Belo Horizonte Destination Guide

The 17th century saw a lot of activity in this region. The quest for diamonds and gold, the thirst for the glory of discovering and acquiring new territory, the consequent prosperity in trade, all led to the rise of new and prosperous cities in Minas Gerais. This prosperity was reflected in the art and architecture styles of those times, which were essentially Baroque and Rococó, with liberal use of gold and heavy colours.

This period was also marked by intense religious fervour. The need for expressing this fervour threw up an entire stream of art called "Sacra Art", in which religious figures and legends were depicted through various art forms. The "12 Profetas" (12 Prophets), a set of sculptures made from soap stone by Master Aleijadinho, a prominent artist of that time, is a case in point. The churches of São Francisco de Assis and Matriz de Nossa Senhora do Pilar in Ouro Petro were built at this time.

The history of Brazil is linked with many cities in Minas Gerais, and many monuments in the World Heritage List are located here. A tour of Diamantina, São João Del Rey, Tiradentes, Mariana, and Ouro Preto is a veritable journey through time.

Belo Horizonte is famous for its festivals, here are the most important and traditional events of the city selected by our team for you to keep your eyes opened and enjoy them!

Comida di Buteco (Bar's Food Competition): The biggest and best gastronomic festival in Belo Horizonte. Generally happening forty days after carnival, the Bars' festival attracts people from every where. During 31 days, lots of bars in BH dispute with an original meal or "Tira-gosto" (snack bar). The intention of the competition is to prize the best bar, so, besides the food, they also count the coldest beer, hygiene and attendance. During the festival there are cultural attractions in the establishments as well. It is the best time to know the Belo Horizonte bars! http://www.comidadibuteco.com.br/

FIT - Festival Internacional de Teatro (International Theatre Festival): The FIT occurs at each two years in all theatres in the city and also in its streets, parks and squares. This event congregates local, national and international groups. It normally happens on July and August, in all regions of Belo Horizonte, with popular prices and some of them for free. http://www.pbh.gov.br/cultura/fitbh/fit/historico_fit.php

FAN - Festival de Arte Negra (Black Art Festival): The event occurs in November and counts on artists from diverse countries in Africa and also Belo Horizonte and from others Brazilian regions. The FAN celebrates partnerships and agreement between Brazil and Africa. During a week, there are music, dance, cinema, theatre, exposition amongst other activities. Most of its attractions are for free http://www.fanbh.com.br/

Brasil Sabor (Brazil Flavor): A big festival that congregates all restaurants in all Brazilian states from March to April. It's the best time to go out in the city, try nice restaurants and know the best of Brazilian gastronomy. http://www.brasilsabor.com.br/

ARAIAL DE BELÔ: The festival rescues one of the main traditional parties in Brazil: The Festa Junina (June Party). Originally, the Festa Junina is celebrated in honor to St. Antonio and St. Pedro. The party retraces all the countryside culture, believes, values, religiosity, the life in the ranch and its gastronomy. In this party there are typical music and dance presentations (Quadrilhas), funny games and delicious food. The Arraial de Belô occurs in all regions in Belo Horizonte, where Quadrilha groups dispute a prize.  

Pop Rock Brasil: The Pop Rock is the biggest music event (of pop-rock music style) in Minas Gerais. Now, it in on its 24th edition, and it counts on national and international bands.Generally the concerts happen at Mineirão Stadium, during a weekend. It normally occurs in the second semester of the year, and currently, during November.  

Axé Brasil: The Axé Brasil is the most famous "Baiana" music event in Minas Gerais. The Axé is a style of music too influenced by Africa culture that is a symbol of Bahia state. And it is also the official carnival music style in Brazil. This festival in Belo Horizonte generally occurs in Mineirão Stadium, during the first semester of the year.

Downtown Belo Horizonte is the financial and commercial centre where you will find a variety of services and shops. It is here that you can see the edifices that bear the Art Deco, neo classic and modernist styles of architecture.

Main attractions in the Centre

Praça Sete de Setembro (Sete de Setembro Square)

Sete de Setembro Square is the central spot of Belo Horizonte. Lollipop, an obelisk, stands here to commemorate the centenary of independence. This obelisk is also known as Pirulito da Praça Sete or Sete Square Lollipop. The section on Parks and Squares will give you additional information.

Parque Municipal AméricoReneé Gianetti (Municipal Park)

The premier green spot in the city, the Municipal Park covers an extensive area of downtown Belo Horizonte with more than 50 centennial trees. When in the park, visit the Francisco Nunes Theatre, the Palácio des Artes and the orchidary. Tiny tots can enjoy themselves with the toys found in this garden.

The section on Parks and Squares will give you additional information.

Palácio das Artes (Palace of Arts)

The Palácio das Artes is a repository of culture in Minas Gerais. The building has three galleries that display different art forms, three theatres, a cinema, a Café, a bookshop and an enclosure for exhibitions. Throughout the year, there are exhibitions, displays, music and dance performances and operas taking place in some part of the Palácio or the other. The Palácio, which like many other buildings here was designed by Oscar Niemeyer, is a must see for the culturally inclined.

Mercado Central (Central Market)

The Mercado Central is a complete tourist experience. It has over 400 shops and establishments, restaurants and bars. From vegetables, fruits, cheeses, meats and sweets to handicrafts, herbs and pets, you can find them all at the Mercado Central.

The section on Belo Horizonte shopping gives you more information.

Igreja São José (Church of Saint Joséph)

The Church of Saint Joséph was built in 1910. It possesses Dutch features and is built in the "Manuelino" style. The interiors of the church are decorated with murals and paintings by Guilherme Schumacher, a German artist.

Igreja da Boa Viagem

This grand church is built in the neo-Gothic style in honour of Our Lady of Boa Viagem, patroness of Belo Horizonte. The lofty altar, built of Carrara marble, and the windows with cut glass make this church a feast for the eyes.

Igreja Nossa Senhora de Lourdes (Our Lady of Lourdes Church)

Made in a Gotyc style, the Igreja Nossa Senhora de Lourdes (Our Lady of Lourdes Church) started to be constructed together with the capital, but just was definitely inaugurated in 1923. In 1958 it was upgraded to Basilica category, by Pope Pio XII. At the left of the building there is a grotto and an image of Our Lady of Lourdes, which was donated to the church by Mrs Luiz de Rezende.

Feira de Arte e Artesanato da Afonso Pena (Afonso Pena Arts and Craft Fair)

Every Sunday morning, there is a fair on the Afonso Pena Avenue. If you find yourself at a loose end on a Sunday morning, then do visit this fair. You may pick up something unusual.

Praça de Estacão (Station Square)

This square is the venue for many festivals and music performances that are held all through the year. The Museum of Arts and Crafts, which was earlier a lovely neoclassical edifice, is one of the highlights of this square. The section on Parks and Squares will give you additional information.

Café Nice

The Café Nice, built in 1939, offers a slice of the history of Bela Horizonte. A favourite haunt of many celebrities and politicians including Juscelino Kubitscheck, it is one of the most traditional eateries of Bela Horizonte.

Inimá de Paula Museum

The museum was opened recently, in 29 April 2008. The building was inaugurated in 1932 and now it was revitalized to be a museum. The Museum Inimá de Paula was named after an important painter from Minas Gerais state. It possesses dozens of his works of art, exposes permanently in the second and third floor. The last floor is separated to receive itinerant expositions, from Brazilian and Foreigner artists.The Museum also counts on a Café and an auditorium for 151 people.

Moreira Salles Institute

The institute was founded by Walter Moreira Salles, in 1990. It promotes and develops exclusively cultural programs, divided in five main areas: Photography, literature, cinema, plastic arts and Brazilian music. The features that make IMS different from other institutes in Brazil and abroad are that first, it prefers actuate and execute its own initiatives. It also prioritizes medium and long term projects, in order to avoid those with fleeting nature. The third difference is that IMS counts on Cultural centres in tree Brazilian states: Minas Gerais (in Belo Horizonte and Poços de Caldas cities), Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo. Besides cultural centres, the Institute also coordinates activities in Cinema Spaces Unibanco/ Unibanco Arteplex, which are exhibitions rooms located in 9 cities in Brazil. Considering all the set, Instituto Moreira Salles and Cinema Spaces Unibanco/ Unibanco Arteplex /Unibanco Arteplex, they are the biggest private complex of culture and arts on the country.

The Alta Vila tower lies in the centre of the city. The tower itself is 101 metres high and offers a breathtaking view of Belo Horizonte, especially at night. It also offers facilities for bungee jumping, rappelling and indoor climbing.

Useful Information

Address: Rua Senador Milton Campos, 115, Vila da Serra - Nova Lima.
Phone: + 55 31 3011 - 9595/ 3011 - 9575.
Timings: Tuesday - Friday 2.00pm to 11pm. Saturday, Sunday and holidays 11.00am to 11.00pm.

If you thought that there is no sea and marine life of significance in Belo Horizonte, then you must visit the aquarium. Spread over 600 square metres, this aquarium displays around 120 species of fishes, corals, sea horses, crustaceans etc.

Useful Information

The Address: Rua Montes Claros, 322, Carmo Sion.
Phone: + 55 31 3264 - 4467
Opening hours: Tuesday - Friday 1.00pm to 7.00pm; Saturday and holidays 10.00am to 7.00pm; Sunday: 10.00am to 6.00pm.

About 50 kilometres from Belo Horizonte is Inhotim, an artist's commune where contemporary artists work and display their masterpieces in the museum. Spread  over 87 acres of verdant gardens designed by Burle Marx, Inhotim encourages artists to innovate in Modern Art by freeing them from the confines of structures and buildings. It also has on display a wide variety of tropical plants. The museum charges an entrance fee but children below six years of age do not need a ticket.

Useful Information

Address: Rua B, 20 - Brumadinho - MG.
Phone: + 55 31 3227.0001     
Timings: Thursday - Sunday and holidays: 9.30am to 4.30pm.
Information: http://www.inhotim.org.br/

Pampulha is a picture postcard city. It has something to offer every kind of tourist, from scenic beauty to flora and fauna and sports. The weather is pleasant and the surroundings are beautiful, thanks to the 18 km long lagoon. It is along this lagoon that the famous race "Volta Internacional da Pampulha" is held every year. This 18 kilometre race was first held in 1993 and has since been attracting an increasing number of participants every year.

Pampulha is also home to the Belo Horizonte Zoo, the Ecological Park and the Burle Max gardens. The Pampulha Airport, the Minas Gerais Federal University (UFMG) and the Art Museum of Pampulha are important landmarks here. The architectural aficionado can observe the modernist structures of Oscar Niemeyer, while the aesthetically inclined can soak in the beauty of the sculptures of José Pedrosa, Zamoisski and Ceschiatti as well as the paintings by Cândido Portinari. Xapuri is one of the restaurants where you can get a good meal, among many others.

Main Attractions in Pampulha:

Pampulha Architectural Complex

Oscar Niemeyer is one of the architects credited with changing the face of Brazilian architecture. His signature creation is the complex at Pampulha. The complex includes the buildings listed below.

Igreja São Francisco de Assis - Igrejinha da Pampulha (São Francisco de Assis Church)

This church is a must see for its bold and original design. Its beauty is enhanced by the gardens designed by Burle Max and the paintings on the external and internal panels by Portinari.  You will be required to pay a small entrance fee here.

Museu de Arte da Pampulha (Pampulha Museum of Art)

This building was originally a casino. However, when Brazil prohibited gambling in 1946, the authorities converted it into the Museum of Arts in 1957.

Casa do Baile (The Ball House)

This rounded building along the edge of the lagoon used to be the favourite haunt of the rich and the famous of Belo Horizonte in the nineteen forties. It used to be the venue for lavish dance parties. Today, the Centre of Reference in Urbanism, Architecture functions out of the Ball House. Many exhibitions and events are held here as well.

Mineirão - Estádio Governador Magalhaes Pinto (Mineirão - Soccer Stadium)

This is one of the largest soccer stadiums in the world, attracting thousands of tourists each year. A must see for all soccer fanatics, the stadium was constructed in 1965 and has seen many historic soccer matches and legendary concerts. Soccer fans should try to catch a match played by the Atlético Mineiro or the Cruzeiro team! The stadium attracts an entrance fee.

Mineirinho - Estádio Jornalista Felipe Drummond (Mineirinho Stadium)

The Mineirinho stadium was built in 1980 and can hold up to 25,000 people. Many games are played in this stadium which holds the world record for the number of people at a volleyball and indoor soccer game! Every Thursday and Sunday there is a Handcraft fair held at this stadium.

Parque Ecológico da Pampulha

The second largest green area in Belo Horizonte, Parque Ecológico da Pampulha, is ideal not only for strolling and stretching out under the trees, but also for practising sports and playing a game. (Look for more information under the section on Parks and Squares).

Zoológico - Fundação Zoobotânica de Belo Horizonte (Zoo-Botanical Foundation of Belo Horizonte)

This zoo is known to be one of the most exhaustive zoos in Latin America. It is also home to the first butterfly vivarium in South America. There is a centre in the zoo which is engaged in the conservation and preservation of species that are under the threat of extinction.

Sante, as Santa Tereza is also known, is famous for its bars, authentic restaurants and night life. It presents the bohemian and informal face of Brazil and has thrown up many famous singers and bands. Sepultura, a band renowned for heavy metal music, Skank, Lô and Márcio Borges, Fernando Brant and Milton Nascimento come from Santa Tereza.

Main Attractions in Santa Tereza:

Bar do Bolão (Bolão Bar)

Bolão Bar, established in 1961, is a long established and reputed bar in Santa Tereza. Frequented by the rich and famous, its walls are decorated with golden records of many of Santa Tereza's musicians. It is popularly regarded as the best place to wind up the night with one last beer for the road. It is best known for its pasta but you could also settle for" rochedão"or "mexido" made with bean and rice. These are equally well spoken of!

Belo Horizonte has a number of museums that display the best of Brazil's culture and history. From literature and arts to paleontology, the museums have a lot to offer.

Museu de Arte da Pampulha (Pampulha Museum of Art)

The building that houses the museum was the first edifice to be designed and built by Oscar Niemeyer, the famous Brazilian architect who is credited with rebuilding Brazil. It was once upon a time a casino. In 1946, the Brazilian government banned gambling and the casino was shut down.  Later, in 1957, it was converted into a museum and called the "Crystal Palace". The gardens around the museum are designed by Burle Marx and have sculptures created by José Pedrosa, Zamoisski and Ceschiatti. Today, the museum has a good library, rooms with multimedia facilities, a souvenir store and a café.

Address: The Museu de Arte da Pampulha de Arte is located at Avenida Otacílio Negrão de Lima.16.585 - Pampulha.

Museu Mineiro (Mineiro Museum)

This museum is located in a hundred-year-old, eclectic style building that housed the erstwhile Senate of Minas Gerais. Don't miss the sizeable collection of Sacra Art as well as the many other exhibits that depict Mineiran culture.

Museu Abílio Baretto (Abílio Baretto Museum)

This museum is housed in a colonial style 19th century building. It is thought to be older than Belo Horizonte itself. On display here is a significant collection of ceramics, furniture and art. The Abílio Baretto museum is located in the Curral D'El Ray village and was once the farm house of the Leitão family. It exhibits various documents and rare photographs that trace the origin, history and development of Belo Horizonte. The historic locomotive ‘Mariquinhas', and the altar and washbasin from the church of Boa Viagem are also on display here. In 1998, an annexe to the museum was constructed. Today the museum boasts of one of the best cafés in town, and also has a lecture room and exhibition hall.

Address: Rua Bernardo Mascarenhas, s/n" - Cidade Jardim

Museu de Artes e Oficios (Arts and Crafts Museum)

The history of the industrial and technical aspects of Brazil is chronicled in the Artes e Oficios Museum. You can see here an array of tools, implements, sewing presses, lathes and other tools that were used in Brazil prior to industrialization. This museum is located downtown, in the old Central Station.

Museu de História Natural e Jardim Botânico da UFMG (Museum of Natural History and Botanical Garden of the UFMG)

Established in 1968, this garden stretches over an area of six thousand square meters. Apart from exhibits from the plant world, the museum also displays items of mineral and archaeological significance. There is an interactive laboratory where you can delve into the details of the exhibits. A high point of the museum is the "nativity scene" or the Presépio do Pipiripau. Designed by Raimundo Machado de Azavedo in 1906, this is a depiction of the life of Jesus in 45 scenes using more than 580 figures.

The "Palacinho", the erstwhile weekend residence of the governors of Mineiros, is located on the grounds of these botanical gardens. Today this building is a resource centre for historical cartography.            

Museu das Telecomunicaçoes (Museum of Telecommunications)

This museum was renovated and reopened on 6^th February 2007. It traces the history and evolution of telecommunications in Brazil. On display are old machines that were used for communications, different types of telephones, telex machines, as well as the more recent models.

Museu de Mineralogia Prof. Djalma Guimarães (Museum of Mineralogy)

This museum, known as "Rainha da Sucata" or Queen of Scrap Iron, is located in a futuristic building that is distinct from all the other buildings in the Praça da Liberdade. This is in itself an interesting tourist attraction. Inside, there is an extensive collection of almost three thousand pieces. Around 800 of these are on display. The exhibits comprise the various minerals found all over the world, their sources, uses and modern day applications. A must see for the scientifically inclined tourist.

Conservatório UFMG (UFMG Conservatory)

This conservatory, built in 1926, has been recently renovated and has two categories of exhibits.  The collection called Brasiliana comprises rare manuscripts and records of historic and artistic importance. The other is an anthology of Contemporary Mineira Art of the nineteen sixties. The Music Conservatory of UFMG is also situated in this building.

Museu do Giramundo (Giramundo Museum)

The Giramundo museum is sure to bring out the child in you! The Giramundo Group is a very reputed theatre group that works only with puppets. Formed in 1970 by three artists, it presents plays and dramas, with a new set of puppets each time. After the performances, the puppets become part of the Giramundo museum. This museum has a collection of over 1100 puppets made from cloth, wood and plastic but only 500 in exhibition by now. The Museum also holds exhibitions and conducts workshops and courses on puppet theatre.

Museu de Ciencias Naturais PUC-MG (PUC - MG Museum of Natural Sciences)       

This is the museum for those interested in paleontology and archaeology. It houses models of various fossils and dinosaurs, made to scale. You can pick up valuable information about the famous researcher Peter Lund. Travel back in time with the replica of the cave and excavations discovered by him in the eighteen hundreds! The museum charges a fee for entry.

Parque Municipal Américo Renné Giannetti (Municipal Park)

This park, which has been in existence since 1897, is older than the city of Belo Horizonte itself! Built along the lines of the parks of France during the Belle Époque, the Municipal Park is located right in the downtown of the city. The contrast between the natural beauty in the park and the urban surroundings is striking. Over 50 varieties of trees grow in this park and provide the perfect backdrop for boat rides in the lakes within. There is also a greenhouse displaying rare orchids. The park houses the Francisco Nunes theatre and the Palácio das Artes, apart from the basketball and tennis courts. Every year, between May and September, the Orchestra of Minas Gerais plays a concert called "Concerto no Parque" every Sunday morning. Try not to miss it if you are there during these months!

Address: Av. Afonso Pena s/n, Downtown.
Phone: + 55 31 3277 - 4161.
Timings: Tuesday - Sunday: 6.00am to 6.00pm.

Parque das Mangabeiras

The Mangabeiras Park is located at the base of the Serra do Curral Mountains. Spread over 337 hectares, the park has something for every kind of tourist. For children, there are amusement rides and toys all around the park, and for the nature enthusiast, there are walking and jogging trails and wild animals like monkeys and capuchins to spot. For the sports enthusiast, there are courts for various games like basketball, volleyball etc. As it is in the heart of the city, you can enjoy a breathtaking view of Belo Horizonte from the park.

Address: Av. Anel da Serra - alto do Mangabeiras.
Phone: + 55 31 3277 - 9697
Opening hours: Tuesday - Sunday and holidays: 8.00am to 6.00pm.

Parque Ecológico da Pampulha (Pampulha Ecological Park)

In 2004, three islands around the Pampulha lagoon were joined together to form the Pampulha Ecological Park. The best way to explore this park is to cycle your way around it.  Bicycles are available on hire at the Park administrative office. Thanks to plenty of water and fine weather, the park has a variety of flora and fauna. On weekends, theatre groups, bands and orchestras hold plays and concerts.

Address: Av. Otacílio Negrão de Lima 7.111, Lagoa da Pampulha.
Phone: + 55 31 3277 - 7439
Opening hours: Friday - Sunday 8.30am to 5.00pm.

Praça de Liberdade

A square meant to be the centre of power, the Praça de Liberdade is surrounded by government buildings built in the nineteenth century and a garden. There is also the Palácio Cristo Rio, which was built in the nineteen forties in the art deco style, apart from some prominent buildings designed by Oscar Niemeyer.

Praça do Papa (Pope Square)

Belo Horizonte's most famous symbol is the Serra do Curral mountain range. Praça do Papa lies at the beginning of this range. The square shot into prominence when the Pope held a mass here and exclaimed, "Que belo horizonte!" (what a beautiful horizon), as he saw the ocean of faces around him and the scenic beauty around the square. The square is also the venue for cultural programmes, plays and concerts. Don't miss the view of Belo Horizonte city at night from this square.

Praça 7 de setembro (Sete de Setembro Square)

At the intersection of two important avenues, Amazonas and Afonso Pena, lies the Praça 7 de setembro. The highlight of this square is the obelisk, which the locals fondly call "Pirulito" or Lollipop. It was constructed to commemorate a hundred years of Brazilian independence.

Praça da Estacão (Station Square)

The old train station is a very important landmark of the city. It was in the station's tower that the first community clock of the city was installed. The station is also very important as it was through it that all material required for the reconstruction of the city was routed. The station building was renovated recently and converted into the Museum of Arts and Crafts. The square around the station is also where festivals and concerts take place all around the year. Prominent tourist attractions on the square include the pair of marble lions, the Santa Teresa viaduct, the Serraria Souza Pinto space and the bronze sculpture honouring the heroes of Inconfidencia.

Savassi, near downtown, is the venue of various cultural programmes and events. It has some fine restaurants and a very active nightlife. The Palácio da Liberdade or the Palace of Liberty, which houses the Executive Offices of the Governor, is located here. It was the first structure to be completed as part of Savassi's development programme of the eighteen nineties. The Praça da Liberdade or the Liberty Plaza is another prominent landmark of Savassi.

Savassi is one huge open shopping mall. It offers a wide range in both food and drink, with its numerous bars and restaurants. It lays out a unique night time experience full of joy, fun and good cheer!  Savassi epitomizes how life should be lived!

Mangabeiras, which lies to the south of Belo Horizonte is situated atop a hill and overlooks the city. It was the sight from Mangabeiras that prompted the Pope to exclaim "Que Belo Horizonte!"  The Israel Pinheiro Square here was renamed Praça da Papa (or the Pope Square) after the Pope visited this place.

Do not miss the two prominent landmarks that are found near Mangabeiras, the Rua do Amendoim and the garden Parque das Mangabeiras. At Rua do Amendoim, drivers perceive their cars going uphill rather than down the slope when they are parked! Is it an optical illusion or is it magic?  The fun lies in guessing!

Mangabeiras is the quiet, green and noble quarter of Belo Horizonte. It straddles the Central and the Southern region of Bela Horizonte. An exclusively residential area, Mangabeiras is home to many celebrities and important political figures. Mangabeiras also has some unique attractions, like the street that defies gravity, the square anointed by the Pope's visit and the Magabeiras Park.

Main attractions in Mangabeiras

Praça do Papa (Pope Square)

This square overlooks the city and offers a breathtaking view of Belo Horizonte. It was originally called the Israel Pinheiro Square, after Israel Pinheiro, a respected Brazilian statesman. In 1980, Pope John Paul II visited this square and conducted a mass here. Looking at the sea of humanity as well as the scenic landscape around him, he remarked "What a beautiful horizon" ("Que Belo Horizonte!"), thus validating the name of the city. Since then this square began to be called Praça do Papa or Pope Square. The section on Parks and Squares will give you additional information.

Rua do Amendoim (Peanut Street)

This street is a strange experience in itself. To the casual observer, all things that should be coming down actually seem to be going up. Is it an optical illusion or is the street magical? Visit the Peanut Street, which is officially called Rua Professor Otávio Coelho Magalhaes, and find out for yourself!

Parque das Mangabeiras (Mangabeiras Park)

This park is situated at the base of the Serra do Curral mountain range, which is symbolic of Belo Horizonte. Spread over 337 hectares, this park is one of the largest parks in the country. The section on Parks and Squares will give you additional information.

For the archaeology aficionados, Minas Geiras has the largest concentration of caves and grottos in Brazil. To the north west of Belo Horizonte lie more than 500 caves that give a glimpse of Brazilian ancestry. A human fossil dating to almost 11,000 years, the oldest in America, can be seen in the caves of Minas Geiras. It is also from these caves that the Danish researcher, Peter Lund started his research on Brazilian Palaeontology.

Lapinha in Lagoa Santa, Rei do Mato in Sete Lagoas and Maquiné in Cordisburgo are caves that are worth a visit.

Belo Horizonte is a city surrounded by rugged mountains, winding rivers and plunging waterfalls, all of which provide the perfect background for adventure activities like trekking, paragliding and river rafting. The Brazilian beaches, too, have a beauty of their own.

The Serra do Cipó National Park (The Parque Nacional da Serra do Cipó) is located about 100 kilometres away from Belo Horizonte and offers a complete experience of adventure and eco tourism. The archaeological sites on the park give a glimpse of the primitive tribes, their life and culture. The amazing variety of flora and fauna is the botanist's delight! And finally, for those of you who enjoy the outdoors, there is a well equipped camping site.  If you prefer something more modern, then check into the guest houses on the park.

The Parque Natural do Caraça (Caraça Natural Park) is another very interesting tourist experience. This park is situated in Catas Altas town, which is slightly off the beaten path, and is spread over 11,000 hectares. It is here that you can see the first Gothic Church in Brazil. If you can keep up all night, you can see the Lobos Guará or the Brazilian wolves, which come to the Church to be fed by the Fathers.

The Belo Horizonte 360° is the apex organisation that coordinates all the clubs, athletes and operators who are involved in adventure and sports activities.

This road links 162 towns of Minas Geiras to eight towns in Rio de Janeiro and seven cities in São Paulo. It was an arterial road between the 16th and the 18th century when the Bandeirantes and their slaves dug the mountainsides to look for diamonds and gold.  Trade and merchandise reached important ports via this road.

If you want to experience a slice of history and relive "the Golden Century", then this is the road to explore. You can cover this mountain trail by foot or by road; since there are two or three routes, do take a guide along.

The real spirit of Belo Horizonte, both literally and figuratively, is found in its bars! It is the Bars Capital of Brazil, with every street having more than just a few bars. To the locals, the bar is not just a place to drink and relax; it is an entire way of life. Any occasion, however trivial, is a good reason to visit the bar. And if you don't have a valid reason, well that is reason enough to visit the bar because you simply don't know what to do with yourself! The bars are believed to be places where you can pass the time of the day, with like-minded people, good food and music.

There are different kinds of bars to choose from - simple ones, sophisticated ones, bars serving a good meal, bars not serving food - just take your pick and go on. Start with one, sample another and round off the night with a "Final de Noite" or "End night bar"!

See our Belo Horizonte Restaurant Guide for some great Bars & Nightclubs.

Banks

Banks are not open on Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays. However, there are automatic teller machines all around the city.

Banking Hours: 10.00am to 4.00pm.

Electronic tellers: 6.00am to 10.00pm.

Shops

Shops remain closed on Sundays. Their working hours on other days are as follows.

Weekdays: 8.00am to 6.00pm.

Saturdays: 9.00am to 1.00pm.

Malls

Malls remain open all through the week from 10.00am to 11.00pm and in some cases up to midnight.

Currency Exchange Service

ACTION

TPSTPC28 – First floor - Sector B, Confins airport

Email: filialconfins@actioncambio.com.br

Phone: + 55 31 3689-2861

From Monday to Monday, from 5 am to 10 pm

Language/ Visas/ Holidays/ Power/Post/Tel/Money

For information on all these aspects log on to the Brazil Country Guide.

Location and Time Zones

Belo Horizonte is located at the intersection of the roads from Rio de Janeiro, São Paulo and Brasilia. It straddles the Americas and Brazil. Rio de Janeiro is 340 kilometres away and São Paulo is 490 kilometres away.

Belo Horizonte is normally 3 hours behind GMT. However, between the third Sunday of October and the third Saturday of March it is 2 hours behind GMT.

Demographics

Belo Horizonte (BH) is Brazil's third largest metropolis. Its population hovers around 2.4 million people. "Great Belo Horizonte", which includes Belo Horizonte and the satellite towns, has a population of 5.1 million people.

Weather

Belo Horizonte has a tropical climate and both the summers and winters are comfortable. The delineation between the four seasons is not marked and the weather alternates between humid summers and dry winters.

Maximum and minimum temperatures

Summer: Max 30°C and Min 18°C.

Winter: Max 25°C and Min 13°C.

Brazilians find the winters cold!

Medical Care

There are clinics all over Belo Horizonte. They function between 8.00am. and 7.00pm. In case of emergency, you can always go to the 24 x 7 emergency departments of various hospitals or dial 192 from the local phone.

Drug stores and pharmacies work on all days of the week except in the afternoons of Saturday and Sunday. Every region has one 24-hour chemist for emergency.

Drug Stores

Working Hours: 9.00am to 1.00pm and 3.00pm to 7.00pm.