Minas Gerais

Destinations in Minas Gerais

Tourism in Minas Gerais offers an impressive variety of destinations, each with its unique charm. Let’s explore some of the most fascinating regions of the state:

Water Circuit

Relax and renew your energy in the famous hydro-mineral resorts of São Lourenço, Caxambu, and Poços de Caldas. These cities offer thermal waters with therapeutic properties, as well as first-class tourist infrastructure. Don’t forget to also visit Cambuquira, known for its sparkling waters, and Monte Sião, famous for its knitting and crochet crafts.

Mountains and Valleys

Venture through the natural beauties of Serra do Cipó, Vale do Jequitinhonha, and Serra da Canastra. These regions are perfect for ecotourism lovers and offer stunning landscapes, waterfalls, and rich biodiversity. Include in your itinerary Serra do Caraça, with its lush nature and famous sanctuary, and Vale do Aço, known for its beautiful lagoons and ecological parks.

Cave Route

Explore the fascinating underground world of Minas Gerais. Gruta da Lapinha, Gruta Rei do Mato, and the impressive Gruta de Maquiné are just some of the wonders awaiting visitors on this unique route. Don’t miss the chance to visit Gruta do Janelão in Cavernas do Peruaçu National Park and the Caves of Cordisburgo, birthplace of the writer Guimarães Rosa.

Gold Circuit

Immerse yourself in the history of the gold cycle by visiting cities like Ouro Preto, Mariana, and Congonhas. These cities preserve a rich baroque architectural heritage and tell the story of Brazilian colonization. Also include São João del Rei and Sabará in this historical circuit.

Belo Horizonte Metropolitan Region

Besides the capital of Minas Gerais, explore cities like Nova Lima, known for its gold mines and craft breweries, and Brumadinho, where the Inhotim Institute, the largest open-air museum in the world, is located. Don’t forget to visit the Caraça Sanctuary, a unique blend of nature and history.

Triângulo Mineiro

Discover the beauties of the Minas Gerais cerrado in cities like Uberlândia, with its Sabiá Park, and Araxá, famous for its thermal waters and the imposing Grande Hotel Termas de Araxá. Also visit Uberaba, known as the “Zebu Capital” and for its dinosaur museum.

Southern Minas Gerais

Explore the region known for its mountains, waterfalls, and the best coffee in Brazil. Visit cities like São Thomé das Letras, famous for its rock formations and mystical legends, and Gonçalves, a mountain retreat with beautiful landscapes and pleasant climate.

Each of these regions offers a unique facet of tourism in Minas Gerais, providing visitors with a rich and diverse experience that combines history, nature, culture, and gastronomy.

Most popular destinations in Minas Gerais

Tourism in Minas Gerais has some destinations that are true icons of the state. Get to know the most sought-after:

Ouro Preto

A UNESCO World Heritage site, this city is an open-air museum of Brazilian baroque architecture. Founded in the late 17th century, Ouro Preto was the epicenter of the gold rush in colonial Brazil. Its steep cobblestone streets house magnificent churches such as the Church of São Francisco de Assis, a masterpiece by the architect Aleijadinho.

Don’t miss visiting the Inconfidência Museum, housed in the former House of Chamber and Jail, which tells the story of the Inconfidência Mineira. The Chico Rei Mine, open to visitors, offers a unique experience of exploring an authentic colonial gold mine.

Tiradentes

With its cobblestone streets and well-preserved colonial mansions, Tiradentes is a charm that transports visitors to the 18th century. The city is famous for its festivals, such as the Film Festival and the Gastronomy Show. The Santo Antônio Mother Church, with its richly gold-decorated interior, is a must-see.

Take a ride on the Maria Fumaça, which connects Tiradentes to São João del Rei, for a journey back in time. The city’s restaurants are nationally recognized, offering the best of Minas Gerais cuisine in historic settings.

Inhotim

Located in Brumadinho, it is the largest open-air museum in the world, combining contemporary art and lush nature. With an area of over 140 hectares, Inhotim houses more than 500 works by internationally renowned artists in its pavilions and outdoors.

The institute’s botanical gardens contain more than 4,300 plant species, including one of the largest palm collections in the world. It’s possible to spend days exploring the galleries, sculptures, and installations scattered throughout the park. The institute also offers educational and research programs, making it a cultural center of global importance.

Diamantina

Another jewel from the colonial period, Diamantina enchants with its architecture, cultural festivals, and the natural beauties of its surroundings. A UNESCO World Heritage site, the city was the center of diamond exploitation in the 18th century. The House of Chica da Silva, a famous historical figure, and the Slave Market are tourist spots that tell the complex history of the city.

The Diamantina Winter Festival, held annually, attracts artists and visitors from all over the country. Nearby, the Biribiri State Park offers stunning trails and waterfalls for nature lovers.

Belo Horizonte

The capital of Minas Gerais surprises with its effervescent cultural scene, urban parks, and the famous Pampulha, a project by Oscar Niemeyer. The Central Market is a must-visit spot to try Minas Gerais cuisine and buy typical products. The Municipal Park, in the heart of the city, offers a green refuge with lakes and gardens.

Liberty Square, with its museums housed in former government buildings, is an unmissable cultural center. At night, the Santa Tereza neighborhood is the ideal place to experience the famous Minas Gerais bohemian lifestyle, with its charming bars and restaurants.

Why choose Minas Gerais?

Minas Gerais is a state that breathes history and tradition, offering a unique tourism experience. Here, tourism comes to life through its cobblestone streets, like those found in Ouro Preto and Tiradentes; magnificent baroque churches such as the Church of São Francisco de Assis in Ouro Preto; and well-preserved colonial mansions that tell stories of a Brazil many only know from books.

But the state doesn’t live in the past alone – Minas is also synonymous with modernity. The capital, Belo Horizonte, for example, houses the Pampulha Architectural Complex, designed by Oscar Niemeyer, an icon of modernist architecture.

The vibrant cultural scene can be experienced in events such as the Ouro Preto Winter Festival and the Festivale in Vale do Jequitinhonha. The famous Minas Gerais hospitality makes any visitor feel at home, whether in the cozy inns of Lavras Novas or in the farm hotels of southern Minas.

Natural riches

Tourism in Minas Gerais is blessed with impressive natural diversity. From the mountains of Serra da Mantiqueira, where the Pico da Pedra da Mina stands at 2,798 meters high, to the waterfalls of Serra do Cipó, like the stunning Cachoeira da Farofa, the state offers breathtaking scenery for nature lovers.

Explore millennial caves like Gruta do Maquiné in Cordisburgo, famous for its unique rock formations, or Gruta Rei do Mato in Sete Lagoas. Take on challenging trails like the Petrópolis-Teresópolis Crossing in Itatiaia National Park, or simply relax in one of the many hydro-mineral resorts of the state, such as São Lourenço and Caxambu, known for their medicinal waters.

Minas Gerais cuisine

No visit to Minas Gerais would be complete without diving into the famous Minas Gerais cuisine. Tourism in Minas Gerais is a feast for the palate, with typical dishes such as feijão tropeiro, prepared with beans, flour, pork rinds, and sausage; chicken with okra, a traditional dish that combines cooked chicken with sautéed okra; and the irresistible pão de queijo, a cheese bread made with cassava starch and Minas cheese that is a symbol of the state’s cuisine.

Don’t forget to try the artisanal cheeses, like the famous Serra da Canastra Artisanal Minas Cheese, recognized as Brazilian Intangible Cultural Heritage. The cachaça de alambique, produced in cities like Salinas, known as the “World Capital of Cachaça,” is another treasure of local gastronomy. Also try typical sweets like doce de leite, goiabada cascão from Ponte Nova, and the famous sweets from Tiradentes.

For a complete gastronomic experience, visit the Central Market in Belo Horizonte, a true temple of Minas Gerais cuisine, or try the typical food in traditional restaurants like Xapuri, also in the capital, or Ponto G in Tiradentes. Tourism in Minas Gerais is, without a doubt, a journey of unforgettable flavors that reflect the rich culture and tradition of the state.

Best time to visit

The best time to visit depends on the region, but in general, the period from April to September offers milder weather and less rain. This is winter in the southern hemisphere, when temperatures are more pleasant for hiking and outdoor explorations.

However, if you want to participate in Carnival in cities like Ouro Preto or Diamantina, plan your trip for February or March. For festival lovers, July is an excellent month, with events like the Ouro Preto Winter Festival and the Festivale in Vale do Jequitinhonha.

Diverse itinerary

Invest in an itinerary that combines historic cities and natural attractions for a complete experience. For example, you can start in Belo Horizonte, move on to the Gold Circuit (Ouro Preto, Mariana, Congonhas), then explore Serra do Cipó National Park, and end by relaxing in the thermal waters of São Lourenço or Caxambu. This will provide a balanced mix of culture, history, and nature.

Gastronomic experience

Don’t forget to try the local cuisine in each destination you visit. Each region of Minas Gerais has its specialties. In Tiradentes, try the famous torresmos. In Diamantina, taste the rice with pequi.

In southern Minas Gerais, savor the artisanal cheeses with homemade sweets. And anywhere in the state, don’t miss the opportunity to enjoy an authentic “coffee with cassava biscuit” in local bakeries.

Heritage preservation

Respect the historical and natural heritage, contributing to the preservation of these treasures. Many of the destinations in Minas Gerais are historical sites or conservation areas. Always follow the guidelines of local guides, do not remove any items from archaeological or natural sites, and avoid touching artworks or historical structures.

When visiting natural parks, practice the “leave no trace” principle, taking all your trash back with you.

Transportation

Consider renting a car for greater flexibility, especially if you plan to visit smaller cities or natural parks. However, in historic cities like Ouro Preto and Tiradentes, walking is often the best option due to narrow and steep streets. For travel between major cities, there are good inter-city bus options.

Accommodation

Minas Gerais offers a variety of accommodation options, from luxury hotels to charming inns in historic farms. In colonial cities, opt to stay in inns housed in old mansions for a more authentic experience.

FAQ about tourism in Minas Gerais

What are the main tourist destinations in Minas Gerais?

The most popular destinations include Ouro Preto, Tiradentes, Belo Horizonte, Diamantina, Inhotim (Brumadinho), Serra do Cipó, and the Water Circuit (São Lourenço, Caxambu).

What is the best time to visit Minas Gerais?

The period from April to September offers milder weather and less rain. July is excellent for cultural festivals, while February/March is ideal for Carnival.

What is the cuisine of Minas Gerais like?

Minas Gerais cuisine is famous for dishes such as feijão tropeiro, chicken with okra, tutu à mineira, artisanal cheeses, and typical sweets. Each region has its specialties.

Is Minas Gerais a suitable destination for ecotourism?

Yes, the state offers several national and state parks, such as Serra do Cipó, Serra da Canastra, and Ibitipoca, ideal for trails, waterfalls, and wildlife observation.

How to get to Minas Gerais?

The main airport is in Belo Horizonte (Confins). The state is also well connected by highways to São Paulo, Rio de Janeiro, and other neighboring states.

Is it necessary to rent a car to explore Minas Gerais?

A rented car offers more flexibility to explore the state, especially for visiting historic cities and natural parks. However, there are bus options between major cities.

What are the main cultural events in Minas Gerais?

Highlights include the Carnival of Ouro Preto and Diamantina, the Ouro Preto Winter Festival, the Tiradentes Gastronomy Festival, and the Festivale in Vale do Jequitinhonha.

Is Minas Gerais an expensive destination?

Prices vary according to the region and season. Tourist cities like Ouro Preto and Tiradentes tend to be more expensive, but there are options for different budgets.

What are the main historical attractions of Minas Gerais?

Colonial cities like Ouro Preto, Mariana, Tiradentes, and Diamantina are true open-air museums, with baroque churches, museums, and historic mansions.

Is Minas Gerais a good destination for family travel?

Yes, the state offers various attractions for all ages, from natural parks and historic farms to interactive museums and Maria Fumaça train rides.