A Datafolha survey of travelers from São Paulo chose Minas Gerais and one of its most famous colonial jewels, Ouro Preto, as the country’s best historic destinations — each receiving 20% of responses. The state also ranked alone as Brazil’s most welcoming destination, with 13% of mentions.
The report travels along the Estrada Real, which connects Ouro Preto to Diamantina through the Espinhaço mountain range, portraying what makes Minas unique: an identity built on slow journeys rather than final destinations, echoing the philosophy of João Guimarães Rosa, whose novel Grande Sertão: Veredas marks its 70th anniversary.
The state offers a wide range of experiences: historic towns such as Tiradentes, São João del-Rei and Ouro Preto; nature destinations such as Capitólio, São Thomé das Letras and Januária; thermal resorts in São Lourenço and Caxambu; and contemporary art at Inhotim. Minas hospitality is expressed through early coffee service, endless conversations and comfort food ranging from torresmo to feijão tropeiro.
Minas Gerais holds nearly one-third of Brazil’s historical heritage sites recognized by UNESCO, including the historic center of Ouro Preto, considered the best-preserved colonial urban complex in Brazil. Cities near São Paulo, such as Passa Quatro and Carrancas, can be reached within a few hours.
