Things To Do
in Guaxupé

Guaxupé is a small city in Minas Gerais known for its coffee culture and green landscapes. It sits in the South of Minas region, offering a relaxed pace and friendly locals. The city blends rural charm with growing commerce, crafts, and cafés.

Visitors can enjoy hilltop views, fresh dairy products, and easy access to nearby nature reserves.

Day Trips

Spend a day exploring around

day 1
Exploring Historic Center
morning
:

Start your day with a leisurely breakfast at a local café, savoring fresh pão de queijo and strong Brazilian coffee. After your meal, take a guided walking tour through Guaxupé's historic center, where you'll admire colonial architecture and learn about the city's rich coffee heritage. Don't forget your camera, as the vibrant streets and charming squares offer plenty of picturesque moments.

afternoon
:

In the afternoon, visit the Museu Municipal de Guaxupé to delve deeper into the region's history and culture, showcasing artifacts from the coffee boom era. Afterward, enjoy lunch at a traditional restaurant, sampling local dishes such as feijão tropeiro and carne de sol. Spend the rest of the afternoon wandering through local artisan shops, where you can find unique handcrafted souvenirs.

evening
:

As the sun sets, head to a local bar for a taste of Guaxupé's nightlife, where you can enjoy live music and a lively atmosphere. Indulge in regional drinks, including cachaça cocktails, while mingling with locals and fellow travelers. Conclude your evening with a peaceful stroll through the illuminated streets, enjoying the warm Brazilian night air.

day 2
Coffee Plantation Tour
morning
:

Begin your day with a hearty breakfast before heading out to one of Guaxupé's renowned coffee plantations. Join a guided tour to learn about the coffee growing process, from seed to cup, and witness the lush coffee fields stretching across the landscape. Engage in a hands-on coffee picking experience, where you can try your hand at harvesting ripe coffee cherries.

afternoon
:

After the tour, enjoy a delicious farm-to-table lunch at the plantation, featuring dishes made from locally sourced ingredients paired with their freshly brewed coffee. Spend the afternoon participating in a coffee tasting session, where you'll sample various blends and learn about flavor profiles from a knowledgeable barista. This immersive experience deepens your appreciation for Brazil's coffee culture.

evening
:

Return to Guaxupé for an evening of relaxation at a local restaurant, where you can reflect on your day over a meal of regional specialties. Try a traditional Brazilian barbecue, known as churrasco, and pair it with a selection of local wines. After dinner, take a leisurely walk through the town, soaking in the calm atmosphere and perhaps stopping for dessert at a local bakery.

Cost Guide

Prices

ItemPrice
🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant$8-12
Coffee or espresso$1-3
🥐Pastry or snack$1-3
🚆Public transport ride$0.75-1.50
🏨Budget hotel per night$40-70

Strengths and Weaknesses

  • Charming small-city vibe and friendly locals
  • Strong coffee culture and fresh dairy products
  • Scenic hillside landscapes nearby
  • Relaxed pace and easy day trips
  • Limited nightlife compared to big cities
  • Smaller transport network for long-distance travel
  • Fewer high-end dining options
  • "Bom dia" - Good morning
  • "Por favor" - Please
  • "Obrigado(a)" - Thank you
  • "Onde fica...?" - Where is...?
  • "Quanto custa?" - How much does it cost?
  • "Não falo Português muito bem" - I don't speak Portuguese very well.

Places to Visit in Guaxupé

Visit one of these nice places.

Centro Histórico – Praça Central

Historic square with colonial façades, a clock tower, and lively street life that makes for atmospheric photos.

Mirante da Serra

Hilltop viewpoint offering panoramic views of Guaxupé and the surrounding countryside, perfect for sunrise shots.

Igreja Matriz de Guaxupé

Impressive church featuring classic Brazilian ecclesiastical architecture and a peaceful interior.

Culinary Guide

Food in Guaxupé

Minas Gerais cuisine is hearty and soil-rich, with a strong coffee culture. Dishes highlight dairy, beans, and starches, often served with warm bread and buttery pastries.

Guaxupé Famous Food

Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food

Pão de queijo

Traditional cheese bread, best enjoyed fresh at bakeries and cafés across Guaxupé.

Must-Try!

Feijão tropeiro

A hearty bean dish with cassava flour and typically pork, a staple of the region.

Tutu de feijão

Creamy bean puree with cornmeal, a comforting Minas Gerais classic.

Queijo Minas Artesanal

Soft, fresh Minas cheese frequently paired with bread or honey.

Food Markets

Explore local food markets

Mercado Municipal de Guaxupé

A compact market offering fresh produce, dairy products, local snacks, and bakery treats.

Feiras Livres (street markets)

Weekly markets with seasonal produce, sweets, and local crafts.

Climate Guide

Weather

Guaxupé enjoys a mild, subtropical highland climate with warm summers and cool to chilly winters. The rainy season typically runs from October to March, and winter evenings can be crisp.

How to Behave

Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior

Greetings and courtesy

A friendly 'Bom dia' or 'Boa tarde' goes a long way; handshake or cheek kiss is common among friends.

Respectful address

Use Senhor/Senhora or Dona/Senhorita with appropriate formality; wait to be invited to use first names.

Safety Guide

Safety

Petty crime can occur in tourist areas, especially at night. Stay aware of belongings in crowded places, use reputable taxis or rideshares, and keep valuables secure.

Tipping in Guaxupé

Ensure a smooth experience

Tipping Etiquette

Tipping is appreciated but not obligatory. If service charge is not included, 5–10% at restaurants is typical.

Payment Methods

Cash (BRL) and credit/debit cards are widely accepted; Pix is a popular instant mobile payment method.

Best Time to Visit

And what to expect in different seasons...

Summer

Warm days with afternoon thunderstorms common; carry a light jacket for cooler evenings and stay hydrated while exploring outdoor spaces.

Autumn

Mild temperatures with colorful foliage; ideal for long walks and outdoor photography.

Winter

Cool to chilly nights; days are comfortable for city sightseeing, with possible morning fog in the hills.

Spring

Moderate warmth and blooming flora; great for outdoor markets, trails, and cafe-hopping.

Nightlife Guide

Guaxupé at Night

The nightlife in Guaxupé is relaxed, centered on casual bars and cafés with local music. On weekends, there may be small live-music venues and seasonal festivals; the energy is laid-back compared to larger Brazilian cities.

Hiking in Guaxupé

Immerse in an unforgettable hike.

Serra do Guaxupé Trails

Hiking routes around the Serra do Guaxupé with panoramic views and forested areas.

Cachoeira da Serra Trail

Waterfall trail with a short hike suitable for most visitors.

Airports

How to reach Guaxupé by plane.

Aeroporto de Varginha (VAG)

Nearest regional airport, about 100-120 km away; regular ground transport options available.

Aeroporto de Campinas (VCP)

Major international airport in the São Paulo region, around 260 km away; best for international flights.

Getting Around

Walkability

Guaxupé's historic center is walkable, especially the core where shops, markets, and cafes are close together. Some surrounding neighborhoods and viewpoints involve hills; comfortable footwear is recommended.

Demographics

Explore demographics in this area.

Families

Many residents are families with long-standing ties to local agriculture and dairy industries.

Students and professionals

Nearby colleges and small businesses attract students and young professionals.

Popular Sports

Explore popular sports in region.

Football (Soccer)

Popular local sport, with casual games in community fields and amateur leagues.

Volleyball

Common in schools and clubs, with beach-style courts in some parks.

Transportation

Traffic

Traffic is light to moderate; most visitors rely on car rental or regional buses. Public transit within town is limited, with taxis and rideshare options available.

Accomodations

Find the best place to stay when visiting Guaxupé.

Dietary Restrictions

Tips for restricted diets.

Vegetarian

Vegetarians can enjoy cheese breads, bean-focused dishes, fresh salads, and dairy-based desserts; ask for tofu or veggie versions where available, and request meat-free options at restaurants.

Health & Medical

Healthcare

Healthcare is available at municipal clinics and a regional hospital; for more complex care, residents travel to larger centers in neighboring cities like Varginha or Poços de Caldas. Private clinics and laboratories offer standard services.

Discover Brazil

Read more in our Brazil 2025 Travel Guide.

Brazil Travel Guide