Picture: Wania Corredo / MTur
The Caminho Novo (New Path) of the Royal Road was the last to be defined, but it
became the main route, connecting Ouro Preto to the then capital of the colony, Rio
de Janeiro. Because it lies between today's two major state capitals, Belo Horizonte
and Rio, it is the most visited. This route boasts 4 World Heritage Sites, charming
colonial gems like Tiradentes and São João Del Rey, restaurants, and markets filled
with Minas Gerais delights. It also offers two must-see attractions, Inhotim and
Petropolis.
Our suggested itinerary to explore the Caminho Novo includes:
1 night in
Belo Horizonte.
Tour: Market and food Tour in this vibrant metropolis to start off the journey with a
taste of Minas Gerais’s cuisine.
1 night in Brumadinho
Tour: Full Day Inhotim Art Center, the world’s largest open air museum, with many
galleries of contemporary Brazilian and international artists.
2 nights in Ouro Preto
Tours: Historical walking tour; Mariana and Gold Mine Full Day Tour; Bom Jesus de
Matosinhos World Heritage Site, on the way to
Tiradentes. These tours include some
of the most impressive works of Brazilian baroque art and architecture.
2 nights in Tiradentes
Tours: Historical walking tour; Full Day São João Del Rey with steam engine train;
Petrópolis Imperial Museum, on the way to Rio. Tiradentes is known for being the
most charming town in Brazil. Petrópolis’ Imperial Museum was the former palace of
the Brazilian Imperial Family and today holds their crown jewels and other
memorabilia.
3 nights Rio de Janeiro
Tours: Full day Corcovado & Suga Loaf; Old Rio walking tour; Free day at the beach.
The main attractions of Rio, and a tour of the oldest part of the city will tie up the
route.
Transfers with private driver between destinations starting from Confins Airport and
ending at one of Rio's airports.
