One kilometer from the center of the municipality of the same name, Prainha de Igaratá is located on the banks of the Jaguari Dam. Today, it is one of the main tourist attractions in the region, which helped the city receive the Municipality of Tourist Interest award in 2018.
In the 1960s, the city had to relocate for the construction of the local dam. The new version of Igaratá was born three kilometers away from the old city on December 5, 1969, and is now known as the “City of Waters.”
The name and nickname are no mere coincidence, after all, indigenous peoples in the past already referred to the city highlighting its waters.
Igaratá comes from the Tupi word “Igara, “ which means canoe or, in the most widespread interpretation, “big canoe.”
The submerged city
Photo: Disclosure/Igaratá City Hall
The village of ancient Igaratá was formed at the end of the 18th century by workers from Minas Gerais after the decline of gold mining. It became a municipality in 1954.
The ParaíbaValley was growing economically and demographically. Aiming to increase the amount of dammed water and provide more electricity, it was decided after studies to “sacrifice” the municipality of Igaratá to house the new dam.
The city hall, schools, and police station were built in the new location. Local residents received land donations from the São Paulo Power Plant. To encourage the city’s growth, they sold land at lower prices.
In 2015, when the Jaguari dam experienced a drought, reaching only 2.10% of its capacity, it was possible to see the ruins of the submerged city.
What to do in Igaratá
Photo: wikipedia/Eng Lucas Moraes
In addition to being a relatively inexpensive leisure activity, the small beach at Igaratá offers freshwater for swimming, kayaking, boating, and jet skiing.
In addition, sport fishing is a good option there, with catfish, tilapia, and various other fish.
Finally, the city is also known for its ecotourism, as well as being part of the circuit off-road races, which are competitions such as rally and motocross.
The trails, the Ribeirão das Palmeiras waterfall, and Morro Azul are also part of the itinerary for enjoying Igaratá.