Things To Do
in Nova Era

Nova Era is a small hilltop town in Minas Gerais, Brazil, located about 140 kilometers north of Belo Horizonte, offering scenic valley views and a relaxed pace. The town preserves colonial architecture with colorful façades and cobbled streets, inviting strolls between cafes and markets. It serves as a gateway to nearby historical routes and natural escapes, blending mining heritage with rural charm.

Visitors are welcomed with warm hospitality, hearty Minas Gerais cuisine, and opportunities to unwind in a scenic, less-traveled corner of the state.

Day Trips

Spend a day exploring around

day 1
Arrival in Nova Era
morning
:

Arrive in Nova Era and check into a charming local pousada. Unwind with a traditional Brazilian breakfast featuring fresh fruits and local pastries. Take a leisurely stroll through the town to get acquainted with the vibrant atmosphere.

afternoon
:

Explore the unique shops and artisan markets that highlight the region's culture. Visit the local museum to learn about the area's history and gold mining heritage. Enjoy a leisurely lunch at a café offering local delicacies.

evening
:

As the sun sets, enjoy a picturesque view of the surrounding hills. Dine at a popular local restaurant and savor traditional Minas Gerais cuisine. Conclude the evening with a quiet walk, soaking in the serene ambiance.

day 2
Cultural Immersion Day
morning
:

Visit local artisans and craftspeople to see traditional techniques in action, from pottery to weaving. Participate in a workshop, gaining hands-on experience in creating your own souvenir. Enjoy a brunch featuring locally-sourced ingredients.

afternoon
:

Take a guided tour of the historic colonial buildings and learn about the rich culture of Nova Era. Engage with local historians to understand the area's significance during Brazil's gold rush. Indulge in a light lunch at a cozy restaurant with a view of the town square.

evening
:

Attend a cultural performance of regional music and dance, showcasing the heritage of Minas Gerais. Dinner will be served at a historic inn, where you can enjoy heartfelt local recipes. Wrap up the evening sharing stories with fellow travelers under the stars.

Cost Guide

Prices

ItemPrice
🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant$8-12
Coffee or snack$2-4
🛍️Local crafts souvenir$3-15
🚎One-way local transit fare$0.75-1.50
🏨Mid-range hotel per night$40-90

Strengths and Weaknesses

  • Friendly locals and authentic Minas Gerais cuisine
  • Compact, walkable town center with historic charm
  • Access to nature and nearby waterfalls
  • Affordability and relaxed pace
  • Good base for regional day trips
  • Limited nightlife and international dining options
  • Some services are basic and may require trips to BH or Ouro Preto
  • Language barrier for non-Portuguese speakers
  • Seasonal flooding or rains can disrupt some activities
  • Smaller healthcare facilities in-town; may need to travel for specialized care
  • "Olá" - Hello
  • "Bom dia" - Good morning
  • "Boa tarde" - Good afternoon
  • "Por favor" - Please
  • "Obrigado(a)" - Thank you
  • "Desculpe" - Sorry/Excuse me
  • "Quanto custa?" - How much does it cost?
  • "Onde fica?" - Where is...?
  • "Você fala inglês?" - Do you speak English?
  • "Pode me recomendar um prato local?" - Can you recommend a local dish?

Places to Visit in Nova Era

Visit one of these nice places.

Praça da Matriz

Historic square framed by the Igreja Matriz de Nossa Senhora da Conceição and colorful façades, ideal for morning light.

Centro Histórico murals and facades

Colorful streets and preserved colonial architecture provide vibrant backdrops for street photography.

Mirante do Morro (lookout)

Elevated viewpoint offering sweeping views of the valley and surrounding hills, especially at sunset.

Cachoeira da Boa Vista (waterfall)

Waterfall with natural pools and forested surroundings, perfect for nature photography.

Culinary Guide

Food in Nova Era

Minas Gerais cuisine is hearty and comforting, featuring queijo minas, feijão tropeiro, pão de queijo, and seasonal produce. Expect generous portions, slow-cooked meats, and sweet delights from local dairy farms.

Nova Era Famous Food

Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food

Feijão Tropeiro

A traditional dish of beans, cassava flour, pork, and eggs; best tried at a family-run restaurante.

Must-Try!

Pão de Queijo

Brazilian cheese bread made with cassava flour; widely available for breakfast or snacks.

Tutu à Mineira

Cornmeal and bean stew often served with queijo minas, a comforting home-style dish.

Queijo Minas Frescal/Queijo Minas

Fresh Minas cheese; pair with guava jelly or doce de leite.

Carne de Panela com legumes

Slow-cooked beef with root vegetables common in home-cooking in the region.

Food Markets

Explore local food markets

Mercado Municipal de Nova Era

Local market selling produce, cheeses, baked goods, and ready-to-eat snacks on market days.

Feira da Rua ( weekend street market )

Open-air stalls offering regional snacks, fresh fruit, and handmade crafts.

Climate Guide

Weather

Nova Era experiences a mild to warm climate with a distinct rainy season. Expect hot summers with afternoon storms and cooler, dry winters. Overall, comfortable year-round temperatures make it suitable for outdoor activities most months.

How to Behave

Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior

Greetings

Greet with bom dia/boa tarde; a handshake or a friendly kiss on the cheek may occur among locals; address older people as senhor/senhora.

Religious sites

Dress modestly when visiting churches; speak softly and remove hats indoors.

Photography consent

Ask permission before photographing people in intimate settings; always respect private property.

Safety Guide

Safety

As with any small town, exercise standard safety practices: keep valuables secure in crowded areas, watch for pickpockets in markets, and drive carefully on hilly roads. Use reputable transportation and stay aware during night strolls in less busy areas. In heavy rain, be mindful of minor floods or rockfalls in some roads. Travel insurance is recommended.

Tipping in Nova Era

Ensure a smooth experience

Tipping Etiquette

Tips are appreciated but not always expected; 5-10% in upscale restaurants if service charge is not included.

Payment Methods

Cash is widely accepted in markets and small eateries; cards are common in many shops and restaurants; mobile wallets are increasingly used.

Best Time to Visit

And what to expect in different seasons...

Summer (Dec-Mar)

Warm to hot days with frequent afternoon thunderstorms; carry rain gear and sun protection; good light for landscapes.

Autumn (Apr-Jun)

Milder temperatures, pleasant evenings; less rainfall; good for city walks and photography in softer light.

Winter (Jul-Sep)

Cool to mild days, cooler nights; layers recommended; clear skies often provide crisp views from lookouts.

Spring (Oct-Nov)

Warming temperatures, flowering landscapes; ideal for outdoor activities and markets; watch for intermittent rain.

Nightlife Guide

Nova Era at Night

The nightlife in Nova Era is relaxed and intimate, centered in the town square and small bars. Expect live acoustic sets, forró or sertanejo on weekend evenings, and casual conversations over a beer or coffee. Visiting families and students create a friendly, low-key atmosphere rather than a party-focused scene. For late-night options, head to Belo Horizonte or Ouro Preto for larger clubs and concerts.

Hiking in Nova Era

Immerse in an unforgettable hike.

Itacolomi State Park trails (near Ouro Preto)

Forest trails with scenic overlooks and rock formations; day trips from Nova Era are common.

Serra do Cipó trails

Multiple hiking options through waterfalls and canyons; a bit farther but a popular weekend escape.

Reserva Caraça trails

Misty forest trails with wildlife and a historic colonial school; reachable by day trip.

Airports

How to reach Nova Era by plane.

Belo Horizonte–Pampulha Airport (PLU)

A smaller airport closer to Belo Horizonte; serves domestic flights and is used primarily by smaller carriers.

Belo Horizonte–Tancredo Neves International Airport (CNF)

Major international and domestic gateway (Confins); about 2.5-3.5 hours by road to Nova Era depending on traffic and route.

Getting Around

Walkability

Nova Era has a compact historic center that is pleasant to explore on foot. The core is walkable with sidewalks along most streets, but some hills and stairs require comfortable footwear. Longer distances and nature trips will require a car or guided tours. Overall, a stay near the center makes it easy to cover the main sights on foot.

Demographics

Explore demographics in this area.

Residents and families

A mix of longtime families, farmers, and younger residents who study and work in nearby cities.

Students and professionals

Some commuting professionals and students travel to Belo Horizonte or Ouro Preto for education and work.

Tourists and day-trippers

Visitors exploring historic towns and natural sites in the Serra do Mantiqueira region (local phrasing).

Popular Sports

Explore popular sports in region.

Futebol (soccer)

The region's most popular sport; locals cheer regional teams in local bars and at matches.

Vôlei (volleyball)

Common recreational sport in schools and clubs.

Trail running and hiking

Popular for outdoor enthusiasts exploring the hills around Nova Era.

Transportation

Traffic

Traffic is generally light to moderate. Roads are hilly and can be narrow, so expect slower drives, especially on weekends or during rain. Public transportation is available for regional travel, but many visitors opt for car rentals or guided tours for flexibility. For city trips, walking is feasible in the center; intercity travel requires a bus or car.

Accomodations

Find the best place to stay when visiting Nova Era.

Dietary Restrictions

Tips for restricted diets.

Vegetarian

Vegetarian-friendly options include arroz e feijão, milho, queijo minas, salads, and pão de queijo; mention 'sem carne' and check for lard or rinds in stews.

Health & Medical

Healthcare

Healthcare is typically basic locally, with access to pharmacies and small clinics within town. For more advanced care, residents and visitors travel to Belo Horizonte or Ouro Preto, where larger hospitals and specialists are available. Travel insurance is advisable for emergency medical needs. Brazil’s public health system (SUS) provides coverage for residents and some travelers, but private facilities offer faster service.

Discover Brazil

Read more in our Brazil 2025 Travel Guide.

Brazil Travel Guide