10 days in Sao Joao del Rei, Tiradentes & Ouro Preto Itinerary

Founded as one of the region's great gold mining settlements, Sao Joao del Rei has managed to maintain its prosperity even after the rush died down in the 19th century.

Step off the beaten path and head to Igreja de Nossa Senhora do Carmo and Church of Nossa Senhora do Rosario. There's much more to do: get engrossed in the history at Memorial Tancredo Neves, go for a walk through Centro Historico de Sao Joao Del Rei, admire the landmark architecture of Solar dos Neves, and contemplate the long history of Rua das Casas Tortas.

To see reviews, where to stay, maps, and other tourist information, you can read our Sao Joao del Rei day trip site.

Rio de Janeiro to Sao Joao del Rei is an approximately 4.5-hour car ride. You can also take a bus. Traveling from Rio de Janeiro in January, things will get slightly colder in Sao Joao del Rei: highs are around 30°C and lows about 19°C. You'll set off for Tiradentes on the 8th (Fri).

Named after the revolutionary hero who was born here, Tiradentes has become known for its well-preserved colonial-era architecture and scenic mountain location.

On the 8th (Fri), take in the exciting artwork at Galeria e Fundacao Oscar Araripe, get a taste of the local shopping with Atelier do Arquiteto Sergio Ramos, then contemplate in the serene atmosphere at Santissima Trindade Sanctuary, then don't miss a visit to Largo das Forras, and finally pause for some serene contemplation at Capela do Senhor Bom Jesus da Pobreza. Get ready for a full day of sightseeing on the 9th (Sat): sample the fine beverages at Cachaca Mazuma Mineira, then get the lay of the land with Walking tours, then see the interesting displays at Museu da Moto, and finally take in the architecture and atmosphere at Our Lady of Merces dos Pretos Crioulos church.

For maps, where to stay, more things to do, and other tourist information, go to the Tiradentes trip planner.

Tiradentes is very close to Sao Joao del Rei. January in Tiradentes sees daily highs of 30°C and lows of 19°C at night. On the 10th (Sun), you'll have the morning to explore before heading off to Ouro Preto.

Designated a World Heritage Site because of its well-preserved Baroque architecture, the city of Ouro Preto served as the state capital until local governance outgrew the scale of this pleasant valley settlement.

Eschew the tourist crowds and head to Sao Pedro dos Clerigos Cathedral and Museu de Ciencia e Tecnica da Escola de Minas/UFOP. When in Ouro Preto, make a side trip to see Catedral Basilica da Se in Mariana, approximately Mariana away. There's lots more to do: admire the sheer force of Andorinhas Waterfall, examine the collection at Museu da Pharmacia, take in the architecture and atmosphere at Santa Efigenia dos Pretos church, and don't miss a visit to Mirante Morro Sao Sebastiao.

For traveler tips, ratings, reviews, and more tourist information, refer to the Ouro Preto day trip planning app.

Drive from Tiradentes to Ouro Preto in 3 hours. Alternatively, you can do a combination of bus and taxi. In January, Ouro Preto is somewhat warmer than Tiradentes - with highs of 36°C and lows of 25°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 14th (Thu) to allow enough time to drive back home.