Historical Cities of Ouro Preto and Mariana
Active
10h
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Instant confirmation
Mobile or paper ticket accepted
About this experience
Visit the historic cities of Ouro Preto, considered a World Heritage Site, and Mariana, the first capital of the state of Minas Gerais. Visit churches and museums and get to know the traditions that tell the specifics and portray the customs and histories of each of these cities
Available options
Historical Cities of Ouro Preto and Mariana
Pickup included
What's included
Professional guide
Round trip transportation to most downtown Belo Horizonte hotels
Detailed itinerary
1
Ouro Preto is located 90 km from the capital at an altitude of 1130 meters above sea level. Considered a World Heritage Site, it has several historical attractions
2
Visit the church considered the 2nd richest in gold in the country
3
Check out this historical church, with art works by the famous brazilian sculptor and architect, Aleijadinho.
4
Visit the beautiful church with emphasis on the Aleijadinho Museum
5
Visit the Museum of Inconfidence, the second most visited museum in the country, being a thematic museum that reports on the origins of Ouro Preto as economy, social life, civil construction and the inconfidents.
6
Visit the Baroque theater which is the oldest operating theater in the Americas.
7
Among the several gold mines that exist in the city of Ouro Preto, in Minas Gerais, the Santa Rita Mine is one of the definitive highlights. This is one of the oldest gold mines in Minas Gerais, excavated with the suffering of the slaves still during the first gold cycle in the state.
8
After visiting Ouro Preto, you will head to Mariana, city that is 20 minutes from Ouro Preto. It was the 1st Capital of the State and the first headquarters of the archbishopric of Minas Gerais.
9
Visit Minas Gerais Square, where the old Town Hall and Prison, São Francisco de Assis Church, Nossa Senhora do Carmo Church and Pelourinho are located.
10
Get to know the Church Cathedral da Sé, with the emphasis on the German pipe organ.
What's not included
Entrance fees to the visited atractions
Food and drinks
Optional tours
Available languages
Guide guide
PT
Reviews breakdown
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Important information
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
The specific departure time for this tour will be determined upon reconfirmation
We recommend using sunscreen, sunglasses, comfortable shoes.
Entrances to the churches and museums are optional. Ask your guide for more information.
Important notes
* Please contact Gray Line Brazil at 55 (21) 3586-8687 or 55 (21) 99777‑5888 to confirm your tour at least 48 hours prior to the activity time. Please have your voucher in hand to present to the guide upon boarding. Office working hours: from 7am to 9pm (local time) daily.
About Belo Horizonte
Belo Horizonte, the capital of Minas Gerais, is a vibrant city known for its modern architecture, rich cultural scene, and proximity to stunning natural landscapes. Often referred to as the 'Capital of the Mountains,' it offers a unique blend of urban sophistication and natural beauty.
Top Attractions
Pampulha Lake
A beautiful artificial lake surrounded by parks, museums, and modernist architecture.
Nature
Half day
Free to explore, museums charge entry fees
Inhotim
A contemporary art center and botanical garden with large-scale installations and lush gardens.
Art/Culture
Full day
R$ 64 (includes transportation from Belo Horizonte)
Mercado Central
A bustling market offering a variety of local crafts, food, and souvenirs.
Shopping
1-2 hours
Free entry, prices vary for items
Serra do Curral
A stunning mountain range offering panoramic views of the city.
Nature
Half day
Free
Must-Try Local Dishes
Pão de Queijo
Cheese bread made with tapioca flour, a popular snack and breakfast item.
Snack
Gluten-free, contains dairy
Feijão Tropeiro
A traditional dish made with beans, bacon, sausage, and cassava flour.
Main Course
Contains meat and gluten
Doce de Leite
A sweet, caramel-like spread made from slow-cooked milk and sugar.
Dessert
Contains dairy and sugar
Cachaça
A Brazilian spirit made from sugarcane, often used in cocktails like the Caipirinha.
Drink
Alcoholic
Popular Activities
Hiking in Serra do Curral
Exploring Inhotim's gardens
Strolling around Pampulha Lake
Enjoying a meal at a local restaurant
Visiting museums and art galleries
Attending local festivals
Boating on Pampulha Lake
N/A
Best Time to Visit
April to September
This is the dry season with pleasant weather, ideal for outdoor activities and sightseeing.
18°C to 28°C
64°F to 82°F
Practical Information
Language
- Official: Portuguese
- Widely spoken: English, Spanish
- English: Moderately spoken in tourist areas, limited elsewhere
Currency
Brazilian Real (BRL)
Time Zone
GMT-3
Electricity
110V/220VV, 60HzHz
Safety Information
Overall Safety Rating: Exercise caution
Belo Horizonte is generally safe for tourists, but petty crime can occur, especially in crowded areas and at night.
Important Precautions:
- • Keep valuables secure and out of sight
- • Use reputable taxi services or ride-hailing apps
- • Be cautious when using ATMs, especially at night
Getting there
By air
- Tancredo Neves International Airport • 37 km from city center
By bus
Rodoviária de Belo Horizonte
Getting around
Public transport
Efficient and affordable, with modern trains and stations.
Taxis
Available • Apps: 99, Uber
Rentals
Car, Bike, Scooter
Neighborhoods
Savassi
Horto
Lagoa da Pampulha
Day trips
Inhotim
60 km • Full day
A contemporary art center and botanical garden with large-scale installations and lush gardens.
Serra da Canastra National Park
300 km • Overnight
A stunning national park known for its waterfalls, caves, and diverse wildlife.
Tiradentes
200 km • Day trip or overnight
A charming colonial town with well-preserved architecture and rich history.
Festivals
Festival Internacional de Curta Metragem de Belo Horizonte • August
Festa do Rosário • September/October
Pro tips
- Visit Pampulha Lake early in the morning for the best views and fewer crowds
- Try local delicacies like pão de queijo and feijão tropeiro for an authentic taste of Minas Gerais
- Use Uber or 99 for safer and more reliable taxi services
- Explore the city's vibrant nightlife in Savassi, but be cautious and stick to well-lit areas
- Book tickets in advance for popular attractions like Inhotim to avoid long lines
From $25
per person
Price varies by option
Secure booking
Free cancellation available
Instant confirmation
