Minas Gerais is elected the best state in Brazil for historical and nature tourism (and we are here to show you why)

The cities of Minas Gerais have a unique charm, natural landscapes capable of leaving anyone breathless and super friendly people. Almost every Brazilian has heard about it. But have you ever been to Minas Gerais and enjoyed its beauties and the hospitality of its people? The rich culture, history, legends, and landscapes that are so famous in this state can provide, in addition to the peace and harmony that contact with nature brings, an immersion in the past of our country.

It is no coincidence that, according to a survey carried out by Datafolha, the State was elected the best destination in Brazil for those seeking historical and nature tourism.

For that reason, the awesome.club decided not only to point out the data from this study in detail, but also to show the reason for the result, displaying a tikkim of the wonders that the State has to offer. Check it out below!

The survey carried out by Datafolha is part of the study: “The Best of São Paulo Turismo”, which interviewed 1,632 São Paulo citizens from different social classes in order to choose the best and most desired places to travel. To participate, in addition to being a resident of the municipality, it was necessary to be at least 16 years old and to have traveled outside the state in the 12 months prior to the survey.

50 categories of services and tourist destinations were evaluated, such as the best historical destination and the best nature destination. Minas was pointed out by 24% of the participants as the best State in the country in terms of historical heritage, mainly due to its preservation. Minas Gerais were also champions in the nature destination category, with 6% of the votes.

The city of Tiradentes was cited by 3% of the survey participants, behind Ouro Preto, the great champion, mentioned by 18% of respondents. Although the whole state is a true treasure in terms of historical heritage, the city, known at the time of mining as Vila Rica, stands out even in the face of so much “competition”, since it concentrates the largest architectural collection in the country, in addition to being the first Brazilian municipality to be declared a Historical and Cultural Heritage of Humanity by Unesco.

The famous and steep slopes, its well-preserved houses and the churches that represent the Gold Cycle draw attention. Some special buildings are a separate attraction: the Museu da Inconfidência, for example, occupies the building that served as the Town Hall and Jail and also holds the remains of 16 inconfidentes. Other highlights are the Matriz de Nossa Senhora do Pilar, which contains more than 400 kg of gold on its altars, full of details representing the three phases of Brazilian Baroque art, and the São Francisco de Assis Church, work of the brilliant artist Aleijadinho.

A little less celebrated than Ouro Preto, but also part of a historic route, Tiradentes is another must-see destination among the historic cities of Minas Gerais. The bucolic climate, in harmony with the architectural atmosphere of the 18th century, is able to unite tradition, memory, and exquisite gastronomy in a single place, which, in addition to everything, annually hosts major cultural and gastronomic events, such as the Mostra de Cinema and the Festival of Culture and Gastronomy.

The historical heritage, in turn, is almost as rich as that of Ouro Preto itself. One of the main highlights is Museu Casa de Padre Toledo, whose owner (who gave the property its name) was one of the protagonists of the Inconfidência Mineira. The house was even the stage for some of the meetings that conspired against the Portuguese Crown.

Mines may not even have sea. But who said it is necessary? For those looking for a paradise to practice water sports or for a good swim, Capitólio is the perfect destination. The exuberant scenery has canyons over 20 meters high, transparent blue waters, caves, waterfalls and a splendid flora, a spectacle capable of taking your breath away. Visitors can get to know this paradise through trips on boats and schooners that allow them to contemplate unique landscapes on the incredible Lake of Furnas.

But when people talk about Minas Gerais and nature, what comes to mind for many people are the mountains. As well as the historic cities and waterfalls, the state’s mountainous landscape attracts a legion of fans, either to face adventures such as climbing and other challenging sports, or simply to take a coffee with cheese bread enjoying the scenery.

Pico da Bandeira, shown in the image above, is located on the border of the State with Espírito Santo, and is the highest point in the entire Southeast Region, with 2891 meters of altitude, the third highest point in the country. On the border with São Paulo, in the municipality of Passa Quatro, is Pedra da Mina, the fourth highest mountain in Brazil (2,798 meters) and the culmination of Serra da Mantiqueira.

For those looking for a more romantic destination in the middle of the mountains, some tips are Monte Verde (in the municipality of Camanducaia), Gonçalves (near trendy Campos do Jordão, this one already in São Paulo), Maringá (on the border with Rio de Janeiro) and Carrancas, in the center of the state.

The view of the mountains makes the tourist understand the meaning of the expression: “Mar de Minas”, with hills as far as the eye can see, in a stunning landscape.

But let’s go back to historical destinations. Another city that draws attention is São João del-Rei, which can be visited from a short trip on a charming steam engine that departs from Tiradentes. The train is the oldest in operation in Brazil and travels 12 kilometers on the Estrada de Ferro Oeste de Minas Gerais, inaugurated in 1881. Bucolic scenery such as Rio das Mortes and Serra de São José can be seen on the tour.

São João del-Rei still has a Railway Museum in memory of the first locomotive that made the journey, in addition to also presenting photos, documents and projects from the time of construction. The railroad was inaugurated by Dom Pedro II himself (who traveled in the train) in the 1880s.

Among so many historical, natural and gastronomic attractions, Minas Gerais is a true treasure to be discovered by tourists, both Brazilian and foreign. But, even with so many highlights, its greatest wealth is perhaps the friendliness and cordiality of its people. An unmissable tourist destination!

We are talking about some tourist attractions in Minas Gerais, but there are many others. Now it’s up to you, reader. How about telling us other highlights of this amazing state?