Gold Road to Ouro Preto
Bite-sized trip
This self-drive trip can also be done in the reverse order, from Belo Horizonte to Rio de Janeiro. Scroll down and add the alternative trip to your travel plan.
Day 1 – Rio – Petropolis – Tiradentes
This morning we’ll arrange a transfer to take you from the busy streets of Rio de Janeiro to the former imperial city of Petropolis where you’ll pick up your hire car. Before you head off, you’ll receive driving directions and an info pack from the car rental office. Then it’s an easy drive along well-maintained roads through the picturesque countryside of the state of Minas Gerais. Your destination is Tiradentes, a charming colonial town nestled in the lush green hill country, where you’ll spend the next two nights.
Day 2 – Tiradentes and surrounding area
Today is free to spend as you wish. Tiradentes, which is named after an 18th century freedom fighter, is a picturesque town of cobbled streets, baroque churches and art galleries. A ‘must see’ is the beautiful Matriz de Santo Antônio church with its glittering gold interior. While in town, try one of the region’s traditional dishes such as Tutu á Mineira, a hearty pureed bean dish, or sample the traditional Minas cheese.
Day 3 – Tiradentes – Sao Joao – Congonhas – Ouro Preto
After breakfast, continue your road trip. We recommend to visit the historic town of Sao João del Rei, which is home to three beautiful 17th century, baroque churches. You can stroll along the banks of the Corrego River, which flows through the centre of town and enjoy a bite to eat. Then travel to Congonhas do Campo, where you’ll find the Basilica do Senhor Bom Jesus do Matosinhos – a pilgrim’s church perched upon a hilltop. In the monastery next door you can see the most beautiful sculptures and paintings. Another stop along the way is the town of Prados, which is known for its music and leather tanning traditions. Your destination, and base for the next two nights, is the UNESCO protected town of Ouro Preto.
Day 4 – Ouro Preto
You’ll spend the fourth day of this Brazil colonial cities tour exploring the narrow winding streets of Ouro Preto. This town became very wealthy during the gold rush and is now an open air museum, with richly decorated baroque churches and colonial architecture. Ouro Preto, which means ‘black gold’, has been a UNESCO protected site since 1980. This has helped the town to retain its historic 17th century atmosphere. The cobbled streets are uneven, so pack sturdy walking shoes.
Whilst you’re in town you could take a drive to the nearby Minas de Passagem gold mine for a tour. During the tour you’ll descend into the mine by cart. Once you reach the bottom, 135m down, a guide will show you how gold was extracted from the mine.
Day 5 – Ouro Preto – Belo Horizonte
After breakfast, depart Ouro Preto and drive to Belo Horizonte. You’ll drop off your hire car at the airport and fly on to your next destination.
Accommodation
For this bite-sized trip we offer the following options
Gold Road to Ouro Preto - in reverse
This bite-sized trip can be done in reverse from Belo Horizonte to Rio de Janeiro. If this routing fits better with your plans, then select the option below.
