Things To Do
in São Sebastião do Paraíso

Capture colonial-style architecture, daily life around the praça and the main church façade during golden hour.

Rows of coffee plants, rustic farmhouses and workers during harvest offer iconic agricultural landscapes—best early morning or late afternoon.

High points on the outskirts provide panoramic vistas of patchwork farmland and rolling hills at sunrise or sunset.

Colorful stalls, cheeses, sweets and vendors make for lively candid and still-life photography.

Iconic cheesy tapioca bread available at bakeries and cafés across town—best fresh and warm in the morning.

Must-Try!

A regional specialty of beans mixed with manioc flour, bacon, sausage and eggs—finder at traditional restaurants and family-style eateries.

Fresh Minas cheese (queijo minas frescal) and firmer curado versions are produced locally and sold at markets and farm shops.

Local sweets and fruit preserves sold at markets and roadside stands—perfect with cheese or pão de queijo.

Weekly open market where farmers sell fruits, vegetables, queijo and doces—great for sampling seasonal produce, freshly baked goods and local treats.

Street vendors and small snack bars near the center serve pastel, salgados and açaí bowls—easy, affordable quick bites in the evening.

A friendly handshake is common in formal situations; acquaintances may exchange one cheek kiss (usually one) or a warm hug. Use polite forms like 'senhor/senhora' with older people.

Minas Gerais people are known for hospitality and conversation—arrive open and friendly, and small talk about family and food is welcome.

Dress modestly when visiting churches; speak quietly and respect services or local religious events.

Social events may start relaxed, but business appointments benefit from punctuality—confirm times in advance.

Tipping is appreciated but not always expected. Many restaurants add a 10% service charge (taxa de serviço) — check your bill. For small services, round up or leave 5–10% for good service; taxis are typically rounded up to the next real.

Cash (Brazilian reais) is widely used, especially at markets and small shops. Credit and debit cards are accepted at most restaurants, supermarkets and hotels; contactless payments and PIX (instant bank transfer) are increasingly common.

(December–February) Warm to hot temperatures with frequent afternoon thunderstorms—perfect for lush green landscapes and coffee flowering; bring light rain gear and mosquito repellent.

(March–May) Mild temperatures and drier days; comfortable for walking, festivals and harvest-related activities.

(June–August) Cooler, dry mornings and chilly nights—layers recommended, especially for early-morning farm tours; clear skies are common.

(September–November) Warming temperatures, blossoming plants and increasing rain toward late spring—great for rural scenery and birdwatching.

A regional airport serving the Triângulo Mineiro area—approximately a 1.5–2.5 hour drive depending on traffic; offers regional connections and is a common access point.

Smaller regional airports within a 1.5–3 hour drive offering limited commercial services; useful for regional connections and private flights.

Major international airport serving Minas Gerais about a 3–4 hour drive—best option for international arrivals and more frequent domestic connections.

Large international airports (GRU, VCP) reachable by highway in several hours and offering many domestic/international flights—useful if combining trips to São Paulo or Campinas.