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Júlio Oliveira
FURNAS also has sea
Considered as the "Sea of Minas" or in its variation the "Sweet
Sea of Minas", the lake of Furnas is the largest in Minas Gerais
and figures as one of the largest artificial lakes in the world. Created
in the early 1960s, as part of the innovative Furnas Hydroelectric Power
Plant, this "world" of water covers an area of incredible 1,406.26 km², fed
by rivers and thousands of springs. In its surroundings, 34 cities in the state
share landscapes, canyons, hills, waterfalls, beaches, inns, rural nooks, fish
farming projects and an arsenal of great surprises. As a way of helping the
displacement of residents and, consequently, tourists, Furnas has maintained,
for almost 60 years, ferries that cross the waters of the lake day and
night and connect dozens of locations. For those living around the lake, ferries
are vitally important in their lives. In addition to the transportation service
for cars and passengers on foot, the ferries contribute to the outflow of
regional production by taking trucks and machines, boosting trade and
transporting, among thousands of others, students, teachers and health
professionals. The ferries are free for people on foot, only vehicles are taxed.
The giant Furnas Lake is a recipe for relaxation and ecstasy in a hospitable
region, with good infrastructure, which stands as one of the great
tourist attractions of Minas Gerais. The attractions include ecological
trails, the abundance of wild animals, sports and nautical tours, fishing
and delicious food from Minas' cooking, which comes along with good
hotel offer and public services for tourism. Another important economic
activity directly linked to the lake is fish farming, especially tilapia, made
in net-ponds immersed in the lake by small (the most) and large producers,
which employs thousands of people.
A Furnas’ partner, the Furnas Lake Municipalities Association (ALAGO)
is an entity born of awareness of the tourist and economic potential of Furnas
Lake, an initiative aimed at the economic sustainability and environmental
preservation of the municipalities bordering the lake. ALAGO seeks
the planning of regional development and the coordination of joint actions
of its associates: 39 municipalities around Furnas Lake, some of which are
not bathed by its waters. The aim is to present the tourist charms, discover
and create trails and itineraries, guide enterprises and preserve the natural
resources, without which there would not be so much beauty to offer. The
mission, which has been victorious, is to make Furnas Lake one of the best
tourist circuits in Brazil. On the site alago.org.br are found tips of tourism,
attractions and history of each of the municipalities.
The circuit includes, for example, the city of Capitólio, with the Escarpas
do Lago condominium, which has the largest freshwater nautical base in
Minas Gerais. Among dozens of others, we can mention São João Batista
do Glória, known as the city of waterfalls or the attractive and little Guapé,
with its mountains and canyons. Also Carmo do Rio Claro, where handicraft
weaving is internationally known for its excellent products. ALAGO is
composed by the cities of Aguanil, Alfenas, Alpinópolis, Alterosa, Areado,
Boa Esperança, Cabo Verde, Camacho, Campo Belo, Campo do Meio, Campos
Gerais, Cana Verde, Candeias, Capitólio, Carmo do Rio Claro, Coqueiral,
Cristais, Divisa Nova, Elói Mendes, Fama, Formiga, Guapé, Ilicínea,
Itapecerica, Juruaia, Lavras, Machado, Monte Belo, Muzambinho, Nepomuceno,
Paraguaçu, Perdões, Pimenta, Ribeirão Vermelho, São João
Batista do Glória, São José da Barra, Serrania, Três Pontas and Varginha.
DO RIO GRANDE A BARRAGEM DE FURNAS 41