Things To Do
in Congonhal

Cheese bread made from tapioca flour and local queijo Minas — found in any bakery or café for breakfast and snacks.

Must-Try!

A hearty mix of beans, manioc flour, sausage and egg often featured at local lunch spots and family meals.

Fresh Minas cheese and milk-based sweets; buy from local markets or farm shops for the best quality.

Mashed beans with manioc flour and seasonings, commonly served as a side in traditional restaurants.

Small farmers sell seasonal produce, cheeses, homemade sweets and snacks — great for trying fresh pão de queijo, cakes and regional preserves.

Evening stalls and neighborhood bars serve snacks like pastel, coxinha and fried cheese — perfect with a cold cerveja.

People greet with a handshake or a light hug among friends; say "bom dia" (good morning), "boa tarde" (good afternoon) or "boa noite" (good evening) when entering shops or meeting locals.

Use courteous language and titles (senhor/senhora) when addressing elders or officials; avoid loud confrontations in public spaces.

Respect religious events and processions — dress modestly for church visits and observe quiet behavior during services.

If invited to a local home or farm, bring a small gift (sweets or regional produce) and remove shoes if hosts indicate; always accept hospitality graciously.

Tipping is not mandatory; restaurants often add a 10% service charge (serviço) on the bill — if service charge is not included, a 5–10% tip is appreciated for good service. For small services like taxi rides or a helpful porter, rounding up is common practice.

Cash (Brazilian real) is widely used, especially in markets, small restaurants and rural areas. Credit and debit cards are accepted at larger restaurants and stores, but connectivity can be spotty — carry cash for small purchases and remote vendors. Mobile payments are growing but not universally supported.

Warm to hot temperatures with frequent afternoon thunderstorms (December–March). Expect lush vegetation, humid conditions and occasional road muddiness after heavy rain; ideal for seeing green landscapes and coffee-growing activity.

Mild temperatures and drier days (April–May) — comfortable for outdoor activities, harvest visits and scenic drives as crowds remain small.

Cooler, dry weather (June–August) with chilly mornings and comfortable afternoons — clear skies make it a good time for photography and hiking, but bring a jacket for evenings.

Warming temperatures and increasing rain (September–November) with flowering fields and active farm life — good for nature walks but plan for intermittent showers.

Many residents are involved in agriculture, dairy and coffee production with multi-generational family farms.

Tradespeople, shopkeepers and service workers who form the backbone of local commerce and municipal services.

Younger adults who often commute to larger nearby cities for education, employment or who have migrated to urban centers.

A mix of Portuguese-descended, Afro-Brazilian and indigenous heritage reflected in local traditions, food and festivals.

Vegetarian options are available but limited in small towns—seek dishes based on beans, rice, salads and cheese. Communicate clearly (in Portuguese if possible) and visit bakeries and markets for snacks and sweets.

Vegan choices are scarcer because many dishes include dairy; bring snacks or shop at markets for fruit and rice-based foods, and ask restaurants about oil-only preparations.

Traditional cuisine uses manioc/tapioca (gluten-free) in items like pão de queijo, but cross-contamination is possible; ask staff about ingredients and preparation.

Inform hosts about allergies—small eateries may lack ingredient lists, so use caution with nuts, dairy and shellfish.