Join the locals who come to Américo Renné Giannetti Municipal Park to relax over picnic lunches, row colorful boats on the tropical lagoons and feel youthful as they ride the Ferris wheel. Discover the park’s unique ecosystem, spotting a wide range of tree and bird species as you stroll along the winding paths. Attractions to look for as you explore include two theaters and the Palácio das Artes museum.
Originally designed in the 19th century to be Latin America’s biggest urban green space, the Américo Renné Giannetti Municipal Park remains an oasis among Belo Horizonte’s skyscrapers. Follow the trails’ educational signposts past the Lagoa do Quiosque and Lagoa dos Marrecos to marvel at the park’s intricate design. The layout is the work of French landscape artist Paul Villon, who envisaged a green space in the English romantic tradition.
Armed with a picnic blanket, head to the park early to get a prime spot under the palm trees near the Lagoa dos Barcos, the largest of the park’s three manmade lagoons. Wander across the romantic bridge to the aptly named Ilha dos Amores (Island of Two Loves) before heading to the pond’s Portaria Andradas, where you can pay a fee to rent a brightly painted rowboat.
No visit to the park is complete without having some fun at the Brinquedos amusement park, which features a Ferris wheel and bumper cars, among other rides. Bring young kids to enjoy the adventure playground here. It’s likely that a game of soccer will be taking place on the park’s public pitch, too. Join in or just cheer from the sidelines.
Sunday mornings are an especially good time to visit. Stop on your way to the park at nearby Afonso Pena Avenue to fill your hamper at the Art and Craft Fair, which many simply call the “Hippie Fair.” Established in 1969, it’s now the place where nearly 3,000 vendors sell food and crafts. Américo Renné Giannetti Municipal Park is open every day except Monday.