Minas Gerais is not just a destination.
It is a feeling.

On this trip, we set out to explore two of Brazil’s most iconic towns: Tiradentes and Ouro Preto. Places where history is not only found in books, but in the streets, the churches, and the people.

And to accompany every moment, we traveled with our Steyer backpack, practical, durable, and ready for anything.

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Tiradentes: Small, Charming, and Full of Life

Tiradentes is one of those places that captivates you at first sight.
Small, extremely charming, and incredibly lively.

Walking through its streets feels like traveling back in time. The cobblestone streets, which resemble the traditional pé de moleque both in their pattern and the famous peanut sweet seem to tell stories with every step.
It’s as if history sings through them.

A bit of history

Tiradentes is named after Joaquim José da Silva Xavier, a key figure in the Inconfidência Mineira, one of the earliest movements for Brazil’s independence.

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What to do in Tiradentes

1. Walk through the historic streets

Take your time. Just feel it.

• Preserved colonial houses
• Baroque churches
• Artisan shops

2. Church of Santo António

One of the most beautiful churches in Brazil, with works attributed to Aleijadinho, the master of Brazilian baroque art.

3. Steam Train Ride 🚂

One of the highlights of the trip.

• Connects Tiradentes to São João del-Rei
• A charming route
• A true journey back in time

São João del-Rei is also rich in history and is associated with Tancredo Neves, an important figure in Brazilian politics.

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Where to eat in Tiradentes

🍽️ Traga Luz – Rua Direita

An excellent restaurant where traditional Minas cuisine meets a sophisticated and minimalist touch.

🍻 Bar Conto de Réis

Perfect for experiencing the best of Minas-style bar food. Simple, authentic, and full of flavor.

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Where to stay

🏡 Pousada Ouro de Minas

A true home away from home.

• Breakfast
  • Abundant
  • Delicious
  • Homemade
  • With that comforting “grandma’s food” feeling
• Service
  • Extremely friendly staff
  • Always ready to help

At the reception, you can arrange:

• Tours
• Trails
• Waterfalls
• Hot air balloon rides
• Reliable taxi services

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Ouro Preto: History That Surrounds and Transforms

If Tiradentes enchants with its delicacy, Ouro Preto impresses with its intensity.

It is a city where history is present at every corner.

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A bit of history

During the 18th century, Ouro Preto was the center of gold mining in Brazil and one of the richest cities in the world.

Today, it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

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What to do in Ouro Preto

1. Visit the churches ⛪

Here’s the best tip:

👉 Hire a local guide.

Guides tell the stories with incredible detail and emotion, in that unique Minas way of storytelling.

• Church of São Francisco de Assis
• Church of Nossa Senhora do Carmo
• Church of Pilar

You will leave Ouro Preto richer—not in gold, but in knowledge.

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Where to eat in Ouro Preto

The truth is simple:

👉 It’s hard to have a bad meal.

But we recommend:

• Self-service restaurants (by weight)
• Homemade food
• Local flavors
• Traditional preparation

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Where to stay

🎭 Teatro Hotel Boutique

A hotel full of personality.

• Rooms that take you back to the 1920s
• Wonderful breakfast
• Friendly and relaxed service

📍 Perfect location:

• Near Tiradentes Square
• In front of Nossa Senhora do Carmo Church
• Facing the Municipal Theater Casa da Ópera
  • The oldest operating theater in the Americas

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The People of Minas and the Magic of Its Cuisine

If there is one thing that defines Minas Gerais, it is its people.

• Friendly
• Kind
• Welcoming

And the food…

👉 Considered by many to be the best cuisine in Brazil.

Not because of sophistication, but because of emotion.

• Wood-fired stoves
• Family recipes
• Flavors that embrace you

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Our Travel Companion

For this trip, we used our Steyr backpack and it was simply perfect.

Highlights:

• 🧳 Large capacity
  It fit everything:
  • Clothes
  • Shoes
  • Cosmetics
  • Cameras
  • Laptops
  • Cables
  • Water bottles
• 🌧️ Waterproof backpack
  We had rainy days, and everything stayed completely dry and protected.
• 🌱 Sustainable materials
• 🥾 Highly resistant
  It got muddy on the trails…
  We washed it in the hotel shower…
  Dried it with a towel…
  And it looked brand new again.

Practical, durable, and ready for any adventure.

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Final Thoughts

Tiradentes and Ouro Preto are not just travel destinations.
They are experiences that stay with you.

Between stone streets, deep history, and unforgettable flavors, Minas Gerais wins your heart in a unique way.

👉 If you’re looking for a trip with soul, this is the place. 💛