Gruta do Salitre
A huge rock cavern and chasm in a quartzite canyon, with rock walls tens of metres high and sunlight creating dramatic light effects.
Gruta do Salitre lies about 10 km southeast of the historic town, in the Curralinho district. Its name comes from saltpetre, which was mined here during the colonial era to make gunpowder. It is not a typical limestone cave but a vast system of fissures and caverns in quartzite, with walls rising tens of metres. Sunlight filters through the gaps, creating layered light effects that photography enthusiasts love. The entrance has simple facilities and charges a small entry fee. Reaching it requires a short gravel path and some steps. Visit during the dry season, during the day, and wear non-slip shoes.
Opening hours
About 09:00–17:00
Nearby sights
- Igreja de Nossa Senhora do Rosário dos Pretos
- Igreja de Nossa Senhora do Carmo
- Casa de Chica da Silva
- Rua da Quitanda & Vesperata
- Mercado Velho
- Catedral Metropolitana de Santo Antônio
- Museu do Diamante
- Historic Centre of Diamantina