Things To Do
in Minas Novas
Minas Novas sits in the Jequitinhonha Valley of Minas Gerais, a small town framed by rolling hills and rural scenery. The town preserves a quiet, old-world charm with colonial architecture and a central praça that hosts markets and local gatherings. Surrounding scenery includes valleys, viewpoints, and waterfalls that invite outdoor exploration.
Visitors are welcomed by friendly locals and hearty, home-style Brazilian cuisine that reflects the region's Minas Gerais heritage.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Arrive in Minas Novas and check in to your accommodation. Begin your day with a leisurely breakfast, enjoying local specialties such as pão de queijo (cheese bread) and coffee. Take a stroll around the town to get acquainted with its charming streets and historical architecture.
Venture to the nearby Gruta do Maquiné, a stunning cave system known for its impressive stalactites and stalagmites. Join a guided tour to learn about the geological formations and the significance of the caves in Brazilian history. Return to the town to relax at a local café, sampling traditional sweets like doce de leite.
As the sun sets, enjoy dinner at a local restaurant where you can indulge in regional cuisine. Take a leisurely walk through the town center, adorned with art and vibrant local life. Finally, find a cozy spot to relax with a drink and reflect on your first day in Minas Novas.
Start your day at the Museu Regional de Minas Novas to gain insight into the region's history and culture. Examine the exhibits that showcase local art and artifacts drawn from the area's rich mining background. Afterward, visit the iconic Igreja de São Gonçalo, an architectural gem with beautiful interiors.
Enjoy lunch at a nearby eatery, sampling more local dishes, before heading to the Parque Nacional da Serra do Cipó. Here, immerse yourself in nature with beautiful views and hiking trails to explore. Take your time to appreciate the diverse flora and fauna that inhabit the region.
Return to Minas Novas to enjoy the lively atmosphere of the local markets. Engage with vendors and purchase handmade crafts as gifts or souvenirs of your trip. End your day by enjoying a traditional dance performance, connecting with the local culture.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍽️Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $6-12 |
| 🥪Street food snack | $1-3 |
| ☕Coffee or cafe item | $1-3 |
| 🛏️Budget hotel/hostel bed | $15-30 |
| 🚎Public transport fare | $0.5-1.5 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Friendly locals and a relaxed, authentic Minas Gerais experience
- Dascence of green landscapes, valleys, and waterfalls
- Limited nightlife and tourist infrastructure compared to larger cities
- Rural roads can be narrow and less well-maintained
- "Olá" - Hello
- "Bom dia" - Good morning
- "Por favor" - Please
- "Obrigado / Obrigada" - Thank you
- "Quanto custa?" - How much does it cost?
- "Onde fica o banheiro?" - Where is the bathroom?
- "Você pode me ajudar?" - Can you help me?
- "Fica perto de mim" - Is it close to me?
Places to Visit in Minas Novas
Visit one of these nice places.
Colonial church and surrounding streets with colorful façades, best captured in early morning light.
Hilltop viewpoint offering panoramic views of the valley and surrounding hills, ideal for sunset silhouettes.
Rural landscapes and patchwork fields that showcase the region's agricultural life and open skies.
Seasonal cascades along countryside roads—great for nature and long-exposure photography.
Food in Minas Novas
Minas Novas Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A hearty blend of beans, cassava flour, sausage and eggs; a Minas staple found in many restaurants.
Must-Try!
Creamy mashed beans with cassava flour, typically served with rice, farofa, and meat.
Chewy cheese bread, widely available at bakeries and snack stalls.
Chicken with okra in a savory sauce, a comforting, home-style dish.
Traditional Minas dessert pairing fresh Minas cheese with guava jam.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Local market offering fresh produce, queijo minas, pão de queijo, and prepared snacks.
Weekly street stalls with fresh fruit, doces caseiros, and regional snacks.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
A firm handshake is common; address elders with Senhor/Senhora. In informal settings, a light kiss on the cheek may happen among friends.
Dress modestly when visiting churches or religious sites; remove hats when entering sacred spaces and follow local customs during festas.
Be friendly and patient with vendors; bargaining is common in markets but keep prices respectful and cheerful.
Portuguese is the primary language; learning a few basic phrases in Portuguese goes a long way in daily interactions.
Safety
Tipping in Minas Novas
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is appreciated but not mandatory. In restaurants, rounding up the bill or leaving 5-10% for good service is common if not already included. In bars and taxis, a small tip is customary.
Brazilian Real (BRL) is the standard. Cash is widely accepted in markets and small eateries; many restaurants and shops in towns accept cards, and mobile payment apps are increasingly common.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Hot days with frequent afternoon showers. Carry light clothing, sunscreen, and a light rain jacket; mornings are often clear and great for outdoor photography.
Milder temperatures and lower humidity; excellent for hiking and exploring without the heat. Pack a light layer for cooler evenings.
Cooler nights with comfortable days; evenings can be chilly. Ideal for longer outdoor exploratory walks and clear skies for stargazing.
Wetter season with blooming plants and lush landscapes; carry a compact rain shell and a waterproof bag for cameras.
Minas Novas at Night
Hiking in Minas Novas
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Accessible day hikes with sweeping valley views and opportunities for wildlife photography.
Seasonal trails leading to cascades; best after rainfall with safe walking guidance.
Airports
How to reach Minas Novas by plane.
Regional airport with domestic flights; commonly used gateway for travelers heading to the Jequitinhonha Valley.
Major international gateway to Minas Gerais; long drive to Minas Novas but connected via road networks.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Many residents live in small farms and villages around Minas Novas; strong agricultural traditions are common.
Town residents typically live in families and small neighborhoods near the center; warm and welcoming to visitors.
Several long-standing families maintain traditions and festive events that showcase regional culture.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
The most popular sport; local leagues and informal games are common on weekends.
Common recreation in schools, clubs, and community centers.
Rural routes attract cyclists looking for scenic, quiet rides.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Minas Novas.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Most dishes are meat-led, but you can find or request vegetarian options such as rice, beans, pão de queijo, salads, and vegetarian stews; ask for 'sem carne' or 'sem carne e sem bacon' and prefer queijo minas or legumes.