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 Museu da FEB. The adventure continues: get engrossed in the history at Memorial Tancredo Neves, go for a walk through Centro Historico de Sao Joao Del Rei, take in the dramatic scenery at Cachoeira Reserva do Cala Boca, and explore the world behind art at Museu de Arte Sacra.

For reviews, more things to do, and more tourist information, you can read our Sao Joao del Rei trip itinerary website.

Rio de Janeiro to Sao Joao del Rei is an approximately 4.5-hour car ride. You can also take a bus. Plan for slightly colder temperatures traveling from Rio de Janeiro in January, with highs in Sao Joao del Rei at 30°C and lows at 19°C. You'll have a few hours on the 8th (Fri) to wrap things up before traveling to Tiradentes.

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, browse the exhibits of Atelier do Arquiteto Sergio Ramos, then admire the landmark architecture of 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 admire the landmark architecture of 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 Andorinhas Waterfall and Catedral Basilica da Se. When in Ouro Preto, make a side trip to see Sao Pedro dos Clerigos Cathedral in Mariana, approximately Mariana away. There's lots more to do: examine the collection at Museu de Ciencia e Tecnica da Escola de Minas/UFOP, make a trip to Casa de Tomas Antonio Gonzaga, admire the landmark architecture of Santa Efigenia dos Pretos church, and take in panoramic vistas at 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.