Furnas Reservoir Reservoir

Furnas Reservoir, often called Lago de Furnas, is a large reservoir in Minas Gerais, Brazil created by the Furnas dam on the Grande River. It is used for hydroelectric generation and is a prominent recreational lake in the region.

The reservoir’s shoreline includes beaches, marinas and scenic cliffs and canyons that attract boating, fishing and sightseeing; the canyon sections near the town of Capitólio are especially popular for boat tours and photography. Numerous towns and resorts sit along the lake and provide access for water-based activities.

The reservoir was created as part of mid-20th century hydroelectric development on the Grande River, which transformed a river landscape into a large navigable lake and altered local settlement and land use patterns.

The reservoir lies in south-central Minas Gerais and extends across multiple municipalities, forming a major inland waterbody in the state.

• Purpose: formed by the Furnas Dam on the Grande River and used for hydroelectric power and recreation

What to See#

• Capitólio canyons: steep sandstone canyons, waterfalls and cliffs along the reservoir near the municipality of Capitólio, popular for boat tours and viewpoint photography.

Furnas Reservoir is in the state of Minas Gerais. The nearest larger towns are accessible by road; from the city of Belo Horizonte it’s a multi‑hour drive depending on the chosen route. Local bus services and hired cars are common ways to reach the reservoir.

• Time a visit to the reservoir's viewpoints at sunrise - the light on the water and hills is unexpectedly cinematic.
• If planning water activities, check local authority rules: some areas of Furnas Reservoir are restricted due to dam operations.
• Combine the reservoir visit with nearby towns and coffee shops; the region's agricultural life is part of the experience.