Day 1 – Saturday – Departure / Belo Horizonte – Ouro Preto
Reception at Confins International Airport at 1:00 PM. Departure toward the historic city of Ouro Preto at 2:00 PM. Check-in and the rest of the day at leisure. Ouro Preto was an important gold mining center during the colonial period in the 18th century. Today, the city is known for its preserved colonial architecture, featuring beautiful churches, mansions, and cobblestone streets that recall the era of the Gold Cycle, and is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Day 2 – Sunday – Ouro Preto
After breakfast, we will begin our city tour of Ouro Preto. We will highlight the importance of Ouro Preto as the starting point of the original route of the Caminho Velho, our “Caminho do Ouro.” From this region, valuable loads of gold and diamonds were transported to the city of Paraty, establishing a crucial export route.
We will head toward Morro da Queimada, one of the earliest mining settlements that originated Vila Rica, today’s Ouro Preto. There, we will visit the Chapel of São João Batista. Built in 1698, it is considered the oldest temple in Ouro Preto. In front of the chapel, built with “canga” stone, a mining by-product, a cross and commemorative plaque dated June 24, 1698 recall the first mass celebrated there.
Next, we will visit the ruins of the wind-powered mill at Morro Pascoal Silva—an impressive structure used to support mining groups who worked in the area. From there, it is possible to see Pico do Itacolomy and Serra do Espinhaço.
We then continue to another archaeological site of great importance for the mining activity of the time, the Mundel da Piedade. This was a large reservoir for slurry from gold deposits. The material was left to settle and later reprocessed to extract any remaining precious metals.
Returning to the center of Ouro Preto, we will take a short walk through Praça Tiradentes to the Casa dos Contos Museum, located in an 1782 mansion. The museum houses extensive documentation regarding the economic and fiscal history of the Gold Cycle in Minas Gerais.
We continue with a walk through the Horto dos Contos Park, the second botanical garden established in Brazil (created in 1799). Time for rest and contemplation.
We will also visit the majestic Basilica of Nossa Senhora do Pilar, built in 1728, one of the finest examples of Baroque architecture.
Next, stop in the charming village of Cachoeira do Campo. Lunch break at Restaurante Chão de Minas (not included, approximately R$ 65.00 per person).
Our tour then continues to the Church of Nossa Senhora de Nazaré, built in 1710. Finally, we will visit a local artisan who will welcome us into his workshop for a fun soapstone souvenir crafting class. Return to the hotel at 4:30 PM.
Included meals: Breakfast.

Day 3 – Monday – Ouro Preto – Congonhas – Coronel Xavier Chaves – Tiradentes
After breakfast, departure in 4×4 vehicles for the beginning of our adventure along the Estrada Real. First stop: Congonhas do Campo, known for the masterpiece of Baroque art, the Sanctuary of Bom Jesus de Matosinhos, home to the sculptures of Aleijadinho. Created between 1796 and 1799 by the renowned sculptor Antônio Francisco Lisboa, the complex includes 66 life-sized statues representing scenes from the Passion of Christ, including the Twelve Prophets and the Stations of the Cross.
We then visit the Congonhas Museum, which enhances understanding of the vast cultural, artistic, and spiritual significance of Aleijadinho’s work.
After lunch, we continue to the charming historic town of Coronel Xavier Chaves, where we will visit the Boa Vista Distillery—the oldest still operating in Brazil—and enjoy a cachaça tasting.
Arrival in Tiradentes by late afternoon. Check-in and evening at leisure.
Included meals: Breakfast.

Day 4 – Tuesday – Tiradentes – São João Del Rei – Carrancas
After breakfast, we begin a walking tour through this charming town, which blends colonial allure, historical atmosphere, and sophistication. You will explore its streets, alleys, and historical monuments, gaining a deep cultural immersion.
After lunch, quick stop in São João Del Rei, with visits to its 18th-century historic architecture, the Church of São Francisco de Assis, and the mausoleum of former President Tancredo Neves.
We then head to Carrancas, a well-known ecotourism destination. Check-in and evening at leisure.
Included meals: Breakfast.

Day 5 – Wednesday – Carrancas – Cruzília – Baependi – Caxambu
After breakfast, we begin our adventure through Carrancas, visiting the stunning Esmeralda Waterfall. After a light 600-meter trail, we reach one of the most beautiful waterfalls in Minas Gerais, with its crystal-clear pool perfect for a refreshing swim.
We then return to the Estrada Real heading toward Cruzília to visit Fazenda Favacho, founded in 1761 and considered the birthplace of the Mangalarga Marchador horse breed. Lunch will be served in the historical farmhouse.
After lunch, we continue toward Baependi to visit a coffee farm, where we will see the entire process of Minas Gerais’ traditional coffee making—from plant to cup.
Arrival in Caxambu in the late afternoon. Check-in and evening at leisure.
Included meals: Breakfast + lunch + afternoon coffee.

Day 6 – Thursday – Caxambu – Aiuruoca – Alagoa – Itamonte
After breakfast, visit to the Caxambu Water Park, recognized as a historical and artistic heritage site and the world’s largest hydromineral complex. Its medicinal waters are sought after for relaxation and therapeutic benefits.
We then continue toward the Mantiqueira Mountains, stopping in Aiuruoca to visit the Garcias Waterfall—about 30 meters high with crystal-clear waters perfect for swimming and contemplation.
After lunch, we head to the village of Alagoa, a renowned region for artisanal cheese production. We visit the award-winning Rio Acima farm and taste its internationally acclaimed cheeses.
Arrival in Itamonte in the early evening. Check-in and evening at leisure.
Included meals: Breakfast + dinner.

Day 7 – Friday – Itamonte – Cunha – Paraty
After breakfast, we begin the day with a delightful walk along trails near Itatiaia National Park, surrounded by the lush Atlantic Forest near the triple-border region between the states of Minas Gerais, Rio de Janeiro, and São Paulo.
After lunch, stop in Cunha to visit the Lavandário, an impressive lavender and aromatic herb field located atop the Mantiqueira Mountains.
We then descend the mountains toward Paraty, arriving in the late afternoon. Check-in and evening at leisure.
Included meals: Breakfast + lunch.

Day 8 – Saturday – Paraty
After breakfast, we will enjoy a walking tour through the picturesque historic center of Paraty. Its preserved colonial architecture, cobblestone streets, colorful houses, and ancient churches create an immersive experience in Brazil’s past.
Following the tour, we board a schooner to explore the beautiful beaches and islands of the Ilha Grande Bay.
Evening at leisure.
Included meals: Breakfast + lunch.

Day 9 – Sunday – Paraty – Rio de Janeiro or São Paulo (Guarulhos) Airport
Breakfast. At the appropriate time, transfer to your selected airport, either Rio de Janeiro (Galeão) or São Paulo (Guarulhos).
Included meals: Breakfast.

Important:
The traveler must arrive at Confins Airport by 1:00 PM.
Departure of the transfer Belo Horizonte – Ouro Preto is at 2:00 PM.

Note:
The order of activities may be changed at the discretion of the guide or local operator.

INCLUDES

• Transfer from Confins Airport to Belo Horizonte / Hotel in Ouro Preto

• Transfer from Paraty to Rio de Janeiro (GIG) or São Paulo (GRU) Airport

• 2 nights in Ouro Preto

• 1 night in Tiradentes

• 1 night in Carrancas

• 1 night in Caxambu

• 1 night in Alagoa

• 2 nights in Paraty

• Activities and entrance fees as mentioned in the itinerary

• Full-time driver/guide assistance

NOT INCLUDED

• Flights to Belo Horizonte (CNF) and from Rio de Janeiro (GIG) or São Paulo (GRU)

• Personal expenses

• Drinks during meals

• Travel insurance (recommended)

• Any item not specified as included