The 5º Encompasso CSA Betim – Mais Poderoso que Palavras is listed for January 8–10, 2027, in Sarzedo, Minas Gerais, Brazil.
Organized through the Betim service area of Narcotics Anonymous, the three-day gathering brings members together for a weekend centered on recovery, fellowship, and the NA message.
The official event index lists activities beginning Friday at 5:00 PM and concluding Sunday at 2:00 PM, with the location identified as Rua Santa Efigênia, 320, in the Santa Rita neighborhood.
Important: Another official NA calendar entry shows different dates and a venue in Juatuba. Attendees should confirm the final schedule and address directly with the organizers before making travel reservations.
Sarzedo is part of the Belo Horizonte metropolitan region, offering access to historic railway landmarks, protected natural areas, mountain scenery, and the traditional food of Minas Gerais.
If you're arriving before the event or staying an additional day, there are several worthwhile places to explore without taking time away from fellowship.
For updates, visit the official Narcóticos Anônimos event listing.
Discover Sarzedo's Railway History
One of Sarzedo's most important cultural attractions is the Museu Histórico de Sarzedo, housed in the historic railway complex known as Estação Sarzedo – Plataforma de Cultura.
Located at Rua Eduardo Cozac, 292, in the city center, the museum preserves the history of the municipality's development and its connections to mining and railway transportation.
Sarzedo's growth was strongly influenced by the Estrada de Ferro Central do Brasil. The railway station opened in 1917, and the municipality's name honors Francisco Sarzedo, an engineer associated with the railway's construction.
The museum includes historical documents, equipment, machinery, minerals, models, and exhibitions illustrating the area's industrial heritage.
Its setting is particularly interesting because the surrounding complex includes historic railway buildings and former industrial structures.
Visitors can explore exhibitions independently, and guided visits may also be available.
For attendees arriving before Friday's event opening, the museum offers an accessible introduction to local history without requiring a lengthy excursion.
The Minas Gerais tourism authority lists admission as free, although opening arrangements should be confirmed before visiting.
Explore Parque Natural Municipal Cachoeira de Sarzedo
For travelers interested in enjoying the outdoors, Parque Natural Municipal Cachoeira de Sarzedo is one of the municipality's most appealing destinations.
The park opened to the public in July 2024 through a partnership involving the local government and the mining company Itaminas.
It was developed to protect important natural environments while creating opportunities for recreation, environmental education, and nature observation.
The park includes walking trails, landscaped areas, viewpoints, recreational spaces, and facilities designed for visitors.
Its natural setting includes forest vegetation and a watercourse associated with the municipality's historic waterfall landscape.
The park also reflects efforts to preserve the area's environmental and industrial heritage.
Visitors interested in a short outdoor break can explore designated paths, enjoy the scenery, and learn more about the natural environment surrounding Sarzedo.
However, the presence of a waterfall does not mean swimming is permitted or safe. Follow posted regulations and avoid entering restricted areas or waterways.
The park is associated with Avenida São Lucas in Sarzedo.
Because access conditions and operating hours may change, verify current arrangements before traveling.
For someone attending the Encompasso, a park visit could be a pleasant activity before the Friday opening or during an extended stay.
Visit the Horto Florestal de Sarzedo
Another option for visitors interested in nature is the Horto Florestal de Sarzedo.
Located at Rua Hebert de Souza, 360, in the Planalto area, this municipal green space also functions as an environmental education center.
The facility supports conservation activities, environmental awareness programs, and the cultivation of tree seedlings.
Visitors may be able to learn about local plants, conservation projects, and the municipality's efforts to protect its green spaces.
Environmental activities include ecological walks, educational workshops, and projects involving native vegetation.
Unlike a conventional public park, the Horto Florestal operates as an educational and conservation facility.
The official state tourism directory says visits should be arranged in advance.
If you're interested in visiting, contact the municipal environmental department to confirm whether individual access is available during your trip.
For travelers who enjoy quieter experiences and learning about regional nature, this could be a worthwhile addition to an extended stay.
Enjoy the Views Around Serra dos Três Irmãos
Sarzedo's surrounding landscape includes Serra dos Três Irmãos, a mountainous area extending toward the neighboring municipalities of Mário Campos and Brumadinho.
The mountains provide opportunities to appreciate the region's hills, forest vegetation, streams, and countryside scenery.
The Minas Gerais tourism directory identifies the area as a destination for nature observation, ecological walking, and outdoor activities.
The landscape combines natural features associated with southeastern Brazil's varied ecosystems.
For visitors who enjoy photography or scenic outings, Serra dos Três Irmãos can offer a different perspective on the region beyond its urban neighborhoods.
Access routes vary depending on which part of the mountain area you want to visit.
One approach is associated with Estrada da Mineração toward Engenho Seco, while access through Mário Campos may require prior arrangements.
Because mountain terrain can be challenging and some routes cross rural or controlled-access areas, confirm entry requirements before heading out.
Choose a route appropriate for your experience level and avoid attempting unfamiliar trails without reliable directions.
This is better suited to an additional day in the area than a short break between Encompasso sessions.
Discover the Historic Engenho Seco Community
The rural community of Engenho Seco is another part of Sarzedo's cultural landscape.
The area is associated with traditional community festivities and a historic church known as Igrejinha do Engenho Seco.
According to Minas Gerais tourism information, the church complex includes historic religious features, sacred artwork, and a viewpoint.
The community's traditional Festa do Engenho Seco is held during the middle of the year, rather than during the January Encompasso weekend.
Even outside the festival season, the area may interest travelers who enjoy exploring local history and rural communities.
A visit provides an opportunity to experience a different side of Sarzedo's heritage.
However, the church should not be assumed to operate as a regularly staffed tourist attraction. Confirm whether visits are permitted and whether interior access is available.
If you are exploring nearby rural roads, respect private property and local community spaces.
Take an Extra-Day Trip to Parque Estadual da Serra do Rola-Moça
If your schedule allows for a longer excursion, Parque Estadual da Serra do Rola-Moça is one of the most significant nature destinations in the greater Belo Horizonte region.
The protected area extends across parts of Belo Horizonte, Brumadinho, Ibirité, and Nova Lima.
Covering approximately 4,006 hectares, the park protects landscapes that include Cerrado vegetation, Atlantic Forest, and distinctive rocky mountain environments.
Its elevated viewpoints offer panoramic scenery across the surrounding mountain ranges and metropolitan region.
Popular viewpoints include Mirante Três Pedras, Mirante dos Planetas, and Mirante Morro dos Veados.
The park also contains designated nature trails. One option is the Trilha do Cerrado, a 2.4-kilometer self-guided route beginning near the administrative headquarters.
Other trails and guided activities may require advance scheduling.
The Instituto Estadual de Florestas lists the park as open daily from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, with free admission.
There is no public camping area, and visitors must remain within approved daytime access arrangements.
Because the park is spread across a large area with multiple entrances, confirm your intended trail or viewpoint before setting out.
The main entrance is associated with Avenida Montreal in Jardim Canadá, Nova Lima.
For Encompasso attendees, this is best treated as an extra-day activity rather than something to squeeze into a busy Saturday.
Find official information through the Minas Gerais State Forestry Institute.
Enjoy Traditional Minas Gerais Food
One of the pleasures of visiting Minas Gerais is experiencing its traditional food.
The region is known for hearty home-style cooking, cheese, breads, and dishes that reflect its agricultural heritage.
Look for restaurants serving comida mineira, a style of cooking associated with staples such as rice, beans, vegetables, meats, and traditional side dishes.
Popular regional foods include pão de queijo, feijão tropeiro, tutu de feijão, and dishes prepared with locally produced cheeses.
For breakfast, a neighborhood bakery may be a convenient place to enjoy coffee and freshly baked pão de queijo.
Travelers with additional free time may also enjoy visiting a traditional restaurant in Sarzedo, Betim, or one of the surrounding communities.
Because the Encompasso is a multi-day event, confirm whether meals are available at the venue or included in any registration package.
The public calendar information does not establish catering arrangements, so it is sensible to plan independently until those details are confirmed.
Getting to Sarzedo
Sarzedo is part of the metropolitan region of Belo Horizonte, the capital of Minas Gerais.
Travelers arriving from other Brazilian states or internationally can investigate flights to Belo Horizonte's principal airport, Tancredo Neves International Airport, in Confins.
From the airport, onward transportation to Sarzedo is primarily by road.
One of the important regional routes is MG-040, which connects Belo Horizonte with communities including Ibirité, Sarzedo, and Brumadinho.
Travelers approaching from Betim may also use roads connecting through the Bandeirinhas area.
Because Sarzedo is part of a larger metropolitan region, road congestion can affect travel times.
Consider your arrival time carefully, especially if you are traveling directly to the Friday opening.
A rental car, private transfer, or confirmed local transportation arrangement may be useful for visitors staying outside the municipality.
Public transportation may also be available, but routes and service frequency should be checked before departure.
The venue details require particular attention because different official event records identify different cities and addresses.
Do not arrange transportation based solely on the municipality named in an older listing. Ask the organizers for the confirmed venue location and a map pin.
Where to Stay During the Encompasso
Accommodation planning should begin with the confirmed event venue.
Sarzedo has smaller lodging and event properties, while nearby Betim and the wider Belo Horizonte metropolitan region offer additional possibilities.
For visitors attending the full weekend, convenience may be more important than the number of amenities.
A property in another municipality could mean additional driving before and after activities.
If the Encompasso is held in Sarzedo as currently shown in the queue, compare accommodation options based on their actual distance from the Santa Rita neighborhood.
If the final venue is instead confirmed in Juatuba, reassess lodging choices before making a nonrefundable reservation.
The official NA calendar does not confirm a hotel block, included lodging, or special accommodation arrangements.
Contact the event organizers before booking, particularly if you hope to stay at or near the gathering location.
Find Other NA Meetings During Your Visit
Travelers who would like to attend additional Narcotics Anonymous meetings can use the official Brazilian NA meeting directory.
The Narcóticos Anônimos Brasil website provides access to meeting information throughout Minas Gerais and the rest of Brazil.
The broader metropolitan region includes communities such as Betim, Contagem, Ibirité, and Belo Horizonte.
Visitors arriving before the Encompasso or extending their stay may find meeting options that fit their schedules.
Meeting times, locations, and formats can change, so verify the latest information before attending.
Planning Your January Weekend
The following itinerary follows the January 8–10 dates shown in the official NA events index and the directory listing. Verify the final event schedule before using it to make reservations.
Friday, January 8: Arrive with enough time to check into your accommodations and locate the venue. If you have the morning free, explore the Museu Histórico de Sarzedo or enjoy a relaxed meal before the listed 5:00 PM opening.
Saturday, January 9: Keep the day primarily available for Encompasso activities. Short breaks are better suited to meals and relaxation than lengthy excursions.
Sunday, January 10: The event index lists a 2:00 PM conclusion. Travelers leaving later in the day may have time for a short outing, although those planning additional sightseeing should consider staying another night.
Monday, January 11: If you extend the visit, consider exploring Parque Estadual da Serra do Rola-Moça or enjoying a longer scenic excursion through the surrounding mountains.
For those interested in local history rather than a full outdoor outing, Sarzedo's railway museum and other cultural attractions provide alternatives.
Event Details and Official Resources
The 5º Encompasso CSA Betim – Mais Poderoso que Palavras is associated with CSA Betim and CSR Minas.
The official events index lists January 8–10, 2027, in Sarzedo, Minas Gerais, at Rua Santa Efigênia, 320, Santa Rita.
However, a separate version of the official event listing identifies January 15–17 and an address in Juatuba.
Because of this discrepancy, the final dates and venue must be confirmed with the organizing committee before traveling.
Registration availability, admission fees, accommodations, meals, and the detailed program also require verification.
For current announcements, consult the official Narcóticos Anônimos event page.
You can also find the event in Dans' Custom Gifts' upcoming NA event directory or browse the complete upcoming NA events directory.
With historic railway attractions, preserved green spaces, mountain viewpoints, and the hospitality of Minas Gerais, Sarzedo offers several ways to enjoy a recovery-centered visit while experiencing the character of southeastern Brazil.
Photo: Malcoln Oliveira / Pexels.