Things To Do
in Nova Resende

Charming daytime and evening shots of colonial facades, the local church and everyday community life — great for street and architecture photography.

Golden-hour landscapes of rolling hills, farms, grazing cattle and rustic fences; ideal for wide vistas and rural portraits.

Small waterfalls and clear streams just outside town offer opportunities for long-exposure water shots and intimate nature scenes.

Photograph plantation rows, drying patios, cheese-making scenes and farmworkers (ask permission first) to capture agricultural life.

Cheese bread — a small, chewy, cheesy baked good ubiquitous in Minas; available at bakeries and street vendors for breakfast or a snack.

Must-Try!

A traditional Minas bean dish mixed with manioc flour, sausage or bacon and eggs — commonly found in local restaurants and family kitchens.

Fresh Minas cheese served plain or with doce de leite (milk caramel) for dessert; sold in markets and at farms.

Crispy pork rinds and other bar snacks served at botecos alongside cold beer and cachaça.

Weekly or periodic local market offering fresh produce, cheeses, sweets and handmade goods; great for buying queijo minas, fresh fruit and regional snacks.

Small bars and food stalls around the square where you can try petiscos (snacks), pastel, and occasional grilled meats; ideal for casual evening bites.

Handshakes and warm verbal greetings are common; friends and family may exchange one or two cheek kisses. Use formal titles (Senhor/Senhora) with older people unless invited to use first names.

Locals value friendliness and conversation; accept offers of food or coffee when visiting homes and remove shoes if hosts request it.

Casual dress is normal in town; dress modestly for religious sites. Loud or confrontational behavior is frowned upon in small communities.

Always ask permission before photographing people, especially in personal or working contexts (farms, markets).

Tipping is appreciated but not always expected in small towns. Many restaurants add a 10% service charge (serviço) on the bill; if not included, rounding up or leaving 5–10% for good service is common. For small services (taxis, porters) tipping a few reais is sufficient.

Cash (Brazilian reais) is widely used, especially in markets, small eateries and rural areas. Debit/credit cards are accepted at many establishments, but connectivity can be unreliable. PIX (instant bank transfer) is increasingly popular and useful. ATMs may be limited — withdraw in regional centers if needed.

November to March is the wet, warm season with frequent afternoon storms and lush green countryside; expect higher humidity and occasional muddy rural roads after heavy rain. Ideal for vibrant landscapes but bring rain gear and plan outdoor activities in the morning.

April to May brings drier weather and milder temperatures; comfortable for hiking and exploring with clearer skies and less chance of rain.

June to August is cooler and much drier — nights can be noticeably chilly compared to daytime warmth. This is a pleasant time for outdoor activities but pack a light jacket for evenings.

September to October sees warming temperatures and the start of the rainy season — countryside blossoms and farmland activity increase; good for nature photography and farm visits.

Traditional cuisine is meat-forward, but vegetables, beans, rice, pão de queijo and queijo minas can make satisfying meals. Ask for dishes without meat (sem carne) or for egg/cheese-based options; small towns may have limited vegetarian-specific restaurants.

Vegan options are limited outside larger cities — try side dishes like rice, salads, cooked vegetables and manioc flour preparations. Bring snacks and be ready to explain dietary needs ("sou vegano/vegana").

Many traditional foods use manioc or corn and are naturally gluten-free (e.g., polenta, some preparations), but pão de queijo contains tapioca (gluten-free) while most breads do contain wheat — ask staff if unsure.

Communicate allergies in Portuguese where possible (e.g., "Tenho alergia a amendoim" for peanut allergy). Small kitchens may have cross-contamination risks.