Ubaí

Day Trips

You arrive in Ubai and check in at a charming pousada nestled among rolling hills. A local guide welcomes you and sets the tone with stories of the town’s rich mining and agricultural heritage. You savor a strong Brazilian coffee while gazing at tiled rooftops and golden sunlight stretching over the countryside.

You explore the historic center on foot, admiring colonial facades and hidden courtyards. You visit the town hall and the little museum showcasing handcrafted artifacts and local crafts. You stop at a street café for freshly baked pão de queijo and chat with artisans about their creative process.

As dusk falls, you head to a scenic lookout to watch the sky turn shades of pink and orange. You dine at a family-run restaurant, tasting farm-to-table specialties made with local cheese and seasonal produce. You end the night by strolling along lantern-lit lanes, absorbing the tranquil atmosphere.

You set off before sunrise toward Cachoeira dos Macacos, a pristine waterfall hidden deep in the Atlantic Forest. Guided by a local naturalist, you trek along narrow trails awash with birdsong and the scent of wild orchids. You pause at a rocky overlook to capture the first rays of light dancing on the cascading water.

You cool off in the crystal-clear plunge pool at the base of the falls and admire rainbows forming in the mist. You picnic on fresh fruit and homemade cheese sandwiches by the water’s edge. You learn about the region’s biodiversity, spotting butterflies, frogs, and endemic plant species.

Returning to town, you relax at your pousada, letting the sound of rustling leaves lull you into calm. You join fellow travelers for a barbecue dinner under a thatched pavilion, hearing lively stories around the fire. You drift to sleep with the distant call of night creatures.

You wander cobblestone streets lined with pastel-hued houses and ornate iron balconies. A local historian narrates Ubai’s founding in the 18th century and its role in the gold rush era. You stop at a workshop to observe artisans molding clay into colorful pottery.

You delve deeper into culinary traditions with a cooking class at a colonial manor house. You learn to make pão de queijo and doce de leite under the guidance of a grandmotherly chef. You savor your creations paired with a refreshing homemade juice made from local fruits.

You attend a community concert in the central square, featuring folk music and traditional dances. You mingle with performers behind the scenes and even try a few dance steps yourself. You end the evening sipping cachaça infused with regional herbs, soaking up the lively atmosphere.

You travel to the banks of the Rio das Velhas, known for its gentle rapids and scenic canyons. After a safety briefing, you don life jackets and set off in rafts guided by experienced instructors. You navigate playful waves and admire the lush greenery clinging to rocky outcrops.

You pause at a riverside camp for a hearty lunch of grilled fish, rice, beans, and fresh salad. You swim in a calm stretch of the river, floating beneath steep walls draped in vines. You photograph the pristine landscape and learn about local conservation efforts.

Back in Ubai, you freshen up and join a riverside campfire gathering. Musicians play acoustic guitar as you roast marshmallows on an open flame. You share tales of the day’s exhilaration before retreating to your lodge.

You leave early for Fazenda São João, a working farm facing emerald pastures and rolling hills. A farmer-led trek takes you through coffee plantations and fields of golden millet. You harvest ripe fruit and learn traditional planting techniques handed down through generations.

You enjoy a farm-style lunch of feijão tropeiro and freshly baked cornbread under a jacaranda tree. You participate in a cheese-making demonstration, watching how local milk transforms into silky curds and tangy whey. You explore rustic barns filled with handcrafted wooden tools and vintage equipment.

You return to town at dusk and relax with a soothing foot massage using aromatic local oils. You enjoy dinner at a tranquil garden bistro, sampling seasonal soups and pastries. Under the starlit sky, you reflect on the day’s rural rhythms.

You depart for Poço das Esmeraldas, a hidden emerald-colored pool carved from granite rock. Clad in helmets and harnesses, you gear up for your first waterfall rappel. You descend carefully down a 20-meter drop, feeling the rush of cool spray against your skin.

You swim in the turquoise pool surrounded by steep cliffs and dense foliage. You relax on smooth rocks, listening to the gentle flow of water and spotting dragonflies skimming the surface. You feast on a rustic lunch of grilled chicken and plantain fries by the riverbank.

Back in town, you soak tired muscles in a warm footbath infused with local herbs. You dine at a candlelit terrace overlooking rolling hills, savoring freshly caught tilapia and vegetable stews. You end the night with a quiet stroll, breathing in the peaceful countryside air.

At dawn, you head into the Serra de Santa Helena mountain range for a full-day trek. You traverse winding trails shaded by towering palm trees and vibrant bromeliads. Your guide points out medicinal plants and explains their uses in traditional folk remedies.

You reach a panoramic peak for lunch, unpacking sandwiches and tropical fruit with views of undulating ridges. You descend via a different route, crossing narrow wooden bridges over streams teeming with freshwater fish. You pause to photograph the interplay of light and shadow on granite boulders.

Returning to Ubai as dusk falls, you treat yourself to a restorative herbal tea. You attend a local storytelling session at the cultural center, where elders share legends of the mountains. You retire to your guesthouse, lulled by mountain breezes and distant owl calls.

You begin the day at a renowned local dairy farm, walking among grazing goats and cows. You watch cheesemakers stir vats of warm milk, coaxing it into fresh queijo minas. You sample young and seasoned cheeses paired with wildflower honey.

You drive along the scenic Cheese Route, stopping at small producers to taste artisanal treats. You learn about the aging process in stone cellars and the influence of the microclimate. You enjoy a gourmet picnic featuring cured meats, homemade bread, and tangy cheese.

Back in town, you participate in a fusion cooking workshop that highlights local ingredients. You prepare a three-course dinner with guidance from a chef specializing in Minas Gerais cuisine. You savor your meal at a communal table, toasting to new friendships.

You set out with an adventure company for a circuit of four waterfalls nestled in dense forest. You hike along narrow paths, occasionally crossing swinging bridges draped in vines. You pause at each cascade to take photographs and cool off under the tumbling water.

After a riverside lunch of cassava cakes and grilled meats, you gear up for two exhilarating zipline runs. You soar above the forest canopy, feeling the wind rush past as you take in aerial views of emerald treetops. You end the afternoon with a refreshing dip in a secluded natural plunge pool.

Returning to Ubai, you relax at an outdoor spa area with thermal footbaths. You dine at a cozy gastropub, sampling creative tapas and artisanal cocktails. The lively atmosphere carries on late into the night with local DJs spinning Brazilian beats.

On your final morning, you wander through the town’s quaint market to pick up souvenirs and fresh produce. You sip coffee at a sunny patio, greeting vendors and sampling homemade jams. You take one last stroll along the riverfront, breathing in the clean air.

You visit a nearby river bank for a farewell picnic beneath a giant fig tree. You share stories with newfound friends while enjoying fresh fruit and cheese bread. You dip your toes in the gentle current as the midday sun shimmers on the water.

Before departing, you head to a hilltop chapel to watch the sunset over Ubai’s tiled roofs and rolling hills. You reflect on the week’s adventures and take one final panoramic photograph. You savor a simple evening snack of pastel de angu and guaraná before bidding the town goodbye.