More than a hotel or an environmental project, but a vision for the future. Reserva do Ibitipoca started with the goal of creating ecological corridors to extend the protected area around the Ibitipoca State Park. Ibitipoca State Park encompasses and protects about 1,700 hectares in Minas Gerais and is famous for its landscapes full of waterfalls, peaks, ridges, caves and natural pools. The Reserva’s mission was – and still is – the restoration of the natural habitat through native species reforestation and reintroduction of endangered animals that have vanished in our region. Almost 30 years later, after the acquisition of dozens of properties around the State Park, Reserva do Ibitipoca now has over 4,000 hectares of preserved area that embraces and protects the Ibitipoca State Park and stretches three Mineiro counties: Lima Duarte, Bias Fortes and Santa Rita do Ibitipoca. This area has been transformed in to a continuous stretch of Atlantic Forest, one of the most endangered biomas in the world and a biodiversity hotspot. The reserve opened to tourism in 2008 to stimulate the local economy and preserve cultural stories and traditions, thus creating a project that encompenses the three pillars of sustainability.
Reserva do Ibitipoca began with the acquisition of the Engenho Farm in 1981. Tourism arrived nearly 30 years later, in 2008. The idea of opening the doors to tourism arose from the desire to share the exuberant local nature and offer ecotourism lovers a unique experience. The creation of the inn was also motivated with the intention to develop the region and better the lives of the local people through job creation, empowerment, and valorization of the culture and traditions of this historic Mineiro community.
We hope that Reserva do Ibitipoca can become a nucleus for ecotourism around the world. Our idea is to show how a low-impact and sustainable tourism project can greatly protect the environment, benefit the community, and allow participants to pursue happiness. Our guiding dream is to become the best environmental project in the world. With these attitudes we want to perpetuate our ideals and deliver a better world for future generations.
Responsible Tourism Policy:
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