Rich in history, rich in the arts and crafts and surrounded by attractive landscapes, the small former gold-mining towns of Mina Gerais contain gems of baroque churches and colonial architecture. Its beauty imparts the mind a unique kind of solace and sanctity. One can spend some peaceful time away from the hectic city life of Rio or Sao Paulo and soak in the serenity and peace of the Minas highlands. Coming here will definitely free you of stress, monotony and boredom. The feel of the mountains, undulating highlands make the towns more amiable and introspective.

Minas Gerais has an interesting history as it was once a hot seat for agitations that eventually led to socio-economic and political changes in the country. If you should have only a short time you can spare, three days at most, make a weekend trip to Sao Joao del Rey and Tiradentes. These historically very rich towns located at the threshold of São José and Lenheiro mountains were the harbinger of revolts and gave birth to great heroes. The Minas Gerais Inconfidência, Conspiracy leaders, used to meet here and revolted against the tyrant monarchs in 1789.

The easiest way to get to São João Del Rey from Rio de Janeiro is by car. Alternatively there are fine aircon buses from Rio’s main bus station. It takes about five hours.

Three weeks is a minimum amount of time to allocate for this striking country. So what can you see and do in three weeks?

Just to get a taste of Brazil, your first trip should include a major city experience, at least one natural wonder, and a sample of Brazil’s Portuguese colonial art and architecture.

Needless to say Rio de Janeiro is a must on your trip to Brazil and you should spend at least 4 to 5 days sightseeing the city.
As for a natural site, Iguazu Falls is a perfect choice and to do it as a side trip from Rio you’ll need to count four days, a day traveling each way and two full days sightseeing the waterfalls.

For the colonial Portugal experience you must travel into the interior, to the state of Minas Gerais. There are three small towns that may very well become highlight of your trip – Tiradentes, Ouro Preto and Diamantia. These three mountain towns prospered three centuries ago during the era of gold and diamonds mining. Today their charm is entailed in their cobblestone streets, baroque churches and other colonial architecture.

Of course no trip to Brazil would be complete without including at least a few days at the beach. You could fly from Belo Horizonte to Salvador, a must-see city in its own right for its Afro—Brazilian culture, and spend a week at one of its superb beaches north or south of the city. Or from Minas Gerais you could go to Buzios, fine seaside resort town east of Rio, and by day lounge around its countless beaches and party at night.

Before you know it your three weeks will be up and you wish you had six weeks to keep on going and venture to other parts of this colorful country.