Juiz de Fora

Day Trips

Arrive at Santos Dumont Airport and transfer to your hotel in the charming city center. Take time to settle into your accommodations and enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding hills. Savor a fresh cup of Brazilian coffee at a nearby cafe while watching locals start their day.

Explore the bustling downtown streets and admire the eclectic mix of colonial and modern architecture. Visit Praça João Pessoa to relax by the fountain and people-watch. Stop at a bakery to sample pão de queijo and other regional treats.

Dine at a traditional restaurant serving feijoada and local specialties. Stroll along Avenida Barão do Rio Branco to experience the lively evening atmosphere. End the night with a caipirinha at a nearby bar.

Begin your day at the Centro Cultural Bernardo Mascarenhas, one of the largest cultural centers in Brazil. Explore the permanent art galleries showcasing local and national artists. Participate in a guided tour to learn about the history of the building and its collections.

Attend a workshop or live performance in one of the center's many theaters. Visit the library to leaf through rare books on regional culture and literature. Enjoy a light lunch at the on-site cafe, sampling artisanal sandwiches and fresh juices.

Catch an evening theater production, concert, or dance show in one of the center’s auditoriums. Take in a modern art exhibition before the doors close for the day. Finish the night with a dessert at a nearby patisserie.

Head to Museu Mariano Procópio, located in a beautiful 19th-century mansion surrounded by lush gardens. Wander the halls admiring paintings, sculptures, and historical artifacts collected by Mariano Procópio. Enjoy the manicured park setting as you move between galleries.

Join a guided tour to learn about the museum's founder and the significance of each collection. Take photos of the ornate ceilings and period furnishings that reflect Brazil’s imperial era. Grab a light lunch and fresh juice at the museum’s cafe overlooking the gardens.

Attend any special evening events or educational talks often hosted in the museum’s auditorium. Walk through the lit gardens for a serene experience at sunset. Return to the city center for dinner at a cozy bistro.

Set off early to Parque da Lajinha, a sprawling natural reserve perfect for hiking and birdwatching. Follow one of the scenic trails leading to crystal-clear waterfalls. Pause to take photos of exotic birds and native flora along the way.

Have a picnic lunch by the waterfall, accompanied by the soothing sounds of nature. Continue exploring other trails or rent a bike to cover more ground. Visit the park’s small nature center to learn about local wildlife conservation efforts.

Return to the city and unwind at a rooftop bar overlooking the park. Order a light dinner of regional salads and grilled vegetables. Watch the sunset paint the sky over Juiz de Fora’s rolling hills.

Begin with a visit to the Igreja Matriz de Nossa Senhora da Conceição, an architectural gem in the city heart. Marvel at its baroque facade and ornate altar adorned with gilded details. Light a candle and take a moment for quiet reflection.

Explore the surrounding historic district on foot, admiring colonial-era houses and street art. Stop at a local cafe for a strong espresso and pão doce. Visit nearby artisan shops to browse handcrafted souvenirs.

Return to the church to experience evening vespers or an organ recital if available. Stand in the candlelit nave for a moving cultural ritual. Afterwards, dine at a nearby family-run tavern serving hearty regional cuisine.

Venture to Mercado Municipal for a sensory feast of colors, aromas, and flavors. Wander through stalls overflowing with tropical fruits, spices, and artisanal cheeses. Chat with vendors and sample exotic produce like jabuticaba and guava.

Join a cooking demonstration featuring traditional Mineiro recipes using fresh market ingredients. Learn how to prepare dishes such as tutu à mineira and pastel de angu. Sit down for a hearty market-style lunch served at communal tables.

Return to the market’s outside plaza for food truck dinners and live musica ao vivo. Try street food classics like pastel and caldo de cana while mingling with locals. Cap off your evening with a locally brewed craft beer.

Make your way to Casarão 17 de Abril, a beautifully restored mansion turned cultural hub. Browse contemporary art exhibits showcasing emerging regional talents. Attend a morning gallery talk to gain deeper insights into each artist’s work.

Take part in a hands-on artisanal workshop, such as ceramic painting or traditional textile weaving. Enjoy lunch in the center’s courtyard garden, dining on fresh salads and local cheese boards. Relax with a cup of herbal tea sourced from nearby plantations.

Experience a live music performance in the building’s intimate concert space. Savor small plates of tapas-style appetizers while the musicians set the mood. End the night with a leisurely stroll through the garden under string lights.

Drive to Represa de Gov. Portella for a morning on the water amid tranquil scenery. Rent a kayak or paddleboard to explore the calm lake. Spot native birds and fish while gliding across the mirror-like surface.

Enjoy a lakeside picnic featuring fresh bread, cold cuts, and local fruits. Take a guided boat tour to learn about the reservoir’s history and engineering. Swim in designated areas under the watchful eye of park staff.

Return to town and head to a waterfront restaurant for fresh grilled fish and rice dishes. Watch the sunset reflect off the water from your terrace table. Sip on a refreshing caipiroska flavored with local fruits.

Travel to a nearby family-owned coffee farm for an immersive plantation tour. Walk through lush coffee fields and learn about the bean-to-cup process. Participate in a hands-on picking session if in season.

Observe the roasting process in the farm’s traditional mill and taste freshly roasted beans. Attend a cupping session led by the plantation’s barista to identify flavor notes like chocolate and citrus. Enjoy a farm-to-table lunch prepared with local ingredients.

Return to the city for a casual dinner at a trendy cafe specializing in coffee-infused dishes. Try espresso-rubbed meats or coffee-flavored desserts. Unwind with a final cup of expertly brewed coffee before bed.

Spend your last morning strolling the pedestrianized Rua Halfeld for any last-minute shopping. Pick up souvenirs like artisanal jams, handicrafts, and local jewelry. Grab a freshly baked pão de queijo for the road.

Enjoy a farewell lunch at a charming bistro offering regional favorites in small plates. Watch street performers entertain passersby as you savor your meal. Return to your hotel to collect luggage and prepare for departure.

Head to Santos Dumont Airport with ample time for check-in and tax exempt shopping. Reflect on your ten days discovering Juiz de Fora’s culture, nature, and cuisine. Depart with memories of warm hospitality and vibrant experiences.