Minas Gerais Travel Guide

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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).

Hotels

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

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Restaurants

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

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Things To Do

Things To Do in Minas Gerais

Explore the best sights, entertainment, and shopping with our top choices and insider tips.

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Minas Gerais Experiences

  • Top Reasons to Go to Minas Gerais

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

  • A Bit of History

    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

  • Eating Like a Mineiro

    Some gastronomic critics say there are only three native Brazilian cuisines: the cuisine from the North (particularly from Pará); the... Read more

  • Finding a Gem

    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

  • Brazilian Baroque

    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

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