|
The BTOA introduces Minas Gerais, our Official Sponsor and Destination of the Year!
With so many fabulous destinations in Brazil, its hard to pick just one, but each year the Tour Operator Members of BTOA do just that, and spotlight one that is especially
deserving.
This year it is the great State of Minas Gerais (that’s “General Mines” in English, owing to its abundant mineral
treasures). This is the year of Minas Gerais, and our members will pay special tribute by offering more special tours to our clients, and more opportunities for travel professionals to know this gem of Brazil.
Identified by the New York Times as one of the most culturally rich and visually stunning states in Brazil, Minas astounds the visitor with an unending spectacle of quaint villages and gentle country sides, an abundant artistic heritage, culinary delights, ecological wonders and of course robust Belo Horizonte, Brazil’s third largest city.
BELO HORIZONTE
Minas Gerais’ capital is not just a metropolis: it radiates creativity and energy. It is a mixture of tradition and modernity. Belo Horizonte has a life of a large city, but it still keeps features of a country town. Explore the Pampulha complex with the main features of Niemeyer architecture - the Pampulha Art Museum, Casa do Baile and the famous Saint Francis of Assisi Church. The capital offers countless cultural activities with its museums which present the city`s past and present. Inhotim, one of the most important centers of contemporary art in the country, is located in Brumadinho, 60 km from Belo Horizonte. It is a fascinating collection of works of modern art along with a remarkable botanic collection with tropical species in gardens designed by Burle Marx. Belo Horizonte is also well known for its nightlife.
OURO PRETO
Ouro Preto was the first Brazilian city and one of the first cities in the world to be pronounced as World Heritage Site, by UNESCO. The city is remarkable by the beauty of its museums and churches. It is a land of Aleijadinho, an outstanding Brazilian artist from the colonial period. Go for a walk on its streets to explore Minas Gerais’ history. Igreja de São Francisco de Assis (Saint Francis of Assisi church), Matriz de Nossa Senhora do Pilar, Museu da Inconfidência, Oratório and Casa dos Contos are some of its attractions. The festivals that take place throughout the year contribute to the exciting culture of the city. Take a ride on the Maria-Fumaça (a train) between Ouro Preto and Mariana, a city with the Catedral Basílica da Sé, a historic site which is considered one of the most beautiful in the country. You can appreciate the works of masters Aleijadinho and Athaíde at Museu Arquidiocesano of Sacred Art. Congonhas, a city located at 130km from Ouro Preto, has one of the most important religious complexes of colonial Brazil - the Santuário do Bom Jesus de Matosinhos. It features statues of the 12 prophets by Aleijadinho chosen as the World Heritage site by UNESCO in 1985.
TIRADENTES
Go back in time in Tiradentes, strolling on Maria-Fumaça to São João Del-Rei, a beautiful historic center with its small lanes, alleys, museums and churches or riding on a charrete (light two-wheeled cart drawn by a horse) through the charming streets of the city. At Igreja Matriz de Santo Antônio (Santo Antônio Mother Church) visitors admire beautiful Dom João V style altars decorated with golden flower garlands and the rococo pipe organ from 1788.
In August, the traditional gastronomy festival gathers chefs from Brazil and all over the world. Visit the annual Movie Exhibition in January and discover the great art talents.
DIAMANTINA
Diamantina is a musical city. Its history, architecture and other cultural treasures inspire artists and make it a place where erudition and pop mixes in authentic works of Minas Gerais musicality. The famous Vesperata takes place from March to October and excites the audiences, with musicians playing from the balcony of old houses. The Historical and Cultural World Heritage, the preserved architectural complex of Diamantina encompasses churches, two-floor houses and original street pavings. The City of Serenades is also known for its sumptuous religious feasts and for sheltering the Caminho dos Escravos (Path of the Slaves), a part of the Estrada Real paved by slaves in the XIX century.
IT IS NATURAL TO FALL IN LOVE WITH MINAS GERAIS.
Peace and adrenaline are two sides of Minas Gerais that enchant those who love nature. Just open your eyes and you will be impressed by its natural beauty and perfect landscapes for adventure sports.
SERRA DO CIPÓ
Serra do Cipó is home of the Parque Nacional da Serra do Cipó, one of the most important sites of the country. The park has the second largest biodiversity with many rivers, waterfalls, canyons, caves and preserved archeological sites. It has one of the richest floras worldwide, with more than 1,600 species of flowers, and is one of the most exuberant natural complexes on the planet. Waters are all around, giving visitors an opportunity for baths, dives and kayak strolls.
GASTRONOMY
Minas Gerais is considered one of the birthplaces of an authentic Brazilian cuisine. Indigenous, African and European influences are present in several dishes created from the so called ‘backyard’ ingredients: chicken and pork, cheese, corn, roots, herbs and vegetables of the region. Taste dishes like tropeiro beans, chicken with okra and angu, meat with ora-pro-nóbis (barbados gooseberry) and feijoada. Try the countless dainties, made in wood stove: cornbreads, cookies, cakes and the genuine mineiro cheese bread, which conquered the taste of Brazilian and foreign people. Don’t forget to taste famous products such as cheese, Canastra and Serro, and the best Brazilian cachaças (sugar cane liquor).
More Information
|
|
