Happy TravellerWelcome to Itamarandiba, a quaint and charming city located in the north-center of the state of Minas Gerais in Brazil. With a population of just under 35,000 people, Itamarandiba is a hidden gem waiting to be discovered. The city is located at an elevation of 910 meters near the headwaters of the Rio Araçuai, which flows north into the Jequitinhonha River, making it a picturesque destination with stunning natural beauty.
Location:
Itamarandiba is located in the statistical mesoregion of Jequitinhonha and to the statistical microregion of Capelinha. The city can be accessed by BR-451 and MG-214 highways and is northeast of Diamantina. Neighboring municipalities include Diamantina, Aricanduva, Carbonita, Turmalina, Capelinha, Senador Modestino Gonçalves, Veredinha, Rio Vermelho, São Sebastião do Maranhão, Água Boa, and Coluna.
Economy:
The main economic activities in Itamarandiba are services, agriculture, and small industries. The planting of eucalyptus for charcoal production is important, and coffee cultivation has been increasing in recent years. The GDP in 2005 was R$94 million, with 60 million from services, 7 million from industry, and 20 million from agriculture. There were 1,981 rural producers on 84,000 hectares of land. The main crops (2007) were eucalyptus trees, sugarcane, coffee (800 hectares), beans, and corn (2,600 hectares). There were 30,000 head of cattle (2006). In 2007 there was 1 bank.
Social Indicators:
Itamarandiba is ranked in the bottom tier of municipalities in the state in human development. The Municipal Human Development Index was 0.663 in 2000, the literacy rate was 72%, and life expectancy was 67 (average of males and females). There were 17 health clinics and 2 hospitals with 90 beds in 2005. Educational needs were met by 44 primary schools and 1 middle school. There were campuses of a private college and a public college.
Serra Negra State Park:
The municipality contains the 13,654 hectares (33,740 acres) Serra Negra State Park, created in 1998. This beautiful park is a must-visit destination for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. It offers a range of activities such as hiking, birdwatching, and camping, and is home to an array of wildlife, including jaguars, pumas, and armadillos.
In conclusion, Itamarandiba is a city that offers visitors a unique and authentic Brazilian experience. With its stunning natural beauty, rich cultural heritage, and warm hospitality, this charming city is a destination that should be on every traveler’s bucket list. So come and discover the hidden gem that is Itamarandiba and create memories that will last a lifetime.
