Belo Horizonte Day Trips: Top 5 Unmissable Escapes

Belo Horizonte, or “BH” as the locals very often call it, is that spot that can truly surprise. More or less considered the heart of Minas Gerais, it serves almost like this gateway to all sorts of fascinating adventures. It’s not just about the city itself; pretty soon, you’ll want to venture out and explore what lies beyond, you know? So, if you are planning a visit, there is this array of day trips that are more than doable, all promising unique experiences and different perspectives on Brazilian culture and landscape, to be honest. Each spot has like its own vibe, whether it’s the historical allure, you know?, or that creative art installation or even scenic vistas that just take your breath away. That said, let’s take a look at some fantastic places that deserve your attention.

1. Ouro Preto: A Step Back in Time

Ouro Preto is almost certainly that top spot if you’re itching for a peek at colonial Brazil. Literally meaning “Black Gold,” this place used to be quite the star in the gold rush days. You know, stepping into Ouro Preto kind of feels like jumping back in time, actually. So, think about wandering through those hilly cobblestone streets, peeking at incredibly preserved Baroque structures and churches, each pretty much narrating tales from way back when, alright? And very many of these landmarks were literally designed or touched by the famous Aleijadinho, a renowned sculptor and architect. Then you add museums displaying golden artifacts and that vibrant local culture into the mix, and Ouro Preto certainly provides this complete, fulfilling day out, is that right?

What to Expect

You’ll definitely do loads of walking. I mean loads, you know?, because of that hilly terrain. The historic center is actually this UNESCO World Heritage site, therefore, it has to be explored bit by bit on foot, really. Very many churches require a small entry fee, and it really is almost a point to carry small change. Guided tours, that tends to be really useful if you want very deep insights into the local history and artwork, so, to be honest, do that too, alright? You could start at places like the Igreja de São Francisco de Assis, quite known for its stunning design, and Museu da Inconfidência that showcases some pretty crucial episodes of Brazilian history, and that’s that. Very interesting! Also, that local craft scene in Ouro Preto gives like very awesome chances to grab keepsakes that genuinely echo the location’s heritage, I would say. Now, that’s all pretty neat, right?

Getting There

So, Ouro Preto is located approximately 100 km, that would be like 62 miles, very far to the southeast of Belo Horizonte. The common ways for you to travel there involve renting a car or catching a bus. I find it easier to take the bus from Belo Horizonte’s main bus station; they depart fairly regularly, and it offers that super cost-effective way to get there. In case you would rather drive, it is pretty convenient but parking around those historical spots, very, very limited, by the way. The roads generally speaking are in good nick, and that travel takes almost two hours, therefore make sure you allow extra time just in case.

2. Inhotim: Art Meets Nature

Alright, next on the list is Inhotim, where that blend of art and nature creates really one-of-a-kind experiences. This spot isn’t actually a standard museum but more of this outdoor art park stretching over acres and acres, exhibiting modern and contemporary artworks nestled throughout these lush botanical gardens, really. Imagine you’re strolling past jaw-dropping installations or sculptures whilst being bordered by some scenic, exotic plants; that’s what Inhotim offers you, you know?

What to Expect

You know, expect to walk. Then walk some more. This park is HUGE, basically, requiring comfy shoes and probably a full day, literally. There’s so much to see. Little golf carts actually make things very easier by offering routes between some key exhibits. That ticket cost usually gets like you admission to nearly every gallery and outside exhibits, so there isn’t this separate payment at all, you know. If you are interested in local botany as you also are with art, you’re just going to adore Inhotim. Don’t hurry it, maybe grab lunch at one of those cafes right in the park itself, giving some very relaxing respites to all that walking, that’s absolutely required if you plan to explore it fully. Is that not exciting? I’d say so.

Getting There

Getting to Inhotim typically takes around an hour and a half’s drive from Belo Horizonte. So, similar to going to Ouro Preto, renting a car certainly presents the more direct choice, but there happens to be bus services operating there also. From BH, catch that bus heading directly towards Brumadinho (where Inhotim is actually located), these buses are quite frequent all through the day, alright? By using this bus, the trip just takes a bit longer due to other passenger pickups and drop-offs in a few small villages, you know?

3. Macacos (São Sebastião das Águas Claras)

Alright, this is a very short distance from BH, like barely more than 20 km, which makes it just this absolutely quick day escape. Usually São Sebastião das Águas Claras (but well known as “Macacos,” which basically translates as ‘monkeys’) offers visitors this charming small-town vibe very complete with this mix of ecotourism and gastronomy, really. Very ideal, in particular when it’s after a more laid-back experience. In Macacos you’ll have choices, very various routes for you to hike through landscapes as you like, visit some cute restaurants providing genuine Mineiran dishes, and have access to many cultural occasions on some specific days, you know?

What to Expect

So, anticipate like this calm tempo within a setting very marked by nature. Walks for you to do range in duration and level of difficulty which means it makes the location actually easily accessed by all types of walkers, literally. When eating, that local cuisine truly needs to be sampled, right? I mean feijão tropeiro (beans combined with bacon and sausage), pão de queijo (cheese bread), and doce de leite (milk candy), must try those, for certain. Macacos often showcases live songs on weekends too, therefore adding the entertaining touch to that peaceful getaway. Look out for the occasions agenda for weekend tips before you decide to leave; could be a decent concept, yes?

Getting There

It really is almost very accessible by driving. Take that BR-040 highway headed toward Rio de Janeiro then just hook up to the MG-30 leading up toward Macacos. Traveling lasts just less than one hour give or take based on the volume on the traffic. And of course, a very inexpensive alternative could be taking a bus coming straight out of Belo Horizonte station, so to be fair, that’s definitely simple, you know?

4. Serra da Piedade

Serra da Piedade provides just these mind-blowing landscape perspectives. Located about 50km, roughly 31 miles, from Belo Horizonte and housing one of Brazil’s most well-known religious sites: that cute Ermida da Padroeira de Minas Gerais chapel at its top. That sanctuary nestled in very striking natural beauty very much draws pilgrims together with sightseers all year round to get the incredible panoramic views and feel all that quiet and serenity. Also it provides stargazers with literally perfect problems in very clear evenings thanks mainly that to high elevation far away city lights, you see. That and it’s awesome!

What to Expect

Anticipate crisp, refreshing air on reaching up on Serra, it is definitely a higher location. The main activity that takes place is really that panoramic sight from basically everywhere close to the top. Also, explore the tiny, lovely chapel— its minimalist yet attractive design just amplifies all that spirituality hanging within the surroundings, basically. Should you opt to stick around through nightfall, that heavens provide just that incredibly unforgettable star watching. Bear in mind it might actually become cooler once daylight starts fading which makes layers useful indeed.

Getting There

Almost that easier option involves setting off by way of a car—that track is normally effectively maintained and properly signposted which makes going relatively simple. Just grab MG-030 from Belo Horizonte then adhere to the indications designed for Serra Da Piedade. It really takes under one hour given good driving weather; take into account there does exist quite a climb involved getting uphill.

5. Gruta Rei do Mato

That cave is really amazing as that. Positioned in Sete Lagoas that is definitely merely hours travel faraway from Belo Horizonte. Gruta Rei do Mato truly has this fascinating range rock formations in all sorts along with underground lakes therefore therefore rendering cave fanatics that truly appealing exploratory site. Also the name means ‘Grotto of your Mate Master.” The site also lures in very many folks on account its prehistoric artworks spotted within those chambers that just illustrate literally much old life when looking from recent past as that truly had gone through significant transformations which now show themselves like really breathtaking wonders.

What to Expect

So, be all set for like led trips around the caves which should last one hour basically that highlight crucial spots and noteworthy formations, is that not impressive? Due there does occur very limited natural light in any case, led lighting programs have definitely been installed, making viewing crystal-clear. This sort cave does certainly stay relatively humid also fairly steady round the temperature point then bringing lighter layers together might possibly prove helpful basically.

Getting There

Sete Lagoas has its residence actually approximately 70 km, close like approximately 43 kilometers faraway from BH. If your travel preferences lean on getting to the destination getting a car it then provides very quick routes over properly sustained motorways straight on through! Alternatively even for low cost strategies you just simply select consistent tour bus products which specifically target traveling specifically among these 2 towns and cities!