Minas Gerais Travel Guide
- Overview
- Places to Explore
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Guidebooks
Though it's far from the circuit of Brazil's most visited places, the state of Minas Gerais holds unforgettable historical, architectural, and ecological riches. Minas has more UNESCO World Heritage sites that any other state in Brazil. This mountainous state's name, which means "general mines," was inspired by the area's great mineral wealth. Prior to the 18th century the region was unexplored due to its difficult terrain, but in the late 17th century bandeirantes, or adventurers, forged into the interior, eventually discovering vast precious-metal reserves. As a result, the state, and particularly the city of Ouro Preto, became the de facto capital of the Portuguese colony. That period of gold, diamond, and semiprecious-stone trading is memorialized in the historic towns scattered across the jagged blue mountain ridges and remains a tremendous source of pride for mineiros (inhabitants of the state).
Minas Gerais Hotels
In the interior of Minas Gerais, especially in the historic cities and state parks, there are two types of traditional accommodations for tourists: pousadas...read more
Minas Gerais Restaurants
Probably the most popular cuisine in the country, Mineiran food is a mixure of Portuguese, Indian, and African flavors. Famous foods include lombo de porco...read more
Things To Do in Minas Gerais
Explore the best sights, entertainment, and shopping with our top choices and insider tips.
Travel Deals in Minas Gerais
- 6-Nt Rio & Buenos Aires Incl. Air & Tax go-today
- 6-Nt Rio & Buenos Aires Incl. Air & Tax — $1,549 go-today
- Brazil Active: Amazon, Cerrado & Pantanal — $3,709 IExplore
- Brazil Experience — $3,439 IExplore
Minas Gerais Experiences
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Ouro Preto has a reputation for the best selection and prices in Brazil.... Read more
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Walking on the paralelepípedos (cobblestones) in Ouro Preto, Diamantina, and Tiradentes, all magnificently preserved baroque towns of... Read more
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Exploration of Minas began in the 17th century, when bandeirantes (bands of adventurers) from the coastal areas came in search of slaves and... Read more
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Some gastronomic critics say there are only three native Brazilian cuisines: the cuisine from the North (particularly from Pará); the... Read more
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Gems vary widely in quality and value; don't buy them on the streets, and be wary about buying them from smaller shops. Do your research. Know... Read more
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When gold was discovered in Minas Gerais in the 17th century, the Portuguese, to ensure their control of the mining industry, exiled the traditional... Read more
Travel Blog
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Practical Travel Tips
America is about to see a boost in tourism from China and Brazil, following President Obama's announceme Read more
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Last Minute Travel
Rio de Janeiro puts on one of the world’s biggest, liveliest parties every year for Carnival. Read more
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Travel Tip of the Day
Throughout Brazil, use the thumbs-up gesture to indicate that something is OK. Read more
·Weather
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75° F Mostly Cloudy 53% Humidity Feb 15, 2012 at 10:00AMCheck historic weather for your trip dates
Arriving:· Forums Trip Reports
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We traveled through the South Coast of Brazil in Dec 2008 (sorry for the delayed report!) Just realizing how much valuable information I've obtained from this site, that I just felt compelled to give back!). Read more
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It has been a few days since our return from a 16-17 day Brazil trip, and we have just recovered from our jet lag. Read more
·Brazil Forum
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Booked "apartment" in this hotel. Read more
