Ibiti: 43 years of inspiring dreams and possibilities

In 1982, Ibiti Projeto was born. That year, degraded land around the Ibitipoca State Park began to be bought up. Little by little, nature regained its place and the project transformed lives. Now, 43 years later, that dream has come true and is winning over people from all over the world.

To celebrate Ibiti Day and the Muriqui Dayboth celebrated on August 27, we have gathered excerpts from testimonies that capture the feelings of those who know this regenerating territory.

We travel to belong, not to consume

A Goldilocks Zone of life

"When I describe Ibiti to friends, I say it's the Goldilocks Zone of life: a term scientists use for planets found in the universe that are ideal for sustaining life. Ibiti isn't too chic, it's not too hippy, it's simply the perfect spot in so many ways: the people, the art, the nature. It's not wild to the point of being uncomfortable to adapt to, nor too remote to feel isolated from so-called civilization, but you still feel like you're in a bubble protected from the chaos of the rest of the world. The people there are wonderful too - so kind and helpful, a true community of souls united in a vision of how we should treat each other, how we should put down our cell phones and reconnect with ourselves and with nature."

Ibiti is too good!

To put it this way, the way we are used to in the region, Ibiti today has become a special corner of Minas Gerais, close to the Ibitipoca Park. There are 6,000 hectares! That's enough for four Ibitipoca Parks or more than 8,000 soccer pitches! And there are lots of animals here again: muriqui, jacutinga. We really look after nature and also grows more than 100 types of food, all organic! It also gives local people the chance to work, learn and sell their products.

It is the land of Seu Nilo, who saw the village resurface; of Janice and Gabriel, who chose to raise their family in the community; and of foreign visitors who take this little piece of Brazil into their hearts.

There's specialty coffee, sweet strawberries, sunflowers, lavender, philosophy and spirituality. There are trails, waterfalls, a lake, good food, art and lots of nice places to stay: houses on the top of the hill, in the village and on the farm. Anyone who arrives can immediately feel the atmosphere: it's about taking a deep breath and renewing yourself, leaving lighter and happier.

Love at first sight

"The ibiti Project was love at first sight. That passion that pulsed in our chests and changed our outlook. The impossible that someone envisioned and realized. Small pieces of a magical puzzle that unite people, nature and the purpose of making this planet a better place. How could we not want to live in a place like this and be part of something that is so much bigger than ourselves? Here we make agriculture our craft and there's nothing more beautiful than producing clean food that respects the planet. Seeing our children grow up in a place in deep connection with nature, eating fruit straight from the tree, contemplating the trees, the birds and the silence of the mornings. Nothing is more precious and valuable than that. I get emotional writing about it, because it's really very special for us. We'll be breathing it in a few years' time. Thank you for being part of it!"

This is my life