Caratinga welcomes its visitors with the wide smile featured in the 10-meter high statue of “Menino Maluquinho” (Little Crazy Boy), which was inaugurated in 2003, as a tribute to the notable son of the city, cartoonist and writer Ziraldo. The “Menino Maluquinho” was brought to life by books and a film, and  represents the innocence and naivety of boys from Minas, in their essence.

Caratinga is considered one of the most important municipalities in the Rio Doce region, where one can find waterfalls and a well-preserved historical complex. In the Feliciano Miguel Abdala Biological Reserve – an RPPN, Natural Private Heritage Reserve (with initials in Portuguese)  - tourists will find nature in its very state. A lucky tourist may also get to see the endangered Muriqui monkey.