Things To Do
in Brumadinho

Brumadinho is a small city in Minas Gerais set among rolling hills and near the famous Inhotim contemporary art center. It blends outdoor scenery with a calm rural pace and easy day trips into nature and culture. Visitors can explore local markets, enjoy Minas Gerais cuisine, and experience art and scenic viewpoints in a relaxed setting.

The area serves as a gateway to the Serra da Mantiqueira foothills and the green landscapes of the region.

Day Trips

Spend a day exploring around

day 1
Arrival in Brumadinho
morning
:

Arrive at Tancredo Neves International Airport and take a scenic drive to Brumadinho, surrounded by lush greenery. Check into your cozy accommodation and enjoy a refreshing breakfast at a local café. Take a leisurely stroll around the town to acclimate and soak in the atmosphere.

afternoon
:

Visit the Inhotim Institute, an expansive contemporary art museum nestled in the Atlantic Forest. Explore the picturesque gardens and outdoor exhibitions, immersing yourself in the balance of art and nature. Enjoy lunch at one of the café options inside the institute, savoring local flavors.

evening
:

Wind down your day with a traditional Brazilian meal at a nearby restaurant, experiencing the vibrant culinary culture of the area. Consider joining a guided night tour at Inhotim, where you can see selected artworks illuminated beautifully. Reflect on your experiences over drinks at a local bar or café.

day 2
Exploring Nature
morning
:

Start your day with a guided hike through the lush, green trails of Serra do Curral. The early morning air is crisp, and the sounds of nature create a serene atmosphere. Keep an eye out for the diverse wildlife that inhabits this rich ecosystem.

afternoon
:

After returning from the hike, enjoy a hearty lunch at a traditional restaurant, featuring local dishes like feijoada. Visit the local artisan shops, where you can find unique crafts and handmade souvenirs that reflect the culture and artistry of Brumadinho. Engage with the artisans and learn about their craft.

evening
:

Head to a local cultural event or live music performance, where you can experience the vibrant Brazilian culture up close. This is a great opportunity to mingle with locals and enjoy the rhythmic sounds of Brazilian music. End the night at your accommodation, reflecting on a fulfilling day.

Cost Guide

Prices

ItemPrice
🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant$6-12
🥗Meal for two at mid-range restaurant$25-40
🏨Hotel per night (mid-range)$40-90
🚗Rental car per day$40-60
🧁Local snack or dessert$2-6

Strengths and Weaknesses

  • Scenic natural beauty and access to world-class art at Inhotim
  • Friendly locals and affordable travel in a relaxed setting
  • Limited nightlife and big-city amenities
  • Travel times can be longer on rural roads during the rainy season
  • "Olá" - Hello
  • "Bom dia" - Good morning
  • "Por favor" - Please
  • "Obrigado/Obrigada" - Thank you
  • "Onde fica...?" - Where is...
  • "Quanto custa?" - How much does it cost?
  • "Você fala inglês?" - Do you speak English?
  • "A conta, por favor" - The check, please
  • "Pode me ajudar?" - Can you help me?
  • "Eu gostaria de..." - I would like to...

Places to Visit in Brumadinho

Visit one of these nice places.

Inhotim Museum Grounds

Iconic outdoor sculpture gardens with vibrant installations set among lush plantings.

Serra da Mantiqueira viewpoints

Panoramic overlooks over rolling hills and green valleys, especially at sunrise.

Praça Central de Brumadinho

Historic square with colonial architecture and street life—great for candid and architectural shots.

Culinary Guide

Food in Brumadinho

Brumadinho follows Minas Gerais culinary traditions, featuring hearty stews, dairy products, and baked goods made from farm-fresh ingredients.

Brumadinho Famous Food

Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food

Feijão Tropeiro

A hearty mix of beans, farofa, sausage or beef, and eggs, a Minas staple.

Must-Try!

Pão de Queijo

Cheese bread made with tapioca flour, warm and irresistibly snackable.

Tutu de Feijão

Creamy bean puree served with rice, sausage, or cheese, a comforting classic.

Queijo Minas Frescal with Doce de Leite

Fresh Minas cheese paired with caramelized milk spread for a sweet-salty treat.

Food Markets

Explore local food markets

Mercado Municipal de Brumadinho

Local produce stalls, fresh cheese, fruits, and regional snacks.

Street food stalls

Casual bites like coxinha, pastel, fresh fruit smoothies, and pão de queijo on the go.

Climate Guide

Weather

The region experiences a mild tropical highland climate with distinct wet and dry seasons. Summers are warm with rainfall; winters are cooler; spring and autumn are mild with pleasant days.

How to Behave

Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior

Greetings

Greet with a friendly 'Bom dia' or 'Boa tarde'; handshake is common, cheek kiss in casual settings.

Photography

Ask permission in private homes or sacred sites; be respectful around communities and religious spaces.

Dress

Dress comfortably for hot days; modest attire when visiting churches or rural areas.

Safety Guide

Safety

General safety includes staying aware of petty theft in crowded areas, keeping valuables secure, and following local advisories near mining sites. In case of emergencies, dial 190 (police), 193 (fire), or 192 (medical).

Tipping in Brumadinho

Ensure a smooth experience

Tipping Etiquette

In Brazil, a 5-10% tip is common when service charge isn’t included; you can round up in casual places.

Payment Methods

Credit and debit cards widely accepted; cash is handy in markets and smaller shops; some places may be cash-only.

Best Time to Visit

And what to expect in different seasons...

Summer

Warm to hot days with frequent rain showers; carry lightweight clothing and a compact rain layer.

Autumn

Milder temperatures, less rain; ideal for outdoor walks and photography.

Winter

Cooler mornings and evenings; layering is helpful; daytime remains pleasant.

Spring

Blooming landscapes and comfortable temperatures; great for hiking and outdoor activities.

Nightlife Guide

Brumadinho at Night

Brumadinho has a low-key nightlife scene centered on local bars and cafés. For more vibrant options, Belo Horizonte and surrounding towns offer live music venues and clubs, especially on weekends.

Hiking in Brumadinho

Immerse in an unforgettable hike.

Trilha Serra da Moeda Lookout

A popular scenic hike offering views over the Belo Horizonte region and surrounding hills.

Inhotim nature trails

Walking trails around the Inhotim grounds combining nature with outdoor art.

Airports

How to reach Brumadinho by plane.

Aeroporto Internacional de Belo Horizonte - Tancredo Neves (CNF)

Located near Confins, about 60-75 minutes from Brumadinho; access by road or private transfer.

Aeroporto de Belo Horizonte - Pampulha (PLU)

Smaller airport in Belo Horizonte with domestic connections; useful for quick regional trips.

Getting Around

Walkability

Brumadinho's town center is walkable for short visits; most major attractions require a car or shuttle. The Inhotim campus is best reached by private transport, though some tours offer transfers.

Demographics

Explore demographics in this area.

Local residents

Primarily Brazilian families in rural communities with a mix of commuters.

Popular Sports

Explore popular sports in region.

Futebol (soccer)

The most popular sport; many locals play in parks and leagues.

Transportation

Traffic

Traffic is manageable in Brumadinho; travel to Inhotim or Belo Horizonte involves regional highways; plan for slower speeds during rain and greater demand on weekends or holidays; rideshares and taxis are available.

Accomodations

Find the best place to stay when visiting Brumadinho.

Dietary Restrictions

Tips for restricted diets.

Vegetarian

Many dishes can be adapted; look for feijão tropeiro without meat, pão de queijo, salads, and vegetable stews; ask for dairy or egg-based options if needed.

Health & Medical

Healthcare

Healthcare options include local clinics and the SUS network; for specialized care and emergencies, Belo Horizonte hospitals are accessible by car or private transport. Travel insurance is recommended.

Discover Brazil

Read more in our Brazil 2025 Travel Guide.

Brazil Travel Guide