Brazil road trip: journey from Minas to Rio

Belo Horizonte

Tag 1: Tancredo Neves International Airport - Belo Horizonte

Pick up rental car at Belo Horizonte Confins airport
Excursion: Upon arrival at the airport in Belo Horizonte, you will pick up your new rental car at the company’s counter.

Inhotim

Tag 2: Inhotim - Belo Horizonte

Explore Art and Nature in Inhotim
Excursion: Open to the public in 2006, Inhotim combines contemporary art, a botanical garden and human development, in a unique way. Located in Brumadinho, Minas Gerais, 60 km from the state capital of Belo Horizonte, the Institute is an innovative and creative environment that invites visitors to relate to the world in a more sustainable, aware and transformative way. Visiting Inhotim is an unique experience. Since the Institute was first opened, over 1.8 million people from all over the world have visited the park, trying to find out about this mix of culture and nature, past and future, local and global. The essence of Inhotim is conveyed by its capacity to transform, to recreate itself in each new exhibit, to acquire different nuances in each season of the year. The physical space is not the only thing which is renewed. Inhotim works actively to transform visitors and the community living in its surroundings. The Institute’s collections are explored every day so that educational and social activities targeting an adiversified audience can be developed. Inhotim is a private non-profit organization, acknowledged by the Brazilian Federal Government and by the Minas Gerais State Government as an OSCIP (Public Interest Non-governmental Organization, Portuguese acronym). The institution’s actions are under the Federal Act for Cultural Incentive, by means of the Ministry of Culture. 
Self guided tour. Tickets, transfers and guide not included.

Belo Horizonte

Tag 3: Belo Horizonte

Half Day Tour in Belo Horizonte
Excursion: Enjoy touring Minas Gerais' state's capital city! A large city that feels small, you'll visit iconic spots in a short period of time. - Praça da Liberdade - This beautiful square is considered the largest integrated cultural space in Brazil, bringing art, entertainment, and knowledge to the general public. The historic buildings surrounding the square hold museums, libraries and interactive spaces, perfect for anyone who wants to see a little bit more about Minas and our country. Plus, the square is perfect for photo ops, with its lush gardens & tall palm trees.  - Municipal Market, Mercado Central - The market is considered one of the best in the world! Enjoy some free time here to stroll around, have a coffee, taste test some cheese and sweets, and purchase some souvenir items.  - Pampulha Lake & Mineirão Stadium - Take a walk to visit the different structures in the park, like the São Francisco de Assis church, designed by famed architect, Oscar Niemeyer, with a beautiful Portinari panel.  Tour length: 4-5 hours. Includes: private transfer, private English speaking guide

Belo Horizonte - Ouro Preto

Tag 4: Ouro Preto

Self-drive from Belo Horizonte to Ouro Preto
Car Transfer: It's time to take the road and drive through a scenic road to Ouro Preto, only 2 hours away from Belo Horizonte. This UNESCO world heritage site is one of the best-preserved colonial towns and it's set in a striking urban landscape of cobblestone hills nestled in the surrounding mountains.


Free Day in Ouro Preto
Excursion: Spend a free day to explore the attractions you haven't seen yet, or opt for a last minute trip to a neighbouring village.

Ouro Preto

Tag 5: Ouro Preto

Ouro Preto Walking Tour
Excursion: You will meet up with your guide in Ouro Preto - who is a local guide, and knows everything about the place! This village is filled with steep, cobblestone streets, and an incredibly rich history you can feel at every stop you'll make with your guide. Not unlike other parts of Brazil, Ouro Preto teaches us about how our country's diversity came to be. More specifically, Ouro Preto is a destination where you'll learn about the Brazilian "Gold Rush," a period in the 18th century where the economy boomed, but with this, so did slavery. The economic and social structures of the time are reflected in the city's architecture that stands to this day, and on this walking tour, you'll understand this history and what's right in front of you! Besides the colonial architecture and art seen in the churches that is evident, you'll also get a chance to look inside a gold mine, and Opera House, and your guide is sure to give you lots of advice on where to grab lunch or dinner after your tour - because Ouro Preto is also an amazing gastronomic destination! SITES VISITED (This can be altered according to the weather, and your preferences): Chico Rei Mine, Basilic of Our Lady Pilar, Saint Francis Assisi Church, Opera House NOTES: The tour includes the guide, but does not include admission to attractions, which will need to be paid in cash at the entrance. Approx tour length - 3-4 hours (will depend on your pace).
Includes lunch at a charming bistro where you will try typical food from Minas Gerais.

Ouro Preto - Tiradentes

Tag 6: Tiradentes

Self-drive from Ouro Preto to Tiradentes
Car Transfer: It's time to visit another charming colonial town in the countryside of Minas Gerais, Tiradentes! Located 160km from Ouro Preto, Tiradentes is a place for history and culture lovers but also for food lovers, with its amazing restaurants and bars. If you're up to adventures, you might also enjoy exploring the nearby waterfalls.


Free Day in Tiradentes
Excursion: Enjoy a free day to explore Tiradentes on your own! You can also use your free time to visit the nearby town of São João Del Rei.

Tiradentes

Tag 7: Tiradentes

Walking Tour in Tiradentes
Excursion: Discover the secrets hidden in the streets, alleys, woods and centuries old buildings of Tiradentes. Forget the traditional city tours and have the unique experience of learning how to interpret the rich heritage left in our architecture, music, local customs and gastronomy. ESTIMATED TIME: 3 hours INCLUDED: private English speaking guide NOT INCLUDED: meals and entrance fees

Tiradentes To Rio De Janeiro - Rio De Janeiro

Tag 8: Rio de Janeiro

Self Drive from Tiradentes to Rio de Janeiro
Car Transfer: It's time to hit the road again and the next stop is the most famous destination in Brazil and one of the most beautiful cities in the world: Rio de Janeiro! The drive from Tiradentes to Rio takes around 5 - 6 hours, depending on the traffic.
In Rio, you will return the car.

Foodies About Town in Rio de Janeiro

Tag 9: Rio de Janeiro

Foodies About Town in Rio de Janeiro
Shared Excursion: This daytime walking food tour is the perfect introduction to Rio – do it on your first day in the city and you’ll be set up for the rest of your stay. Explore Rio’s most interesting neighbourhoods, visit buzzing street markets, backstreet bars and ancient hole-in-the-wall restaurants. Over the course of 5-6 hours you’ll taste Amazonian delicacies, exotic fruits and street food dishes, traditional Brazilian comfort food, caipirinha cocktails, local beers and lots of other goodies. The style of the tour is is informal and easy-going – you’ll feel like a friend of a friend is showing you the best bits of this magical city and by the end of the day you’ll feel like you’ve known the guide and your fellow guests for years. TOUR INCLUDES: public transportation tickets, all food and drinks during the tour NOT INCLUDED: Transfer to the meeting point and back to the hotel (optional)

Rio De Janeiro

Tag 10: Rio de Janeiro

Free Day in Rio de Janeiro - Culture, Nature & Beaches
Excursion: Today is free for you to explore Rio de Janeiro- a city bursting with colour, culture and cachaça. Of course, there are the legendary sights: Christ the Redeemer stands tall on Mount Corcovado, the peak of the Sugarloaf guarantees jaw-dropping 360-degree views of the city and the mosaics of the Selarón steps will make you feel part of Brazil’s renowned artistic community. For the nature-seekers, Jardim Botânico is widely revered for its iconic avenue of Royal Palm trees, radiant orchid farm and distinctive architecture. Nearby is the majestic lake, Lagoa Rodrigo de Freitas. Amble around it, paddle over it, or station yourself on its banks as you drink in its tranquil atmosphere or a lakeside Caipirinha. When it comes to the perfect beach spot, you’re spoilt for choice in Rio. From the vogue shores of Copacabana to the secluded bays of Prainha, it may be a struggle to pick one yourself, so our local expert is on hand with first-hand knowledge of where best to go. Of course, if the prospect of a free day is a little overwhelming, our local experts are on hand with tips, suggestions and unique tours to give you a bit more structure. These may include samba dance classes, hikes, sailing trips and more.

Rio De Janeiro

Tag 11: Rio de Janeiro

Free Day in Rio de Janeiro - Downtown Rio Suggestion
Excursion: Be sure to explore downtown- Rio’s lively epicentre of culture and art. Step into it’s fascinating history as you trace its changing architectural landscapes and weave your way amongst colonial, neoclassical and Art Deco designs.The city’s vibrant murals embody expressive testimonials of Rio’s people throughout time, and offer an insightful political backdrop to Brazil’s streets. Delve into true carioca culture and order a cachaca, a distilled sugar cane spirit. The social spirit of Rio’s centre is infectious, with many locals sitting and chatting over a smooth cachaça on ice. And if you’re keen to really get under the skin of the city, lose yourself in a bustling fruit market: whether it’s açaí or avocado, pineapple or passion fruit, your taste-buds will be enlivened. Of course, if the prospect of a free day is a little overwhelming, our local experts are on hand with tips, suggestions and unique tours to give you a bit more structure. These may include samba dance classes, hikes, sailing trips and more.

Rio De Janeiro - Paraty

Tag 12: Rio de Janeiro - Paraty

Pick up rental car in Rio de Janeiro
Excursion: Pick up rental car at the airport or at an agency closer to your hotel and hit the road to your next destination!


Self-drive from Rio de Janeiro to Paraty
Car Transfer: It's time to get in the car and go to your next destination: the charming colonial beach town of Paraty. The trip will take about 5 hours and you will drive through scenic roads!

Paraty

Tag 13: Paraty

Kayaking Experience in Paraty
Shared Excursion: Paddle the warm, protected waters of the bay of Paraty on this guided kayak tour to tropical islands and deserted sandy beaches. The tour finishes with an unforgettable paddle through the mangrove, which is not accessible by boat. Your experienced English-speaking guide will give paddling and safety instruction for double sea kayaks before you set out on the flat waters of the bay. The kayaks are specifically designed to go further with less effort. No previous kayaking experience is necessary for this tour. You will paddle past islands and stop at beaches for swimming, snorkelling, refreshments and relaxation. On the return, you'll paddle through the mangrove full of bright red crabs, providing the tide is high enough. Estimated tour length: Four hours | Includes bilingual guide and equipment

Paraty

Tag 14: Paraty

Forest Forager - Wild Food Walk
Shared Excursion: Explore the Atlantic Rainforest on this fascinating Wild Food Walk with leading Brazilian forager, Jorge. A passionate mushroom hunter and experienced collector of wild plants, Jorge will share with you some of his vast knowledge of amazing local plants – their scientific and popular names, their nutritional qualities and medicinal characteristics. After you meet the guides, there is a short journey by road into the rainforest covered mountains near Paraty. The wild food walk takes place on forest trails in the Atlantic Forest. They use a number of different trails to minimise our impact on the environment but on each route, in addition to walking on forest trails, you will also see the agro-forestry system of farming in action and visit waterfalls and swimming holes. After a short talk on safety and responsible foraging, Jorge will take you into the forest, identifying and collecting amazing and tasty fruits and flowers, leaves and mushrooms as you go. Jorge will help you identify edible plants and there will be plenty of wide-ranging conversation from nutrition, medicine and herbalism to botany, cookery, horticulture and history. At the end of the walk there is a chance to have a refreshing swim in the freshwater swimming holes in the forest. This is a fascinating and fun day out for anyone interested in wild food or just curious about the rainforest. Small group tour: Approx. tour length: Six hours Included: Foraging expert, local English-speaking guide, return transport by bus, salad at lunch

Paraty - Sao Paulo

Tag 15:

Self-Drive from Paraty to São Paulo
Car Transfer: Drive will take 4-5 hours, and you go up the green mountains of the Atlantic Rainforest along the way.
*Depending on your international flights, you can also go back to Rio.