Brazil Ouro Preto and Minas Gerais

When's the best time to visit Ouro Preto and Minas Gerais?

At 1,000m above sea level Ouro Prêto has a more temperate climate than the coast, with temperatures ranging from 2-28°C and cold winters. Most rain falls in Dec- Jan. Avoid visiting the Minas towns on Mondays when many attractions are closed.

For more detailed information visit our When To Go section.

What's the official language of Ouro Preto and Minas Gerais?

Brazilian Portuguese, a more languid and musical version of Portugal’s mother tongue.

How do I get local currency in Ouro Preto and Minas Gerais?

Brazilian Real.

Notes can be withdrawn from the ATMs of Bradesco and Banco do Brasils in Ouro Prêto using a UK credit or debit card. Limits may be lower than your UK bank allows. ATMs close at 10pm.

What's the time difference between Ouro Preto and UK?

GMT -3 hours. There is daylight saving from Oct to the end of Feb (approx) when clocks are put forward one hour.

What places combine well with Ouro Preto and Minas Gerais?

Salvador, the most atmospheric colonial and African city,( 2 hours by road to Belo Horizonte then 1 hour 50mins by air); Paraty (530 km) to discover another beautiful colonial town, on a bay on the Costa Verde west of Rio; Olinda, colonial gem near Recife on the northeast coast  (fly from Belo Horizonte to Recife, 2.5 hours); Brasilia, the once futuristic planned capital of Brazil, (1.5 hours by air).

How do I get to Ouro Preto and Minas Gerais?

Fly from Rio de Janeiro to Belo Horizonte (1 hour) and continue by road (2hrs) to Ouro Prêto; it’s a 12 hour drive direct from Rio.

What are the festivals and cultural events in Ouro Preto and Minas Gerais?

Carnival: 5 days in Feb/Mar, variable: 28 Feb – 4 Mar 2014.
Easter and Holy Week: Religious parades and traditional celebrations in Ouro Prêto and other Mineira towns.
Winter Festival of the Federal University of Minas Gerais: Ouro Prêto, Jul. Three weeks of shows, concerts, arts, exhibitions.