Tiradentes, a colonial town located in the state of Minas Gerais, Brazil, is notable for its well-preserved 18th-century architecture, its role in Brazil’s history, and its culinary traditions rooted in the regional flavors of Minas Gerais. Founded in the early 18th century during the gold rush, the town was named after Joaquim José da Silva Xavier, known as Tiradentes. Tiradentes was a key figure in Brazil’s independence movement who led the Inconfidência Mineira, a failed 1789 revolt against Portuguese colonial rule and excessive taxation.
The town features cobblestone streets, historic churches such as the Igreja Matriz de Santo Antônio, known for its gold-leaf interior, and landmarks like the Chafariz de São José, an 18th-century fountain that served as the town’s water source. Tiradentes is surrounded by natural landscapes, including the Serra de São José mountain range, and offers hiking trails to nearby waterfalls. It is also known for its gastronomy, featuring traditional Minas Gerais dishes such as feijão tropeiro and pão de queijo, which attract culinary enthusiasts from around the country.
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How to Spend 3 days in Tiradentes, Minas Gerais
Here’s a detailed guide on how to spend three days in Tiradentes, including activities, transport, and where to eat and drink, based on my own experience visiting this historic town.
Day 1: Arrive and explore the Tiradentes historic centre
Morning: Take a bus from Belo Horizonte to Tiradentes, via Sao Joao del Rei. See my full guide on how to get to Tiradentes.
Lunch: Traditional Cuisine in the Historic Center
Begin your visit with a meal at one of the restaurants in Tiradentes, known for its traditional cuisine from the state of Minas Gerais. Look for dishes like tutu de feijão (bean puree), frango com quiabo (chicken and okra), or tropeiro beans to get a taste of the local cuisine. To try a variety of local foods in one sitting, I recommend the buffet Restaurante Delícias de Tiradentes (map), conveniently located next to the bus station. Tip: It's quite a bit cheaper if you get takeaway.

Afternoon: Visit Historic Churches and the Fountain of St. Joseph
After lunch, explore Tiradentes’ historic center, starting with its iconic churches. Visit the Igreja Matriz de Santo Antônio, known for its ornate baroque interior and stunning gold-leaf decorations. Then, head to Igreja Nossa Senhora do Rosário dos Pretos, built by enslaved workers, and learn about its historical significance.
Conclude your afternoon with a visit to the Fountain of St. Joseph (Chafariz de São José), an 18th-century baroque fountain that once served as the town's water source. Its stonework and historical relevance provide insight into daily life during the colonial era. Tip: Don't drink from the fountain - I tried so you don't have to. It didn't go well.
After your walk, stop in at Picolé do Amado (map) to try an artisan homemade ice-cream at a great price. The family run business produces unique flavours with a focus on using natural ingredients. If you have a sweet tooth, you can also try a variety of home-made sweets including dolce de leche at Chico Rei (map).

Evening: Dinner in the Historic Center
Grab a cold drink and sit on the hill right beside the Tiradentes bus station to watch the sunset and look for wild toucans that live in the area. End your day with dinner in the town center. Many restaurants offer a mix of local dishes and modern takes on traditional Minas Gerais cuisine. After dinner, a small bar in the main square, Taberna (map), serves decent affordable cocktails.

Day 2: Take a day Trip to Bichinho for cheese and cachaça tasting
Morning: Visit Bichinho & stop at Casa Torta
Consider having breakfast at Mercado Tunico, an understated corner store that serves hot coffee, incredible pão de queijo (cheese bread) and misto quente com ovo (ham cheese & egg breakfast sandwiches). Ask to eat in their small garden out the back.
Take the local bus to the nearby town of Bichinho, known for its artisan stores and farm-direct local products (how to get there & bus timetable). Get off the bus at Casa Torta, an unconventional attraction in Bichinho. This quirky house with an intentionally crooked design features interactive exhibits and activities for all ages. The tour of the house takes around 1 hour and costs R$60.

Afternoon: Visit artisan stores and do a cheese & cachaca tasting
From Casa Torta, walk town the main road towards the Bichinho town square, stopping at any local artisan stores, bars, and cafes that catch your eye along the way. Spend the afternoon browsing local shops and workshops featuring handmade crafts, pottery, homewares, and textiles.

Stop by one of the local cheese producers in Bichinho to sample regional cheeses, one of Minas Gerais' most famous exports. My recommendation is to visit Minas Queijos & Massas (map), where you can try a wide variety of delicious home-made cheeses, and learn about the process and different flavours of each cheese. While you're there, you can also try their home-made dolce de leche, and a variety of cachaças. They sell their products for very fair prices - so I highly recommend stocking up on cheeses here to take with you on your journey.

Return to Tiradentes on the last bus of the day at 4.40pm (timetable), departing from the main road in front of the town square, Galeria Bichinho (map).
Evening: Return to Tiradentes for a relaxing evening. Consider dinner or a drink at one of the town’s cozy cafes or bars. Or, for a great value for money dinner, head to Espetinho Tiradentes (map) for some cheap BBQ skewers or a R$19 jantinha (little dinner) - though there is nothing little about this dinner.
Day 3: Hike, swim, and ride the Maria Fumaça steam train
Morning: Walk in the St. Joseph Mountains
Start your final day with a morning walk in the St. Joseph Mountains or to one of the nearby waterfalls, such as taking the Trilha do Mange (4km) or Calcada dos Escravos (9pm). Enjoy the fresh air, look for native birds, or have a swim in the waterfall or natural pools, before heading back to town.
Afternoon: Steam Train Ride to São João del Rei
Conclude your visit with a ride on the Maria Fumaça, a historic steam train connecting Tiradentes to São João del Rei (tickets). The journey offers scenic views of the countryside and mountains, providing a unique and nostalgic way to end your trip. From São João del Rei, there are regular busses to return to Belo Horizonte.

Tips for Your Trip
Wear comfortable shoes, as Tiradentes’ cobblestone streets are hilly and uneven.
Arrive early for attractions like the Matriz Church, as they can get busy during peak hours.
The steam train operates on specific schedules, so confirm departure times in advance.
Local crafts and cachaça make excellent souvenirs.
Have you visited Tiradentes? Tell me about your experience in the comments below!
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