10 incredible cities with wonderful landscapes in Minas Gerais

Minas Gerais is a spectacle of nature. A state without beaches, but with some of the most beautiful waterfalls and caves in Brazil, in its cities it is possible to do contemplation, adventure and even detox tourism from the day-to-day rush.

Learn more about 10 of the most beautiful cities in Minas Gerais, with their incredible attractions and privileged views. Maybe one of them will make it into your next vacation plans.

Ayuroca

The great point of visiting the tiny city of 6,000 inhabitants is to do a detox from the hustle and bustle of the big city. Most inns don’t have Wi-Fi for guests, and some don’t even have 3G or cell phone signal. The church bells indicate meal times, and everything is done with the utmost tranquility by the locals. Visitors are expected to get into this vibe too.

When the peace starts to tire, you can go for a walk in the Matutu Valley (photo), environmental protection area of ​​the city. Your program there will be to observe the historic houses and constructions (many of which are deactivated), go on trails and enjoy reflecting pools, waterfalls and lots of greenery.

Brumadinho

The great attraction of Brumadinho is, without a doubt, the Inhotim Institute🇧🇷 A mix of a botanical garden and a contemporary art museum, it houses around 500 works by more than 100 artists, including Vik Muniz and Adriana Varejão, in 400 hectares of exuberant nature.

But there is more to do in Brumadinho. O Serra do Rola Moça State Park It has the four main viewpoints in the city: Mirante dos Veados, Mirante das Três Pedras, Mirante do Planeta and Mirante do Jatobá. From them you can see even neighboring cities.

Another place worth visiting is the serra da moeda, at an altitude of 1500 meters, where the most adventurous go hang gliding. Those who are more or less adventurous can go on ecological trails on foot or by bike and go horseback riding. Local people are proud to say that the Serra da Moeda sunset is the most beautiful in Minas Gerais.

It is also possible to take a balloon ride in Brumadinho. If the weather conditions are favorable, there are daily scenic flights where you can see the entire city from above (as in the photo) and those endless mountains on the horizon. Beautiful!

Capitol

Minas Gerais doesn’t have beaches, but it does have Capitólio. The city is between Serra da Canasta it’s the Furnas lake, which is the largest body of water in the state. On walks there, nature is the main attraction – full plate for those who enjoy ecotourism.

There are lakes and natural pools, canyons with their incredible waterfalls, trails, lookouts and caves, all with lots of green water. The highlights are Lago de Furnas (photo), the Canyons of FurnasO Viewpoint of the Canyonsa blue Lagoon and the sun trail🇧🇷 In many of these places you can take paid trips on boats, speedboats or chalanas.

Conceição do Mato Dentro

Ecotourism capital of Minas Gerais, Conceição do Mato Dentro is located at the foot of Serra do Espinhaço🇧🇷 That’s where it’s at Waterfall of Tabuleiro (photo), the third largest waterfall in Brazil, considered a must visit. Other waterfalls that deserve attention are the Three Bars and the Ponytail🇧🇷

In the intervals between tours, enjoy the peaceful routine of the small and welcoming city.

Lima Duarte

It’s not the actor, it’s a city in the Zona da Mata of Minas Gerais, with 16,000 inhabitants.

In the municipality of Lima Duarte there are waterfalls that end in golden lakes – in fact, it is an effect of the crystalline water with the color of the ground –, such as the Macacos Waterfall (Photograph). The landscapes look like paintings.

One of the great attractions of the region is the Ibitipoca State Park, in the district of Conceição do Ibitipoca. Within it there are lakes, natural pools, caves, waterfalls and lots of greenery. You can go hiking, take a boat ride or sit on a quarry and admire the view. If you’re going to spend a week in Lima Duarte, it’s probably worth going to the park for a day or two.

Poços de Caldas

Famous for its thermal waters that reach 45°C (some believe they have therapeutic properties), Poços de Caldas is located in the south of Minas Gerais, in volcanic terrain at an altitude of 1196 meters. Therefore, it attracts a lot of people who want to take care of a little pain here or there and couples in love who enjoy dating in warm water.

But there are also attractions for those who want to go for a walk and see beautiful landscapes, either alone, with friends or with bae or mozona. THE Serra São Domingos (photo) is a great option, as well as the waterfall bridal veil🇧🇷 You can stroll through these places and then rest your legs in the so-called waters, how about that?

Santa Barbara

What brings the vast majority of people to Santa Bárbara is undoubtedly the Caraça Natural Park (photo), with its many waterfalls and starry sky. The site is historical heritage with protected fauna and flora.

In the city, with its old-fashioned look and cobbled streets, is the Saint Anthony’s Headquartersone of the oldest churches in Minas Gerais, and the Memorial Affonso Penna🇧🇷

Santa Bárbara is also proud of its beekeeping, which is why honey house It’s a mandatory stop. There are permanent cooking courses at Cozinha do Mel and explanations on how honey is produced. Everything is free (except the snacks for sale at the shop at the exit, of course).

São Tomé das Letras

One of the most mystical cities in Brazil, São Tomé das Letras has been attracting for decades those who want to find out if there really is a cave that connects it to Machu Picchu (Peru) and if cars are pulled up when parked on hills.

But the city is also excellent for those who don’t care about that. There are many amazing waterfalls and caves everywhere. And one kilometer from the center of São Tomé you can visit the Pyramid House (photo), a super beautiful construction, all in stone, which provides a panoramic view of the surroundings.

Seven lagoons

A large city with an industrial hub, Sete Lagoas is home to two magnificent attractions. The main one is Rei do Mato Cave (photo), with special lighting and guided tours that lead to a room with two 12-meter-high calcite crystal columns.

the other is the Serra de Santa Helena400 meters higher than the city center, from where you have the most beautiful view of the region and the possibility of taking a paragliding flight.

Tiradentes

It is the most famous and visited historical city in Minas Gerais, and it is not for nothing. Everywhere you look, there are beautiful and well-preserved buildings, reminiscent of history books. Walking leisurely through the streets of the center or getting to know the region in a buggy is a guarantee of a refreshed soul at the end of the tour.

In addition, Tiradentes always has super cool events going on, such as the Film Festival, the Blues and Jazz Festival and the Gastronomy Festival. This makes the place lively and full of good vibes.

Book a day to go from Maria Fumaça to Sao Joao del Rey🇧🇷 But buy tickets in advance, as it is very rare to have available seats on boarding day.