Tourism in Minas Gerais offers an impressive variety of destinations, each with its own unique charm. Let’s explore some of the most fascinating regions of the state.
Minas Gerais
Tourism in Minas Gerais combines history, nature, and gastronomy like few places in Brazil. With well-preserved colonial towns, lush landscapes, and richly flavored cuisine, the state delights visitors seeking authentic experiences.
From Ouro Preto and Tiradentes to Serra do Cipó and Capitólio, each destination reveals a piece of Minas Gerais’ rich cultural heritage. Baroque churches, cobblestone streets, waterfalls, and mountains create a unique setting for travelers who want to explore with purpose and wonder.
Whether exploring the past, relaxing in nature, or savoring a true pão de queijo, tourism in Minas Gerais offers an unforgettable journey through the senses and Brazilian tradition.
Cultural traditions that keep the soul of Minas Gerais alive
Minas Gerais preserves cultural traditions that reveal the soul of the state in every detail. Religious festivals such as Congado and the Feast of Our Lady of the Rosary blend faith, music, and ancestry in celebrations that have endured over time. Clay handicrafts, circle songs, and cordel literature also help keep Minas Gerais’ collective memory alive.
This heritage is also expressed through wood-fired cuisine, serenades, and the traditional stories shared on porches and in town squares. In every city, tourism in Minas Gerais invites visitors to experience a deeper Brazil, where culture and tradition walk hand in hand.
News about Minas Gerais
Check more posts >Useful information about Minas Gerais
Area: approximately 586,528 km²
Population: around 20,539,989 inhabitants (2022 Census)
Time zone: GMT −3 (Brasília Time)
Climate: Highland tropical climate, with temperatures ranging from 17 °C to 20°C
Telephone area code (DDD): 31 (Belo Horizonte and surrounding areas), 33 (Governador Valadares, Caratinga, and Teófilo Otoni), 34 (Triângulo Mineiro and Alto Paranaíba), 35 (Southern Minas), 37 (Central-West region), and 38 (Northern region)
Voltage: 127V and 220V (varies by city)
Power outlets: Type N standard (three round pins)
Main destinations in Minas Gerais
Waters Circuit
Relax and recharge your energy at the famous spa towns of São Lourenço, Caxambu, and Poços de Caldas. These cities offer thermal waters with therapeutic properties, along with first-class tourist infrastructure.
Be sure to also visit Cambuquira, known for its naturally carbonated waters, and Monte Sião, famous for its knitwear and crochet handicrafts.
Mountains and Valleys
Venture into the natural beauty of Serra do Cipó, the Jequitinhonha Valley, and Serra da Canastra. These regions are perfect for ecotourism enthusiasts and offer stunning landscapes, waterfalls, and rich biodiversity.
Be sure to include Serra do Caraça in your itinerary, with its lush nature and famous sanctuary, as well as the Vale do Aço, known for its beautiful lagoons and ecological parks.
Caves Route
Explore the fascinating underground world of Minas Gerais. Lapinha Cave, Rei do Mato Cave, and the impressive Maquiné Cave are just some of the wonders awaiting visitors along this unique route.
Be sure to also visit Janelão Cave in the Cavernas do Peruaçu National Park and the caves of Cordisburgo, the birthplace of writer Guimarães Rosa.
Gold Circuit
Dive into the history of the gold cycle by visiting cities such as Ouro Preto, Mariana, and Congonhas.
These cities preserve a rich baroque architectural heritage and tell the story of Brazilian colonization. Be sure to also include São João del Rei and Sabará on this historic circuit.
Metropolitan Region of Belo Horizonte
Beyond the capital of Minas Gerais, explore cities such as Nova Lima, known for its gold mines and craft breweries, and Brumadinho, home to the Inhotim Institute, the largest open-air museum in the world.
Be sure to also visit the Caraça Sanctuary, a unique blend of nature and history.
Southern Minas Gerais
Explore the region known for its mountains, waterfalls, and some of the best coffee in Brazil. Visit towns such as São Thomé das Letras, famous for its rock formations and mystical legends, and Gonçalves, a mountain retreat with beautiful landscapes and pleasant weather.
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.
What to do in Minas Gerais
- Visit the historic center of Ouro Preto
- Ride the Maria Fumaça steam train between Tiradentes and São João del Rei
- Explore Inhotim, the largest open-air museum in the world
- Visit the House of Chica da Silva in Diamantina
- Taste cheeses and local delicacies at the Central Market of Belo Horizonte
- Relax at the spa towns of São Lourenço and Caxambu
- Go hiking and see waterfalls in Serra da Canastra
- Visit Maquiné Cave in Cordisburgo
Explore the essence of Minas Gerais
Tourism in Minas Gerais brings together art, history, faith, nature, and unforgettable flavors. From museums to mountains, the state delights in every detail. Below are unmissable experiences for those who want to immerse themselves in the very best of Minas.
Cultural and nature tours
- Church of São Francisco de Assis: a baroque masterpiece in Ouro Preto
- Diamantina Winter Festival: music, culture, and tradition in one place
- Maria Fumaça: a nostalgic journey between colonial towns in Minas Gerais
- Inhotim Gardens: contemporary art and biodiversity in Brumadinho
- Farofa Waterfall: hiking and a refreshing swim in Serra do Cipó
- Maquiné Cave: impressive rock formations in Cordisburgo
- Serra da Canastra National Park: home to the cerrado biome and the iconic maned wolf
Faith and religious tours
- Basilica of Our Lady of Pilar, in Ouro Preto: a symbol of religious Baroque art
- Caraça Sanctuary: faith, history, and nature in one place
- Chapel Route, in Tiradentes: colonial churches along stone-paved paths
- Congado festivals: Afro-religious expressions preserved in several cities across Minas Gerais
Minas Gerais cuisine
Gastronomy is one of the pillars of tourism in Minas Gerais, known for its bold flavors, traditional recipes, and a heritage passed down through generations. With strong influences from countryside cooking, Minas Gerais dishes are made with simple ingredients and a lot of care, offering a true sensory journey.
Exploring local cuisine is one of the most memorable experiences for those visiting the state. From hearty, comforting dishes to baked goods and homemade sweets, eating well is part of the itinerary in every city across Minas Gerais.
- Feijão tropeiro: A mix of beans, cassava flour, eggs, pork cracklings, and sausage, served with rice and sautéed collard greens. An icon of roadside restaurants and football stadiums.
- Chicken with okra: A comforting classic of Minas cuisine, usually served with angu (cornmeal polenta) and rice. A staple on the tables of traditional families.
- Pão de queijo: Crisp on the outside and soft on the inside, made with cassava starch and Minas cheese. Perfect with a freshly brewed coffee.
- Canastra cheese: Internationally award-winning, artisanally produced in the Serra da Canastra and recognized as Brazil’s Intangible Cultural Heritage.
- Dulce de leche and goiabada cascão: Stars of Minas desserts, often served with cheese, forming the traditional “Romeo and Juliet” combination.
Tips for enjoying Minas Gerais cuisine
- Local markets: Belo Horizonte’s Central Market is a great place to taste delicacies and buy cheeses, sweets, and artisanal cachaças.
- Traditional restaurants: Experience Minas cuisine at classic spots such as Xapuri in Belo Horizonte or Ponto G in Tiradentes.
- Artisanal cachaças: Taste small-batch cachaças in towns like Salinas, known as the “World Capital of Cachaça.”
- Festivals and events: Take part in events such as the Tiradentes Gastronomy Festival, which brings together renowned chefs and local producers.
- Rural experiences: Visit farms and cheese dairies in the countryside, especially in Serra da Canastra and Southern Minas, to see artisanal production up close.
How to get to Minas Gerais
Traveling through Minas Gerais is an experience that begins as soon as you arrive. With solid transportation infrastructure and a strategic location in Brazil’s Southeast, the state is easily accessible by different means.
By plane
Confins International Airport (CNF): The main air gateway to the state.
Pampulha Airport (PLU): Operates regional and short-haul flights.
Uberlândia Airport (UDI): Serves the Triângulo Mineiro region.
Juiz de Fora Airport (IZA): Ideal for those heading to southern Minas and the Zona da Mata region.
By car
BR-381 (Fernão Dias Highway): Connects Belo Horizonte to São Paulo, one of the state’s main highways.
BR-040: Links Rio de Janeiro to Belo Horizonte and continues on to Brasília.
BR-262: Crosses the state from east to west.
How to get around in Minas Gerais
After arriving, it is essential to understand the best ways to get around in order to enjoy everything that tourism in Minas Gerais has to offer.
- Car rental: Ideal for exploring more remote regions such as Serra da Canastra or the Estrada Real. Book in advance to ensure availability and good prices. Keep a GPS or route app up to date.
- Public transportation: In Belo Horizonte, there are integrated bus lines and a metro system connecting key areas of the city. For travel between cities, the bus network is well developed, with companies operating routes throughout the state.
- Taxis and ride-hailing apps: Available in major cities such as Belo Horizonte, Uberlândia, and Juiz de Fora. Prefer official taxi stands or request rides through apps like Uber and 99. Always check the route and estimated fare before starting the trip.
- Organized tours: A great option for visiting historic towns such as Tiradentes, Mariana, or Congonhas with specialized guides. Compare prices and check reviews of local agencies before booking. Make sure tours include transportation, admission tickets, and insurance for greater convenience.
Best time to visit Minas Gerais
- Summer (December to March): Ideal for those who want to enjoy traditional festivals, such as street Carnival in historic cities like Ouro Preto and Diamantina. Rainfall is more frequent during this period, but the warm weather favors cultural events and urban sightseeing.
- Winter (June to September): Perfect for exploring the mountains, hiking, and enjoying local gastronomy in towns like Tiradentes and Monte Verde. Temperatures are milder and rainfall is lower, which is ideal for outdoor tourism.
- Autumn and Spring (March to June and September to December): Excellent for travelers seeking stable weather, green landscapes, and fewer tourists. April and May are ideal for visiting natural parks, while September and October offer good conditions for mixed itineraries combining culture and nature.
Emergency Services and Tourist Support
Belo Horizonte, the capital of Minas Gerais, offers a complete infrastructure to welcome tourists, with emergency services, public and private hospitals, specialized police stations, and visitor information centers. To ensure a smooth trip, it is important to keep key emergency and tourist support contacts readily available.
The city has assistance posts in strategic areas such as the historic center, Praça da Liberdade, and Confins International Airport. In addition, other tourist cities in the state—such as Ouro Preto, Tiradentes, and Diamantina—also offer basic traveler support infrastructure, including policing, healthcare facilities, and services dedicated to welcoming visitors.
General Emergencies
- Military Police (emergency) – 190
- SAMU (Mobile Emergency Care Service) – 192
- Fire Department – 193
- Civil Defense (environmental emergencies) – 199
- Public Safety Hotline – 181
Tourist Safety and Support
- Civil Police (information and incident reports) – 147
- Federal Highway Police (PRF) – 191
Health and Medical Care
- SAMU – Medical Emergency – 192
More tips about Minas Gerais
Withdraw cash from ATM24h machines
Although many establishments accept cards, it is always a good idea to carry cash for small purchases and more remote areas. ATM24h machines are spread throughout the state, making it easy to withdraw money anywhere.
Check the installed locations here.
Sunscreen and insect repellent
The sun in Minas Gerais can also be strong, so do not forget to bring sunscreen. In addition, in forested areas and on hiking trails, insect repellent is essential to avoid bites.
Stay hydrated
Stay well hydrated, especially if you are exploring trails or spending the day in rural areas. Always carry a bottle of water with you.
Try the local cuisine
Minas Gerais cuisine is rich and diverse. Be sure to try traditional dishes such as feijão tropeiro, chicken with okra, pão de queijo, and Canastra cheese. Besides being delicious, they are an important part of local culture.
Respect the culture and traditions
Minas Gerais is a state with vibrant culture and unique traditions. Respect local customs, take part in festivals and events with an open mind, and take the opportunity to learn more about Minas Gerais’ history and culture.
Local transportation
If you need to get around within cities, use ride-hailing apps or taxis for greater safety and comfort. In tourist areas, it is often possible to explore on foot or by bicycle.
Accommodation
Book your accommodation in advance, especially during peak seasons such as summer. There are options for all tastes and budgets, from charming inns to luxury resorts.
With these tips, your trip to Minas Gerais will be even more relaxed and enjoyable. Get ready to be enchanted by this wonderful state!
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 Waters Circuit (São Lourenço and Caxambu).
