Catas Altas

Catas Altas, Minas Gerais, Brazil: We decided to take an off-the-beaten-path getaway in the mountains of Brazil in the state of Minas Gerais. Catas Altas is a charming little village nestled into the heart of the mountains. Literally, you feel as though the mountain has wrapped its enormous arms around the city to keep it a secret. We approach the cobblestone square in shadow of a 17^th century church…a church that seems out of scale in comparison to the quaintness captured in the modest yet colorful downtown architecture. Summer sunlight bathes the cobblestones in a quiet afternoon light. An old man walks downtown selling cotton candy. Kids look at us taking pictures and snicker in our shadows. Locals gather in the local boteca for a beer and a good conversation. Sparrows sputter through the rooftops. City sounds are muffled by the mountain backdrop towing above. And then as you continue walking you notice a tiny abandoned chapel sitting quietly atop a hill above the rest of the town. The city’s quiet majesty intrigues you to step closer to examine its details. An afternoon spent discovering a hidden gem…