Brazil's South-East Region
The Ultimate Brazil Travel Guide: Ouro Preto
A hilly historic town turned university city, with lively nightlife
Ouro Preto, located in Minas Gerais, is a former colonial mining town known for its baroque architecture and significant role in Brazil’s 18th-century gold rush. The town is a UNESCO World Heritage site, featuring landmarks such as the Church of São Francisco de Assis, designed by artist Aleijadinho, and the Inconfidência Museum. Ouro Preto is also famous for its steep, cobblestone streets and well-preserved historic buildings. It is conveniently located just 2 hours from Belo Horizonte.
Top 10 Things to See & Do in Ouro Preto
Explore the historic town centre: Wander through the cobbled streets lined with colonial-era buildings. The town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its baroque architecture and well-preserved layout from the 18th century gold rush period.
Visit Igreja de São Francisco de Assis: Designed by Aleijadinho, this church is a prime example of Brazilian baroque architecture. It features intricate soapstone carvings, painted ceilings and an ornate wooden altar.
Tour the Mina du Veloso: This former gold mine offers guided tours into underground tunnels. Visitors learn about the mining techniques used during the colonial period and the working conditions of miners.
Discover the Museu da Inconfidência: Located in the former town hall, the museum is dedicated to the Inconfidência Mineira, an 18th-century independence movement. It exhibits historical documents, artworks and artifacts related to the period.
Hike to Pico do Itacolomi: The peak, located in Itacolomi State Park, offers panoramic views of Ouro Preto and the surrounding mountains. The trail is approximately 6 kilometres return and through native Atlantic forest.
Visit Igreja Matriz de Nossa Senhora do Pilar: Known for its gold interior decoration, this church was built in the 18th century and contains numerous works by Aleijadinho and Manuel da Costa Ataíde.
Explore Casa dos Contos: A colonial mansion that was once the tax collection office. The museum covers the history of gold mining and the colonial economy with exhibits on slavery and currency.
Visit Museu do Oratório: This museum displays a large collection of religious art, including miniature altars, statues and sacred objects from the colonial period.
Walk around Praça Tiradentes: The central square of Ouro Preto, named after the Brazilian independence leader Tiradentes. It features statues, fountains and is surrounded by important historical buildings.
Attend a local cultural event or festival: Ouro Preto hosts various events throughout the year including baroque music concerts, religious festivals, and traditional celebrations such as the Festa do Divino and Holy Week processions.
How long to spend in Ouro Preto
It is recommended to spend at least 3 days exploring Ouro Preto, to visit the historic centre, old gold mines, and surrounding nature.
Where to stay in Ouro Preto
In Ouro Preto, the main areas to stay are around the historic city centre and near the Tiradentes neighbourhood. The city centre offers close access to colonial architecture, museums and churches. The Tiradentes area is quieter and residential, providing a more local experience while still being close to the city centre.
Find cheap accommodation for your stay in Ouro Preto, or check out my personal recommendations:
Hotels in Ouro Preto
Hotel Recanto do Ouro - luxury hotel with situated in the mountains, with a waterfall (availability)
Hotel Solar do Rosário - built in an old colonial building with large garden (availability)
Pousadas (guesthouses)
Pousada Chão de Minas Ouro Preto - features an infinity pool and lush gardens (availability)
Pousada Mirante do Sol - hot tubs and an amazing sunset view (availability)
Hotel Pousada do Arcanjo - colonial style rooms with a mountain view (availability)
Backpacker Hostels in Ouro Preto
La Musica Hostel - an eclectic hostel centrally located (availability)
É Hostel - cute hostel with private and shared rooms (availability)
Ouro Preto's historic centre
Where is Ouro Preto, Brazil
Quick Facts about Ouro Preto
Population of Ouro Preto, Brazil
77,914 people (IBGE, 2025)
Nickname
People from Ouro Preto are called ouro-pretanos, and people from Minas Gerais in general are called mineiros.
Closest airport
The closest airport is located in Belo Horizonte - Aeroporto Internacional de Confins / Tancredo Neves (CNF)
Main bus terminal
Terminal Rodoviário de Ouro Preto
How to get to Ouro Preto
The closest airport to Ouro Preto is located in Belo Horizonte, with regular international and domestic connections. It is also easy to reach Ouro Preto by bus from Belo Horizonte and other locations in Minas Gerais.
See all bus connections and find cheap tickets to Ouro Preto
How to get to Ouro Preto from Belo Horizonte
From Belo Horizonte, there are regular busses to Ouro Preto departing from Terminal Rodoviário de Belo Horizonte (map). The trip takes around 2 hours (tickets & timetable).
How to get to Ouro Preto from Rio de Janeiro
The fastest way to get to Ouro Preto from Rio de Janeiro is to fly to Belo Horizonte and take a bus. However, if preferring to travel by land, there is an overnight bus that runs directly from Rio's Novo Rio bus terminal (map) to Ouro Preto. The trip takes around 8.5 hours (tickets & timetable).
How to get around Ouro Preto
Many of the Ouro Preto's main sights can be reached on foot. Busses and taxis also operate within Ouro Preto. Buses and trains connect Ouro Preto with the nearby town Mariana 12km away - while the train ride is considerably more expensive it offers an exceptionally scenic trip through the mountains. Tickets can be purchased online. [note: the train has been suspended and it is unclear if/when it will resume operations].
Things to know before you go
Ouro Preto, nestled in the mountains of Minas Gerais, is one of the Brazil's most captivating colonial towns. Once the epicenter of Brazil ’s gold rush in the 18th century, this UNESCO World Heritage site is known for its well-preserved Baroque architecture. The town's name, Ouro Preto, means Black Gold.
Historical and Architectural Significance
Ouro Preto’s streets are lined with stunning examples of Baroque and Rococo architecture, with churches, public buildings, and houses that have stood the test of time. The town is home to some of Brazil’s most famous Baroque churches, including the Church of São Francisco de Assis, designed by the renowned architect and sculptor Aleijadinho, and the Church of Our Lady of the Rosary, built by and for African slaves. These churches are repositories of incredible art, with paintings that tell stories of the town’s religious and cultural history.
Cultural Experiences
Ouro Preto is a hub of cultural activities. The Museu da Inconfidência, housed in the former colonial town hall, offers insights into the Inconfidência Mineira, a revolutionary movement that sought Brazil’s independence from Portuguese rule. The Casa dos Contas, once a treasury and mint, now serves as a museum showcasing colonial-era artifacts, including tools used in gold mining. Entrance to both museums is free.
Another unique experience is the Mina da Passagem, one of the world’s largest gold mines open to tourists. Here, you can descend into the mine’s tunnels via a trolley and explore the underground chambers. Tickets cost R$220 for adults and must be paid in cash.
Natural Surroundings
Ouro Preto is surrounded by the natural landscapes of the Serra do Espinhaço mountain range. There are forests, waterfalls, and scenic hiking trails just a short distance away. Visitors can explore the Parque Estadual do Itacolomi, where the Itacolomi Peak offers panoramic views of the region.
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