Destinations attract attention for their menu of nature activities, with trails, waterfalls and thermal waters
Minas Gerais is a region full of charm, history, and breathtaking landscapes, making it a must-visit for travelers seeking an authentic Brazilian experience. Whether you're exploring colonial architecture or indulging in the rich local cuisine, there's always something to enjoy. Just like traveling, taking breaks between online casino sessions is essential for maintaining focus and avoiding fatigue. Many players find that cooking is the perfect way to unwind, as it allows for creativity and relaxation while providing a mental reset. Learn why cooking is the perfect way to relax between online casino games and how it can complement your gaming routine.
Often closer to São Paulo than to Belo Horizonte, the destinations in the south of Minas Gerais attract many people from São Paulo looking for contact with nature – with the bonus of great Minas Gerais cuisine. Below are seven options for destinations in the region:
1. Monte Verde
Distance from São Paulo: 165km
Distance from Belo Horizonte: 480km
Monte Verde is a growing destination in the Serra da Mantiqueira: there are options for trips with children, such as small farms and zip lines, as well as activities and accommodations geared towards couples, such as these romantic chalets for rent on Airbnb. The restaurants are concentrated in the city center, which corresponds to Avenida Monte Verde and its surroundings. There are several establishments that serve fondue and Minas Gerais cuisine, as well as good bars and breweries.
Monte Verde's thermometer is disputed for photos when temperatures drop below zero (Rosanetur/CC BY 2.0/Flickr)
2. Gonçalves
Distance from São Paulo: 220km
Distance from Belo Horizonte: 460km
A quieter alternative to Monte Verde, Gonçalves preserves the country atmosphere, although there is an interesting scene for visitors with workshops, emporiums and craft shops. The restaurants are stocked with organic ingredients and there are many options of charming inns, as well as cabins and romantic bungalows for rent on Airbnb. In the surrounding area, adventurers will find options for trails and waterfalls.
Araucárias and the sunset in Gonçalves (Cristina C. Lima/Wikimedia Commons)
3. Poços de Caldas
Distance from São Paulo: 255km
Distance from Belo Horizonte: 450km
In its heyday in the first half of the 20th century, Poços de Caldas welcomed the “high society” of the time due to its array of hot springs and casino. With the prohibition of gambling in 1946, the destination reinvented itself and now has eclectic attractions, which include, in addition to the hot springs, a Japanese garden, a theme park for children, a cable car that takes you to a statue of Christ the Redeemer, and a branch of the Moreira Salles Institute.
The historic Palace Hotel is one of the landmarks of Poços de Caldas (Leandro Maranghetti Lourenço/Wikimedia Commons)
4. São Lourenço
Distance from São Paulo: 300km
Distance from Belo Horizonte: 400km
São Lourenço has become one of the most famous spas in Brazil. It is no surprise that its main attraction is the Parque das Águas, with nine mineral water springs to drink, each with a different therapeutic property. Next up is the Trem das Águas ride, a steam train that runs from São Lourenço to neighboring Soledade de Minas. Another option is the so-called Rota do Café, a tour of a farm that allows you to follow the coffee production process, from harvest to cup.
The trip on a historic steam train takes about 2 hours, including the round trip and the stop in Soledade de Minas (Trem das Águas/Press release)
5. São Tomé das Letras
Distance from São Paulo: 350km
Distance from Belo Horizonte: 310km
A mystical destination practically halfway between São Paulo and Belo Horizonte, São Tomé das Letras is considered one of the seven energy points on Earth and, due to its privileged location over 1,400 meters above sea level, has several viewpoints. Waterfalls, trails and a cave with cave paintings by the Cataguá Indians complete the list of attractions.
“Rota das Pedras” is one of the paths of the mystical itinerary through São Tomé das Letras (Rafael Vianna Croffi/Wikimedia Commons)
6. Carrancas
Distance from São Paulo: 445km
Distance from Belo Horizonte: 280km
Carrancas is known as the “land of mountains and waterfalls”. In fact, there are more than 80 waterfalls, wells and waterfalls, the most famous being Cachoeira da Fumaça. The beautiful natural scenery even led to the city being chosen as the setting for soap operas such as Alma Gêmea and Orgulho & Paixão, on the Globo network.
The Fumaça Waterfall is closed for swimming, but it continues to be one of the main attractions of Carrancas due to its beauty (A. Duarte/Flickr)
7. Capitólio
Distance from São Paulo: 450km
Distance from Belo Horizonte: 280km
The boat rides on Lake Furnas, nicknamed “Sea of Minas”, made Capitólio famous, but there are many other attractions besides it. The list includes trails in the water, greenish lakes, surreal natural pools, dizzying viewpoints and lots of Canastra cheese to top it off.
Minas Gerais is a region rich in history, culture, and breathtaking landscapes, making it an attractive destination for travelers looking to explore the best of Brazil. Beyond tourism, the state also offers excellent investment opportunities, with several industries poised for significant growth. As we move into 2025, understanding the most profitable business sectors can provide valuable insights for entrepreneurs and investors alike. Discover the most profitable businesses for 2025 and explore opportunities that align with the economic trends in Brazil.