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Minas Gerais

Minas Gerais Travel Guide

South-East Brazil

Minas Gerais is an inland state recognised for its historic colonial towns like Ouro Preto and Tiradentes, being the birthplace of Pao de Queijo (cheese bread), and tourism focused on culture and gastronomy with its distinctive cuisine.

Tall palm trees lining Praca da Liberdade in Belo Horizonte
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About Minas Gerais, Brazil


Minas Gerais is a large and historically significant state located in southeastern Brazil. It is the second-most populous state in the country, with over 20 million inhabitants, and the fourth-largest in area, covering approximately 586,500 square kilometers. The state’s capital is Belo Horizonte, a major urban center known for its modernist architecture and cultural life. Minas Gerais played a central role during Brazil’s colonial period due to its rich mineral resources, particularly gold and gemstones. This wealth attracted settlers and led to the development of historic towns like Ouro Preto, Mariana, and Diamantina, which are renowned today for their well-preserved baroque architecture and are recognized as UNESCO World Heritage Sites.


Geographically, Minas Gerais is characterized by rolling mountains, plateaus, and river valleys, which create a scenic and varied landscape that supports a thriving tourism industry. The area surrounding Belo Horizonte is dotted with charming colonial towns nestled in the mountains, such as Congonhas, Tiradentes, and São João del-Rei, each offering a mix of historical architecture, cultural festivals, and artisanal crafts. To the north of the capital lies the Serra do Cipó National Park, a popular destination for hiking, rock climbing, and waterfalls, part of the larger Espinhaço Mountain Range. Other natural highlights include Parque Nacional da Serra da Canastra, home to the headwaters of the São Francisco River and the endangered maned wolf, and Parque Estadual do Ibitipoca, known for its caves, canyons, and high-altitude vistas. These natural and historical attractions make Minas Gerais a destination for both cultural and eco-tourism.


Economically, Minas Gerais remains a powerhouse in Brazil, with a diversified economy centered on mining, agriculture, and manufacturing. It is Brazil’s leading producer of iron ore and has major deposits of bauxite, gold, and niobium. The state is also a major agricultural contributor, especially in coffee production—Minas Gerais is the country’s top coffee-producing state. Additionally, the region supports significant cattle ranching and dairy industries. Industrial activity includes steel production, automotive manufacturing, and food processing, making it an integral part of Brazil’s industrial corridor.

Quick Facts: Minas Gerais


Population of Minas Gerais: Approximately 21.4 million


Area of Minas Gerais: 586,528 square kilometres


Major Airports in Minas Gerais:

Tancredo Neves International Airport (Confins), Pampulha Airport (Belo Horizonte), Uberlândia Airport, Montes Claros Airport, Juiz de Fora Regional Airport


Climate and Best Time to Visit Minas Gerais:

Tropical savanna and subtropical highland

Rainy season: October to March

Dry season: April to September

Best time to visit: April to September


Top Attractions in Minas Gerais:

  • Liberty Square - Belo Horizonte

  • Inhotim Museum

  • Pampulha Lake & Ensemble - Belo Horizonte

  • Ouro Preto Historic Centre

  • Tiradentes Historic Town

  • Cheese Tasting in Bichinho Town

  • Serra do Cipó National Park

  • São João del Rei cathedrals

  • Gruta de Maquiné

  • Capitólio Canyons and Furnas Lake

  • Congonhas Basilica and Prophets of Aleijadinho

See all travel guides for destinations in Minas Gerais

Belo Horizonte

Ouro Preto

Tiradentes

Must-try Regional Dishes in Minas Gerais


Minas Gerais cuisine is defined by slow-cooked stews, wood-fired flavors, and ingredients like pork, beans, cornmeal, and cheese, creating hearty and comforting food

  • Feijão Tropeiro – A savory mix of beans, cassava flour, eggs, sausage, and bacon

  • Tutu de Feijão – A dense bean purée thickened with manioc flour and enriched with garlic and pork fat, typically served with rice and crispy pork.

  • Frango com Quiabo – Chicken stewed with okra in a garlicky, slightly mucilaginous broth, often accompanied by angu, a soft cornmeal porridge.

  • Pão de Queijo – Chewy-on-the-inside cheese rolls made from cassava starch and local Minas cheese

  • Doce de Leite – A traditional milk-based caramel


Minas is also famous for it's innovative drinks - don't miss trying Xeque Mate and Lambe Lambe.

Festivals & Events in Minas Gerais


  • Semana Santa (Holy Week) – São João del-Rei & Ouro Preto: One of the most iconic religious observances in Brazil, featuring baroque liturgies, torchlit processions, and intricate street carpets made of colored sawdust, flowers, and coffee grounds. Read more about it.

  • Festival de Inverno de Ouro Preto e Mariana: A major cultural event held every July, showcasing music, theater, visual arts, and film across two historic towns, attracting artists and visitors from all over Brazil.

  • Festa do Divino – Tiradentes: A centuries-old religious and cultural celebration blending Catholic traditions and folklore, with parades, masses, music, and community feasts in honor of the Holy Spirit. Read more about it.

  • Exposição Agropecuária de Uberaba (ExpoZebu): The largest Zebu cattle fair in the world, held annually in Uberaba, combining agribusiness, genetics, rodeos, and country music shows, central to Minas’s agricultural identity.

  • Festival de Cultura e Gastronomia de Tiradentes: One of Brazil’s most renowned food festivals, held every August, celebrating Minas Gerais's culinary traditions with chef-led tastings, cooking classes, and regional product showcases.

Green and yellow tropical flowers Brazil

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