Top Reasons to Go

Top Reasons to Go

Walking on the paralelepípedos (cobblestones) in Ouro Preto, Diamantina, and Tiradentes, all magnificently preserved baroque towns of white and pastel houses and churches.

Seeing the baroque gems of architect and sculptor Alejaidinho, whom an ex-curator of the Louvre called the "Michelangelo of the Tropics."

Indulging your tastebuds in every Brazilian's favorite culinary state—if only for the pão de queijo (cheese bread) and the doce de leite or the sweet of milk, a boiled version of condensed milk.

Minas Gerais produces most of the world's colored gemstones, including amethysts, aquamarines, tourmalines, emeralds, and the imperial topaz, which can only be found in Ouro Preto and in the Ural mountains in Russia.

Hiking, horseback riding, and swimming in and around the beautiful national parks and natural springs tapped by numerous spa towns.