Rio to Minas Gerais Gold Route
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Kick off in Rio de Janeiro and return there three days later – a relaxed deep dive into Minas Gerais’ colonial heartlands. You’ll explore Sao Joao del Rei and Tiradentes by foot and by nostalgic steam train, sampling regional flavours, cachaca and cheese. In Ouro Preto – a UNESCO gem – expect baroque churches, the Inconfidencia Museum and sweeping viewpoints. Round off in nearby Mariana, wandering cobbled streets and sacred art spaces, before a scenic drive back to Rio. It is a balanced mix of history, architecture and local culture – steady pacing, characterful inns and plenty of time to soak up the atmosphere.
For a detailed itinerary and information about visas, money, weather and more.
Tour Overview
Duration
3 daysHotel Rating
Pousada (Traditional Inn)Starts
Rio de JaneiroEnds
Rio de JaneiroMinimum Age
1 years oldMaximum Age
Tours have upper age limits for several reasons, such as but not limited to: tour pace, activity level, and accommodation standards. If you fall outside of this age limit, we do have lots of other tours in Brazil that are suitable for all ages!
Arrival Transfer
YesDeparture Transfer
YesTour Guide
Yes - Services of a private bi-lingual English-speaking guide for included sightseeingCountry
BrazilMeals Included
Breakfast: 2Passengers
$6,255.00
$3,528.00
Tour Style
Group Size
Min 1 / Max Private Tour
Trip Type
Private Tours
Range
On this tour, you won't be joined by other travellers, and will just be travelling with your booking party. Some transportation & sightseeing may be shared, check the Inclusions for more information.
Guiding Style
This tour includes scheduled sightseeing with expert guides in key destinations as per the Inclusions, as well as transportation (either with a driver or public transport), plus of course your accommodation. There is no single tour guide or tour leader throughout the trip. You’ll have support where it counts, and more freedom in between. Our cruise tours also fall into this category where you will be looked after by a crew. For more information, check the Inclusions of this tour.
Tour Pace
A balanced pace, with a mix of free time and visits to multiple locations, allowing for both relaxation and exploration. Generally doesn't visit more than one or two destinations per day.
Physical Rating
A moderate amount of walking is required during sightseeing, with some free time, offering a balance between activity and relaxation. As a general rule, you should be able to walk 2-kilometres without stopping.
Tour Guide
Yes - Services of a private bi-lingual English-speaking guide for included sightseeingGroup Size
Min 1 / Max Private TourRange
On this tour, you won't be joined by other travellers, and will just be travelling with your booking party. Some transportation & sightseeing may be shared, check the Inclusions for more information.
Guiding Style
This tour includes scheduled sightseeing with expert guides in key destinations as per the Inclusions, as well as transportation (either with a driver or public transport), plus of course your accommodation. There is no single tour guide or tour leader throughout the trip. You’ll have support where it counts, and more freedom in between. Our cruise tours also fall into this category where you will be looked after by a crew. For more information, check the Inclusions of this tour.
Tour Pace
A balanced pace, with a mix of free time and visits to multiple locations, allowing for both relaxation and exploration. Generally doesn't visit more than one or two destinations per day.
Physical Rating
A moderate amount of walking is required during sightseeing, with some free time, offering a balance between activity and relaxation. As a general rule, you should be able to walk 2-kilometres without stopping.
Trip Type
Private ToursPlaces You'll See
Rio de Janeiro
São João Del Rei
Tiradentes
Ouro Preto
Mariana
Included
Not Included
Itinerary
Day 1 - Sao Joao del Rei Walking Tour & Explore Tiradentes
We set off from Rio de Janeiro at 6:00, travelling through the countryside to reach Sao Joao del Rei at around 11:00. Here we take a two‑hour walking tour, viewing elegant 18th‑century colonial architecture shaped by the region’s mining era. We then board a steam train to Tiradentes, a scenic ride that offers a different perspective on the landscape. On arrival, we stop for lunch at a local restaurant to sample regional flavours, at own cost. The afternoon is spent exploring Tiradentes’ cobbled lanes and notable churches. You can browse art and handicraft fairs, and drop into shops selling cachaca and locally produced cheese. We settle into a cosy local inn in Tiradentes for the night.
Day 2 - Uncover Ouro Preto
After breakfast at the inn, we leave Tiradentes at 7:30 am and travel into the heart of Minas Gerais towards Ouro Preto. Once the epicentre of Brazil’s Gold Rush, this UNESCO World Heritage city is known for its steep, cobbled streets and striking Baroque architecture. On arrival, we explore the historic centre, taking in ornate churches, museums and well‑preserved colonial buildings. Highlights include the Church of Saint Francis of Assisi, the Museum of the Inconfidencia and the panoramic views from the Morro da Forca viewpoint – each offering a clear window into the region’s prosperous past. In the evening, you can set your own pace – unwind in a cafe, sample local dishes at a traditional restaurant or simply enjoy the atmosphere as the day fades. We stay overnight at a local inn in Ouro Preto.
Day 3 - Experience Mariana Before Greeting Rio de Janeiro
After breakfast at our inn, we depart Ouro Preto in the morning for nearby Mariana. From 9:30 am to 12:30 pm we explore Mariana’s historic centre – tranquil streets, well preserved colonial buildings and significant churches. Highlights include the Basilica of Saint Mary of Assumption and the Museum of Sacred Art, offering a final look at the region’s gold rush heritage. From 12:30 pm – 2:00 pm we pause for lunch at a local restaurant to enjoy the flavours of Minas Gerais, then set off for Rio de Janeiro. The return drive follows scenic routes, with arrival in Rio de Janeiro at around 7:00 pm.
Tour Reviews
Extras and add-ons
If you'd like to add extras or add-ons to your booking, you can do this easily during checkout. Just review the available options and select any additional services or upgrades you'd like before completing your purchase.
Hotels
The hotels listed below are examples which we frequently use on this tour. Alternative hotels of a similar standard may be used instead.
Prices & Dates
The prices you see below are a guide, with final prices per person being determined by the number of travellers in your booking party and the rooming arrangements required. To see an accurate price, please click "Book Dates" and enter the details for your booking party.
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