Overview
The open, rolling hills in the historically important state of Minas Gerais, north of Rio, are dotted with delightful colonial towns, founded to service the mining of gold, precious stones and latterly iron. Nowadays they enchant those visitors with an interest in colonial culture and history: the region is the birthplace of Brazilian independence. The university town and arts centre of Ouro Prêto is the best known, with 23 baroque churches crowning the hills. Other historic towns of interest are the less-developed but equally lovely Diamantina, Mariana and arty Tiradentes with its horse-drawn carriages and little steam train.
Minas Gerais embraces 21st century Brazil with equal enthusiasm: its capital Belo Horizonte is a regional powerhouse with a thriving cultural scene. Nearby is the vast open-air contemporary art museum and botanical park of Inhotim, unique in Brazil.
Things to do
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Accommodation
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Where to go when - our guide to Ouro Preto and Minas Gerais
The weather in Ouro Preto and Minas Gerais is wide and varied
The birthplace of Brazilian independence, the state of Minas Gerais, offers open, rolling hills dotted with delightful colonial towns. With a fresher climate than the coast, here there are pleasant summer temperatures and little rainfall in the Brazilian winter. The summer, December - March, is not unduly hot but some rainfall is possible almost every day. The festivals of Carnival and Easter are celebrated with parades.
View our Ouro Preto and Minas Gerais weather guidePapagaio
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