Why Rio das Velhas?

Rio das Velhas literally means 'old woman's river.' However, there are two other explanations for its name. One tells the story of a community of Carijos Indians who used to live by the river. When Europeans began to arrive in the area, they would put the Indians in prision. Many young Indians left the area to avoid prision, leaving many old people, and therefore naming the river Rio das Velhas.

Another version says that it used to be called Guaiaxi, an Indian name that means 'old tribe's river.'