Things To Do
in Três Corações
Três Corações is a charming inland city in Minas Gerais known for its agricultural heritage and scenic hill landscapes. It is famously the birthplace of Pelé, adding a rich cultural note to the town’s history. The streets blend colonial-era architecture with warm, friendly locals and markets that celebrate traditional Minas Gerais cuisine.
Surrounded by rolling hills and rivers, the area offers relaxed day trips and rewarding outdoor exploration just a short ride from the city center.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a visit to the iconic Igreja de São Sebastião, where you can admire its stunning architecture and learn about the local history. Afterward, stroll through the charming streets of the historic center, soaking in the vibrant atmosphere filled with local shops and cafes. Don’t forget to stop by the Praça Doutor Lúcio de Abreu, a perfect spot for some morning coffee while people-watching.
In the afternoon, explore the Museu de História Natural, where you can discover fascinating exhibits about the region's flora and fauna. Following this, take a leisurely walk along the banks of the Rio Verde, enjoying the scenic views and perhaps spotting some local wildlife. For lunch, indulge in a traditional Brazilian meal at a nearby restaurant, savoring local flavors.
As the sun sets, head to a local pizzeria for a taste of Três Corações’ unique takes on Italian cuisine. After dinner, enjoy a leisurely stroll through the town, where you can experience the local nightlife and perhaps catch a live music performance. End your night with a sweet treat from a local gelateria, savoring the flavors as you reflect on the day's adventures.
Begin your day early with a guided tour of one of the nearby coffee plantations, where you'll learn about the coffee production process from bean to cup. Participate in a coffee tasting session, where you can sample some of the finest brews produced in the region. The lush landscapes and fragrant coffee trees create a perfect backdrop for your morning experience.
After the tour, enjoy a hearty lunch at a plantation restaurant, where you can taste local dishes made with fresh ingredients. Spend the afternoon exploring the plantation further, perhaps walking through the gardens or visiting the production facilities to see the machinery in action. Take advantage of the opportunity to purchase some freshly roasted coffee beans to take home.
Return to Três Corações and unwind at a cozy café, reflecting on the day’s experiences over a cup of your newly purchased coffee. As night falls, consider visiting a local bar to enjoy some Brazilian cocktails like Caipirinha while mingling with locals. The relaxed atmosphere is perfect for making new friends and sharing stories about your adventures.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $6-12 |
| 🥤Cup of coffee | $1-3 |
| 🧀Milk (1 liter) or dairy product | $1-2 |
| 🚖Taxi 1 km | $0.50-1.50 |
| 💧Bottle of water (1.5L) | $0.70-1.50 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Friendly locals and a relaxed pace of life
- Rich Minas Gerais cuisine and fresh dairy products
- Beautiful natural scenery and easy access to hikes
- Limited nightlife compared to big cities
- Some services fewer options than larger urban areas
- Public transport outside the city can be infrequent
- "Oi" - Hi / Hello
- "Bom dia" - Good morning
- "Por favor" - Please
- "Obrigado/Obrigada" - Thank you (masc/fem)
- "Quanto custa?" - How much does it cost?
- "Onde fica o banheiro?" - Where is the bathroom?
- "Fala inglês?" - Do you speak English?
- "Pode me ajudar?" - Can you help me?
- "Eu sou vegetariano/vegetariana" - I am vegetarian
- "Preciso de um médico" - I need a doctor
Places to Visit in Três Corações
Visit one of these nice places.
Cobbled lanes, colonial façades and the daily rhythm of life provide classic photography opportunities, especially in morning light.
A prominent church with a simple, elegant exterior and interior details that photograph well in soft daylight.
A hillside viewpoint offering sweeping views over the city and surrounding hills—perfect for sunset shots.
Green spaces, pathways and small lakes that provide opportunities for candid nature and family photography.
Food in Três Corações
Três Corações Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Freshly baked cheese bread, a ubiquitous Minas staple best enjoyed warm from a local bakery.
Must-Try!
Creamy bean-based dish enriched with manioc flour and bits of sausage or bacon, often served with rice and greens.
Savory bean and cassava flour mix with pork or sausage, a hearty dish beloved in family-run restaurants.
Soft, mild farmhouse cheese enjoyed with bread or honey, commonly found in markets and dairy shops.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Central market where you can sample local cheeses, doces, fresh produce, and traditional snacks like pastel and milho assado.
Casual stalls and carts offering quick bites such as pastel, coxinha, and fresh-poured juices in the lively centro area.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Greet with a friendly 'Bom dia/Boa tarde' and a firm handshake; address adults with Senhor/Senhora as a sign of respect.
Punctuality is respected in business contexts; maintain polite personal space and speak in a calm, cordial tone.
Dress modestly in religious or traditional settings; small-town eateries favor casual, neat attire.
Safety
Tipping in Três Corações
Ensure a smooth experience
Service is appreciated but not always included. A 5-10% tip at restaurants is common if service isn’t included; rounding up at casual cafés is also fine.
Cash (BRL) is widely accepted, as are credit/debit cards. Contactless payments are common, but carry some cash for small vendors and rural markets.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Warm to hot days with frequent afternoon showers; carry a light rain jacket and stay hydrated while exploring outdoor spots.
Milder temperatures and vibrant early foliage; ideal for walking tours and city photography with comfortable weather.
Cooler nights and pleasant days; layering is key, and mornings can be crisp—great for outdoor hikes with clear skies.
Moderate temperatures with flowers blooming; a great time for parks, viewpoints, and outdoor markets.
Três Corações at Night
Hiking in Três Corações
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Short to moderate hike with panoramic views over the city and surrounding hills.
Waterfall-focused trail with refreshing pools and shaded sections; suitable for a half-day trip.
Longer, scenic route that treks through forested slopes and offers multiple photo stops.
Airports
How to reach Três Corações by plane.
Major gateway for international and domestic flights; about a several-hour drive to Três Corações depending on route and traffic.
Smaller regional airport serving the Sul de Minas region; closer access to Três Corações for domestic travel.
Smaller local airport offering limited flights; useful for quick regional connections.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Strong presence in the city with a focus on community events and local schools.
Many residents are involved in dairy, crops, and agribusiness that shape the local economy.
A growing segment drawn to regional culture, affordable living, and access to nearby cities for study or work.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Soccer is the dominant sport, with local matches and community leagues contributing to town pride.
Volleyball is popular in schools and clubs, with community tournaments at local gyms.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Três Corações.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Many vegetarian options exist in markets and cafés; focus on rice, beans, salads, vegetables, and queijo minas. When eating out, ask for oil instead of lard and request meat-free versions of stews or tutu de feijão.