Discover Ouro Preto, Congonhas, and Mariana 3 Days of Culture and History Brazil | Belo Horizonte, Ouro Preto
Discover baroque Ouro Preto, a historic city that has been a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage site since 1980. Ouro Preto, literally meaning “black gold,” was named after the huge amounts of gold discovered there in the 18th century. The city is a vibrant, fascinating place that oozes culture and is an important site for art history. You will also visit Congonhas, with its famous life-size statues of the prophets; and Mariana, a city characterized by Brazilian baroque architecture. Mariana is the oldest city in Minas Gerais and belongs, with Ouro Preto, to Brazil's “Golden Circle.”
Itinerary
Day 1: Transfer to Ouro Preto via Congonhas
Included: Airport Transfer (private, 4.5h) | Visit Congonhas (private, 1.5h)
Upon arrival, your English-speaking guide will pick you up at Belo Horizonte Airport (CNF). Your private transfer will not take you directly to Ouro Preto; instead, you will make a short detour to the fascinating city of Congonhas. There, you will visit the mid-18th century Sanctuary of Bom Jesus de Matosinhos, which stands on a hillside overlooking the city. It was designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1985 due to its life-size statues of the 12 prophets by the Brazilian master builder and sculptor, Aleijadinho. Afterwards, you will complete your transfer to Ouro Preto.
Overnight: Pousada Solar da Opera, Deluxe room
Day 2: Full Day Excursion in Ouro Preto and Mariana
Included: Visit Ouro Preto and Mariana (private, 8h) | Breakfast, Lunch
Today, your English-speaking guide will pick you up for a panoramic railway journey (weekends only) to Mariana, the oldest city in Minas Gerais. Both Mariana and Ouro Preto belong to Brazil's “Golden Circle.” In Mariana, you will visit Se Cathedral, Minas Gerais Square, and the largest accessible gold mine in the world. Afterwards, you will be able to stroll through Ouro Preto's steep cobblestone streets and explore its many baroque buildings, including its historic opera house and many other hidden treasures. The historic center was declared a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1980.
Overnight: Pousada Solar da Opera, Deluxe room
Day 3: Return to Belo Horizonte
Included: Airport Transfer (private, 3h) | Breakfast
On the last day, your Portuguese-speaking driver will pick you up and you will enjoy a private transfer back to Belo Horizonte Airport (CNF). If Rio de Janeiro is your next destination, we can alternatively arrange a public bus transfer from Ouro Preto to the city of Rio.
Included
- All transfers detailed above
- 2 day trips (with a private English-speaking guide)
- 2 nights at Pousada Solar da Opera, Deluxe room
- 2 breakfasts + 1 lunch
- Entrance fees for all included day trips
Info
- The itinerary and excursions can be adapted to local weather conditions (according to your interests) to ensure a safe and exciting trip.
- Many churches and museums are closed on Mondays.
- During the week, the panoramic train between Ouro Preto and Mariana is not available so your transfer will be by car.
This journey will take you to the most beautiful places in Brazil: the tropical metropolis of Rio de Janeiro, the spectacular waterfalls of Foz do Iguacu and the exceptional nature of the Amazon Rainforest. Many different and individual day trips and excursions are on the program. You will gain distinct impressions of Brazil's diversity, visit the most famous sights, and get to know the breathtaking variety of animals and plants of the jungle. Our local English-speaking guides will make sure that you have a great time and show you the best of Brazil.
Experience the unique and breathtaking nature and amazing variety of flora and fauna in the Amazon and the Pantanal in Brazil. On many different excursions you will explore the equatorial rainforest and one of the largest wetlands on earth by boat, jeep, and on foot. On this tour, wildlife observation and the experience of nature are in the foreground. Apart from exotic plants and giant trees, you will have the chance to see countless bird species, different monkeys, caimans, anteaters, tapirs, and even jaguars. Immerse yourself in the dense foliage of the Amazon Rainforest, explore the waterways of the Pantanal, and let yourself be enchanted by the wonders of Brazil's nature.
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