property that welcomes small pets.
Please note: the Ibiti Project offers other accommodations (Ibiti Village and Remote), but this itinerary focuses on staying at Engenho Lodge. If you would like to learn about other options, please contact us.
Meals are served at the Engenho restaurant, in a rustic dining room: a self-service lunch of Minas Gerais dishes and à la carte dinners signed by renowned chef Claude Troisgros.
Traditional dishes are cooked on a wood-fired stove, with breakfast, lunch, and dinner all included. Non-alcoholic drinks with meals are included; alcoholic drinks and outdoor meals are charged separately. Breakfast and dinner are not part of the outings: they are served at the hotel you choose.
Most ingredients come from Gaia Produtos Ecológicos, the reserve’s own producer, which grows vegetables, fruit, and grains without pesticides, plus specialty coffee above 1,000 m. What Gaia does not grow is bought from local partners with sustainable practices.
Dietary restrictions, including vegetarian, vegan, lactose-free, and food allergies, can be accommodated. Please notify us of any dietary needs or allergies when booking; the Ibiti team gathers guest food preferences in advance to ensure the culinary staff is well-prepared.
FAQ
Reviews
“A deep dive into Brazil’s history, culture, and nature. Renato and his team have created a truly one-of-a-kind project that blends Brazil’s rich cultural heritage with its extraordinary natural capital. Employing more than 300 people from local villages, the project offers a wide range of accommodations—from the Engenho Farmhouse to traditional villas within the Mogol community, and even secluded mountain cottages. Each is unique, offering unforgettable experiences.
The food is outstanding: flavorful, authentic, and deeply rooted in tradition. The staff couldn’t be more welcoming or attentive. There’s an abundance of options for exploration—trails, sports, wildlife watching, visits to local communities, handicrafts, and much more. Best of all, everything is woven into the vision of building a thriving “comuna” and advancing ecological restoration.
I promised myself I would return every year—and I intend to keep that promise!”
— Fabio Kestenbaum
“The place is beautiful, with an excellent combination of rustic and luxurious at the same time. The colonial house is comfortable and very well maintained.
The staff are very kind and the food is really tasty.
It's well worth getting to know the Ibiti project, Mogol, the statues, and taking the bike ride.”
— Fernanda
“Ah, Mogol… what a place!!!
There I disconnected from the world, lived simplicity, saw unique talents and incredibly welcoming people, practiced yoga, valued the land, and was graced with art, nature, sustainability, and soul.
In Mogol, I allowed myself.
I allowed myself to feel, to breathe, to pause.
And in that breath, I discovered that what is essential is invisible…
but it can be lived, with intensity,
in a little corner of the world where everything flourishes -
including us.”
— Ale S
“Oh my gosh. This place is amazing. We had no idea where we were going or what an amazing experience we were about to have. Everything is first class and included - from meals to guided hikes and private, customized experiences. I don’t want to spoil any surprises, so just trust that you will be well taken care of while here and roll with it. We were so pleasantly surprised by what we experienced. There were only seven other guests here for our stay, so the experience was truly personal. We loved every moment of our stay and can’t wait to come back!”
— Dennis S
“Third time @Ibitipoca and, this time stayed on the remote EPICURO house, which is 18 KM from the MOGOL village and it was superb. I strongly suggest to those who are seeking a truly exclsuive experience.”
— Eduardo Machado
“It exceeded my expectations. Staying at Ibiti Projeto, a bit farther from the center, completes the experience.”
— Marina Bandeira Klink
“We went as a couple, from São Paulo! The road is a bit long. We suggest an SUV or a higher car.
We stayed at Mogol, a village with a few little houses, very friendly and welcoming!
The place has a wonderful atmosphere. The people who work there are all very helpful!
There are countless tours to do, places inside and outside the property.
The bikes are super modern! We suggest setting aside a day to ride and do trails with them!
The trip to the giant sculptures at Pedra do Gavião is also well worth it!
The commune is growing, with many projects and new things! We will definitely come back in a few years!”
— Bruno T
“There were 3 of us at Mogol. We loved everything, from the reception, accommodation, and distinctive food to the wonderful attractions (beautiful waterfalls) and fantastic tours. All the attention and care, and also the surprises, like being surprised with a snack on the way to the waterfalls. Very cool. Wonderful massages too. We will return with more time to enjoy even more. The attractions are varied and everything is very well run.”
— Patricia Miquilini
“We took advantage of a special occasion, our Silver Anniversary, to fulfill our dream. And I can say these were moments of restoration, connection, and happiness. Accommodation:
We stayed at Mogol, a village inside the Comuna, more specifically at Casa Humboldt. We were delighted by the wattle-and-daub construction and the simple, affectionate decor – comfortable and in extremely good taste. The bathroom with a view of the greenery was wonderful. Whenever we went out, the house was cleaned, and on a blackboard we received affectionate, welcoming messages. Food:
All meals are included, and the Yucca restaurant, next to Casa Humboldt, serves delicious vegetarian dishes. Service is provided by local staff, very cordial and attentive. We would like to highlight young Fernando, only 16 years old, for his welcome and friendliness. And also chef Matheus, always available to the guests. Mogol:
The village is beautiful, with country houses, a dirt street, hospitable people, a little church: a postcard setting. It's a unique feeling to be in this place. From there we can go hiking and take the electric vehicle to the Engenho (farm inside the Comuna). Everything is included in the daily rate. Separately, we can rent bikes, a Land Rover, and horses. At the Mogol reception, Venda, daily activities are offered. We were surprised by a piano recital right when we arrived. On an 18th-century jacaranda Steinway piano. A treasure! The pianist Lucas Soares, a Comuna collaborator, is a young virtuoso and impressed us with a classical repertoire of the highest quality. We were absolutely enchanted! What a gift! There is a yoga class every morning and in the evening the activities vary, cinema, recital, etc. Our special thanks to Rafael, for the hospitality and availability. Tours:
We hired a day tour by Land Rover with Marchiori. Yes, it's expensive, but it was well worth it. We were able to visit other major spots of the Comuna: Lago Negro, the Engenho, Garnet, Isgoné (no one was staying there), Rancho das Areias, Prainha, Árvore dos 7 Cavaleiros, waterfalls near the Engenho... The highlight, of course, was the Statues. With an exclusive picnic included. I can't describe the feeling. On the second day we dedicated ourselves to the trails and waterfalls near Mogol. What a delight that walk surrounded by birds, butterflies, and the sound of water. Communion. We chose to visit the Muriqui Project, separately, and it was very enriching. What a project! People dedicated to an ideal, a mission. We were received by Valeria and Uslaine with great affection. Congratulations to everyone involved! It's hard to put into words all the emotions and sensations we experienced. Luxury is simplicity, nature, people, our roots. Brazil is beautiful and the Comuna invites us to that sense of belonging.”
— Isabel M
“Everyone involved, from the guides and concierge to the kitchen, in short, everyone deserves a ten for their attention and professionalism. Every moment was worth it! Thank you for everything! We loved it!”
