Barroque Jewel 9 days

Ouro Preto © Embratur

We follow the old royal route from the historical and world famous colonial town of Ouro Preto, the first Brazilian town to be declared as a World Heritage Site, to Diamantina Town, another colonial town, which used to be a center for diamond mines. Another cozy and charming town in the Baroque Circuit is Tiradentes, the smallest among the three. Known for its cobble stones streets, churches, arts, nice restaurants and small familiar pousadas, this little town will certainly enchant all of us. We will also visit places of rare beauty and enjoy the unique landscape of the Rocky Fields, a type of vegetation characterized by rolling grasslands, geological outcroppings and unique cerrado flora. We go through the high areas of the Espinhaço Mountain Range, visiting the Cipo Mountain Range and reaching altitudes of 4600 feet (1400 meters).

This program is one of the "1000 Places To See Before You Die". It's a traveler's life list, a guide, an inspiration, a memory book. What to see and what to do and what to show the kids. Where to eat and where to stay. And how to change your life. See other programs provided by Brazil Ecotravel and included at the list of the "1000 Places To See Before You Die" (Brazil)

Program Summary

Day 1 Belo Horizonte - Tiradentes
In the morning, we leave for Tiradentes, a beautiful historical city in Minas Gerais State, also known for its lively arts. We enjoy the typical mineiro food in one of the many authentic restaurants of the city. In the afternoon, we walk through the historical center and visit the most important sites such as the baroque churches. (B,L)

Day 2 Tiradentes - São João Del Rei
Today, we leave for a short hiking on the Lenheiro Mountain Range, a very special place near Tiradentes. We have lunch in the neighbor town of São João Del Rei and in the afternoon, we take our time to relax and enjoy this town. Drive back to Tiradentes early in the evening.
(B,L)

Day 3 Tiradentes - Ouro Preto
We leave Tiradentes after breakfast towards Ouro Preto, the incredibly beautiful town of cobblestone streets winding up and down hills all crowned by churches and chapels. On the way, we start learning about characteristics of this area. Upon arrival, we have a guided tour in Ouro Preto to explore its history, culture and beauty. After having lunch in a typical restaurant, we visit the Inconfidentes Museum. (B,L)

Day 4 Ouro Preto - Mariana
Free morning to enjoy a walk. After lunch, we head to the village of Mariana to explore an old flooded gold mine. We descend with strollers to the old dark entrance of the mine. We get back to Ouro Preto in the end of the afternoon. (B,L)

Day 5 Ouro Preto - Cipo Mountain Range
Early in the morning we continue our expedition to Serra do Cipo National Park. We take a dirt road to get there and have a real sense of the Minas Gerais State. After checking in to our lodge, we go for kayaking on the calm and clean waters of the Cipo River and have the opportunity to see the capybaras (world's biggest rodents) in large groups on the sides of the river. We also see many birds and a very preserved flora.
(B,L)

Day 6 Cipo Mountain Range
We start the day with a jeep safari in the Serra do Cipo National Park Area. We visit the Cipo Velho farm, where the first explorers start the occupation of this area. We go to the national park visitor center and learn everything about the biology and geology of the national park. After having our trail lunch, we continue to the high section of the Park, where we will be able to see the rocky fields and a special sub system of the Cerrado environment, full of biodiversity and one of the richest floras of the world. We will have a chance to swim in the Cornelio Waterfall, a 30 meter (90 feet) waterfall with a huge pool, perfect for a refreshing dive.
(B,L)

Day 7 Cipo Mountain Range - Diamantina
We leave for Diamantina town following the beautiful road on the mountains. On the way, we stop and enjoy the scenery and the waterfalls. We stop for a snack a very cozy local house. The hospitality and the simplicity of the local people will amaze us. We reach Diamantina in the end of the afternoon.
(B,L)

Day 8 Diamantina
Today we have a full day to explore Diamantina. Our geologist guide explains us all the aspects of the diamond cycle and history. We also meet artists who work with original materials to produce rugs, ceramics and other crafts.
(B,L)Lodge

Day 9 Diamantina – Belo Horizonte
We have a free morning for walking around town and shopping. After lunch, we head our way back to arrive Belo Horizonte in the afternoon. (B)

General Information

Capacity:	Minimum of 2 maximum of 10 travelers
Level:	Easy to Moderate Program
Guide Language:	English. Other language upon request
Included:	Transportation, bilingual guide, entrance fee to the park, meals and activities as mentioned above
Not Included:	Insurance
Personal Gear:	Light and comfortable clothes – Shorts, pants, t-shirt, training shoes or boots, small rucksack with personal things, cap, sun block, plastic bags, raincoat, mosquitoes repellent