Things To Do
in Novo Cruzeiro

Cheese bread made from tapioca flour and local Minas cheeses; widely available at bakeries and street stalls for breakfast or a snack.

Must-Try!

A Minas staple—beans cooked with bacon, sausage, collard greens and manioc flour; served in many family-style restaurants (comida caseira).

Local sweets and fresh cheeses; find them at markets and small shops—ideal as souvenirs or desserts.

Regional grilled meats served at family gatherings and at some local restaurants—look for weekend churrascos or rodízio-style options in nearby larger towns.

Weekly open-air market where farmers sell fresh produce, cheeses, sweets and coffee; a great place to sample seasonal fruit, tapioca and regional treats.

Look for vendors selling pastel, coxinha, tapioca and freshly brewed coffee; small bars offer petiscos (snacks) and cold beer in the evenings.

Warm, polite greetings matter—shake hands when first introduced, and close acquaintances may exchange one or two cheek kisses (left first). Use 'Senhor/Senhora' as a polite form with elders.

Personal conversation is common and friendly; small talk about family and local life is welcome. Avoid overly political or confrontational topics unless you know people well.

Always ask permission before photographing people, especially at festas, markets or private homes; a smile and a few words in Portuguese help (e.g., 'Posso tirar uma foto?').

Casual, modest dress is appropriate; remove hats in churches and be respectful during religious events. Be punctual for official meetings but expect relaxed timing for social gatherings.

Tipping is appreciated but not always expected in small-town establishments; in restaurants a 10% service charge may be added—if it isn't, leaving a 5–10% tip for good service is customary. Round up fares for taxi drivers and leave small change for hotel porters or guides.

Brazil uses the real (BRL). Credit/debit cards are accepted at larger restaurants and shops, but many small vendors and markets prefer cash—carry some cash for markets, remote areas and small purchases. Mobile payments are increasing but may not be universal in rural spots.

Hotter and more humid with frequent afternoon thunderstorms and heavy rain—good for lush landscapes and flowing waterfalls but expect muddy trails; carry rain protection and plan outdoor activities in the morning.

Transition period with drier days, cooler evenings and pleasant temperatures—ideal for hiking and photography as streams may still be active from the rainy season.

Dryer, with cooler mornings and nights (sometimes chilly); daytime temperatures are comfortable for outdoor tours—waterfalls may be less vigorous but trails are drier and easier to hike.

Warming up with the return of rain later in the season; flowers and rural greenery reappear, making it a good time for birdwatching and visiting coffee farms before harvest peaks.

Short hikes lead to accessible waterfalls—expect uneven terrain, natural pools and shaded paths; ideal for a half-day outing and photography.

Paths across plantation land and farm roads showcase rural landscapes, offering easy to moderate walks with cultural and agricultural interest.

A short climb to a nearby hill provides panoramic views of the town and valley—great for sunrise or sunset photography and easy to reach from the center.

Longer loops on country roads connect small villages and viewpoints—suitable for hiking or mountain biking but carry water, sun protection and a map.

The closest regional airport (in a larger nearby city) provides connections to larger hubs; from there, ground transport (bus or car) is needed to reach Novo Cruzeiro—check schedules in advance as services can be limited.

International and major domestic flights arrive at Belo Horizonte’s airport; from the capital you can take a domestic flight to a regional airport or a long-distance bus/car trip to the region.

Smallholder farmers and agricultural families form a core of the population, producing coffee, dairy and subsistence crops.

Residents who live in the town center work in commerce, services, education and municipal jobs—many maintain strong ties to rural relatives and traditions.

Young people and families participate in school, sports and festas; some youth migrate seasonally to larger cities for work or education.

Older generations maintain cultural and religious traditions and are often active in community life and local churches.

Vegetarian options are usually limited but manageable—request dishes with rice, beans, salads and vegetable sides (ask for 'sem carne'). Markets provide fresh fruit and cheese; communicate dietary needs clearly.

Vegan choices are more scarce in small towns—plan ahead, bring snacks, and ask vendors to omit dairy/eggs; larger towns nearby offer more vegan-friendly restaurants.

Maize- and tapioca-based foods (like pão de queijo or tapioca crepes) are often naturally gluten-free, but cross-contamination can occur—ask before ordering.

Carry a translated note explaining the allergy (Portuguese) and be cautious with street food; local kitchens may not follow strict allergen protocols.