Things To Do
in Muriaé
Muriaé is a welcoming city in Minas Gerais, tucked into rolling hills along the Muriaé River. It blends traditional Minas Gerais hospitality with a growing urban vibe, supported by agriculture, commerce, and small manufacturing. Visitors are drawn to the historic center, local markets, and nearby natural escapes.
The city enjoys a warm, laid-back atmosphere and serves as a great base for exploring the wider Zona da Mata region.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Begin your day with a visit to the iconic Igreja de São Paulo, a beautiful church that showcases stunning architecture and art. Afterward, stroll through the Praça João Pinheiro, enjoying the serene atmosphere and local vendors. Grab a coffee at a nearby café while watching the locals start their day.
Head to the Museu do Colégio, which offers insights into the history of education in Muriaé through intriguing exhibits and artifacts. After your museum visit, take a leisurely walk along the streets lined with colonial-style buildings, stopping at local shops for unique souvenirs. Enjoy a traditional lunch at a nearby restaurant, sampling local dishes like feijão tropeiro and pão de queijo.
As the sun sets, find a cozy spot at one of the local bars to enjoy a cold Brahma or a caipirinha while mingling with friendly locals. Experience live music at a nearby venue, immersing yourself in the vibrant Brazilian culture. End your day with a nighttime stroll through the illuminated historic center, admiring the charm of Muriaé under the stars.
Set off early to Parque da Serra do Brigadeiro, a stunning natural reserve known for its lush landscapes and diverse wildlife. Spend your morning hiking along well-marked trails, breathing in the fresh mountain air while enjoying the breathtaking views. Keep an eye out for the region's unique flora and fauna, making stops for photographs of the picturesque scenery.
After a picnic lunch amidst nature, continue your exploration with a guided tour to learn about the park's ecology and conservation efforts. Participate in bird watching or explore the hidden waterfalls that offer a refreshing break from the hike. The afternoon is perfect for capturing the beauty of this natural paradise through photography.
As you make your way back to Muriaé, consider stopping at a local eatery for a hearty dinner, perhaps trying some regional specialties. Reflect on your day surrounded by nature while enjoying a relaxed meal. After dinner, you may wish to visit a local market for artisanal crafts and regional products to take home.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $6-12 |
| 🥗Lunch at mid-range restaurant | $8-25 |
| 🚕Taxi start price and distance | $2-3 start; $0.50-1.20 per km |
| 🏠Rent for 1-bedroom apartment (city center) | $250-450/month |
| ☕Coffee in a café | $1-3 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Warm, welcoming locals and a relaxed tempo of life
- Affordability and strong regional cuisine
- Limited nightlife compared with larger cities
- Rural areas may require a car or longer travel times to reach some attractions
- "Olá" - Hello
- "Bom dia / Boa tarde" - Good morning / Good afternoon
- "Por favor" - Please
- "Obrigado(a)" - Thank you
- "Quanto custa?" - How much does it cost?
- "Onde fica o banheiro?" - Where is the bathroom?
- "Você fala inglês?" - Do you speak English?
Places to Visit in Muriaé
Visit one of these nice places.
A striking church with classic lines and generous interior light—great for architectural photography and quiet interior shots.
Sunset views along the riverbank provide colorful skies and silhouettes of trees and bridges; ideal for wide, reflective shots.
Hilltop viewpoint offering sweeping views of the city and surrounding hills—perfect for panoramas and golden-hour photography.
Food in Muriaé
Muriaé Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Savory cheese bread, golden on the outside and soft on the inside; widely available at bakeries and cafés across Muriaé.
Must-Try!
A robust mix of beans, cassava flour, sausage or bacon, and eggs; a classic Minas Gerais staple found in many rustic eateries.
Creamy puréed beans with cassava flour and pork; a comforting dish often served with rice and greens.
Fresh Minas cheese commonly enjoyed with bread, crackers, or as part of other dishes; pairs well with regional honey and fruits.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Historic market offering fresh produce, regional cheeses, breads, and street bites; great for sampling local snacks like pão de queijo and caldo de feijão.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Greet with a “bom dia/boa tarde” and a handshake. Use polite forms of address, say please and thank you, and avoid loud behavior in public places or religious sites.
Safety
Tipping in Muriaé
Ensure a smooth experience
In restaurants, a tip of around 5-10% is appreciated if service is not included. It’s common to round up small change for taxicabs and street vendors if you’re happy with the service.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Hot and humid with frequent afternoon rain showers and thunderstorms; stay hydrated, plan outdoor activities for early morning or late afternoon, and pack a light rain jacket.
Milder days and cooler evenings; pleasant for outdoor exploration and city strolls with less rain than in summer.
Cooler to mild temperatures; evenings can be cool, but days are often comfortable for sightseeing and photography outdoors.
Warm with occasional showers; flowers in bloom make for colorful landscapes and city parks are particularly pleasant.
Muriaé at Night
Hiking in Muriaé
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Scenic forested trails with viewpoints, streams, and opportunities to see local wildlife.
Waterfall-focused route with lush vegetation and refreshing swimming holes in the surrounding hills.
Airports
How to reach Muriaé by plane.
Tancredo Neves International Airport is the main gateway to the region; from CNF you can drive or take long-distance buses to Muriaé.
Major gateways with frequent connections; road transfer to Muriaé typically via highway routes and regional roads.
Another international gateway in the region; requires a longer drive but offers options for a multi-city itinerary.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Most residents live in the city center and connected neighborhoods, with a growing middle class.
Agricultural areas nearby contribute to local markets, crafts, and seasonal labor.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
The sport most people follow and play; local leagues and informal matches are common in parks and schools.
Played in schools, clubs, and beaches along rivers; often featured in community centers and local events.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Muriaé.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Most dishes center on beans, rice, vegetables, and minas cheese. Look for vegetarian versions of feijão tropeiro or arroz e feijão with plant-based sides, and ask for sautéed vegetables or saladas (salad) as main options.