A Complete Guide to Ouro Preto, Brazil
Ouro Preto is a must-visit city in often overlooked Brazil's state Minas Gerais. The most beautiful colonial city is a former gold mining town, and during the Gold Rush, most of the exceptional buildings were built. Read our travel guide on visiting Ouro Preto, the best things to do in the city and tips on how to get there from Belo Horizonte.
The truth is, you can find quite many small colonial towns or larger cities in Minas Gerais. You can even rent a car and do a small road trip to see them all.
But when you ask locals or those few foreign travelers who had visited this destination before, they will always tell you that Ouro Preto, a UNESCO-listed city is the most beautiful town they have visited in Brazil.
So after we spent four days in Rio de Janeiro, we decided to veer inland and explore the best things this area has to offer.
We based ourselves in Belo Horizonte, a larger city two hours drive from Ouro Preto, and from there we took a one-day trip to the colonial city which is best to be explored without rushing around.
OURO PRETO HISTORY
Ouro Preto was founded in the 17th century, purely because of the gold and minerals which could have been found in its vicinity.
During the Gold Rush, the city was flooded by people from all around the world trying to dig out their luck out of the ground.
At one time, Ouro Preto (which means black gold clearly referring to the Gold Rush era), also nicknamed Villa Rica alias the rich village was the biggest city or rather the most inhabited city in the Americas (the half of the population consisted of African slaves).
During the 18th century, many churches and beautiful houses and mansions were built to show off the wealth.
Ouro Preto was the center of culture as many artists, painters, writers, and architects such as the famous Aleijadinho wanted to reside here.
At the end of the 18th century, Ouro Preto also played an important role in Brazil's fight for independence, and although the attempt failed, even until today Ouro Preto has the reputation of a proud and radical city.
Once the Gold Rush had faded, Ouro Preto transformed into a university city, and when walking the streets, you can feel the relaxed, carefree atmosphere.
If you plan your visit to Ouro Preto and looking for the best things to do in the city before you start your trip, it is good to know that Ouro Preto has a crazy topography, and you will have to work hard to see all the must-visit places.
The narrow and precipitous streets are pretty hard to walk, so do not expect leisure stroll aroung a lovely colonial city.
On the other hand, the unique landscape is absolutely photogenic, and when you make it at least to one hill (which you should, when traveling to Ouro Preto by bus), you will be rewarded by mind-blowing views.
BEST THINGS TO DO IN OURO PRETO
Ouro Preto is a city of churches, cobblestone streets, hilly narrow passageways, and colonial houses with cute little balconies.
It is impossible to point out every interesting church or house, you better walk around the city with your eyes wide open.
Ouro Preto is set in a beautiful landscape, and once you stand on a hill, you can admire the panorama of the city.
If you plan on exploring the city on foot (which is the best way how to see the most), lace up your shoes, and be ready to huff and puff around the steep hills.
It is easy to walk around the city on own, but if you are short on time and want to see and do the best Ouro Preto has to offer, you can reserve a short guided tour.
Here's the list of the best things you can do in Ouro Preto colonial city.
Praca Tiradentes
The square Tiradentes is the true heart of Ouro Preto, named after Brazil's revolution leader from the end of the 18th century, whose monument commemorating his actions stands in the middle of the square.
Like every main square in any other city, you can find many artisan shops and small cafes around the plaza.
Two most notable buildings you can find on the square are Mineralogy Museum containing also the School of Mining on the north side of the square, and Museu da Inconfidencia on the opposite side of the square.
Museu da Inconfidencia
This museum inside the historical baroque building from the late 18th century reminds its visitors the unsuccessful independence movement (this part of Brazil had been protesting against being Portuguese colony).
You can find here some artifacts from that time, library, archives and a tomb of Tiradentes.
Mineralogy Museum
Ouro Preto and generally the whole state of Minas Gerais is rich in minerals, and you can find many mines throughout the region.
If you decide to visit the Mineralogy Museum, you can see here collection and many examples of varied minerals.
Capela do Padre Faria
From the outside, this chapel, one of the oldest in Minas Gerais, look modest, but once you walk inside, you will be amazed by the rich golden shining interior.
Igreja de Sao Francisco de Assis
Church of St. Francis of Assisi is one of the prettiest churches in Ouro Preto, built in rococo style.
This church is considered to be Aleijadinho's best work, as this famous architect and sculptor constructed quite many buildings in Ouro Preto.
As this church is the must-visit attraction in the city, you can hire a guide in front of the church.
Unfortunately, all guides standing outside the church spoke only Portuguese that day, so we couldn't use this service.
Handicrafts Market
Just outside the church is a handicraft market where local people sell mostly hand-made things made of stone.
You can even see people carving the stone into the required shape.
Hadn't we traveled with overloaded backpacks already, we would have bought a souvenir here.
Igreja Nossa Senhora do Rosario
Interesting, round-shaped Church of Our Lady of Rosary was built by African slaves, and it was the only place where they could pray in the late 18th century.
Igreja Nossa Senhora da Conceicao
Church of Our Lady of the Concepcion is one of the most important in Ouro Preto.
It was completed in 1746, but the facade comes from the 19th century. The main highlight here is eight richly decorated altars inside.
This church also houses the Aleijadinho Museum, and it is the place where Aleijadinho is buried.
Igreja de Sao Francisco de Paula
This church was the first we saw in Ouro Preto, as the bus terminal where we arrived is nearby.
Except for the church, you can admire the cityscape, as you are standing on a hill here, and can see the whole city under you and lush green hills around.
Igreja Matriz de Nossa Senhora do Pilar
Church of Our Lady of Pilar is the oldest church in the city and stands on a small quiet square away from the noise.
Although the church does not look somehow outstanding from the outside, its interior is splendid as it is decorated by a huge amount of gold.
This church actually contains the second-largest amount of gold out of all Brazilian churches.
Casa dos Contos
Casa dos Contos alias Tax Collection House is now a museum, but earlier it was one of the most important houses in Ouro Preto, as it was where all the gold mined out in the region was weighed by the tax collector.
Old Train Station
On a small square stands a cute train station, from where you can, by the way, take a train to Mariana Town.
We found out this station by accident as we were looking for a place to eat.
Mina Chico Rei
If you want to see how life had been like centuries ago in Ouro Preto, visit the former gold mine, where you can learn about the history and mining culture.
Mina da Passagem
Between Ouro Preto and Mariana Town is this world´s largest mine open to the public where you can experience how is it like to go underground.
Mariana Town
Minas Gerais is dotted with many small cute towns, and although Ouro Preto is the cutest, it is also the most heavily visited, especially by locals.
If there is one more town to visit in the area, it is Mariana, similarly beautiful place which is often combined with the visit of Ouro Preto.
HOW TO GET TO OURO PRETO
If you decide to incorporate Ouro Preto to your Brazil itinerary, chances are you will travel either from Belo Horizonte or from Rio de Janeiro.
Here's the guide on how to get to Ouro Preto by public transport. Of course, you can also travel by rental car, it is more convenient, and roads in this part of Brazil are in good condition.
RIO DE JANEIRO TO OURO PRETO
Good news, there is a direct bus from Rio de Janeiro going inland via Ouro Preto. You can travel either during the day or take an overnight bus, the journey takes up to 8 hours.
Rio de Janeiro has one of the largest bus terminals in the country, and an insane number of people travel from this place to different destinations every day, so it is always worth it to buy your onward ticket in advance.
BELO HORIZONTE TO OURO PRETO
Because we wanted to do a trip to trip to Inhotim Museum from Belo Horizonte, we decided to stay there, so we wouldn't have to move every day.
Unfortunately, we did not know that the route between these two cities, unless the distance is less than 100 kilometers, under normal circumstances takes two hours.
We are saying under normal circumstances because what we experienced was everything but normal.
The bus to Ouro Preto runs every morning (approximately every two hours, buy your ticket one day in advance) from Belo Horizonte's main bus terminal.
Unfortunately, our bus driver obviously drove a bus on this route for the first time, and he got lost twice (once there was a detour, so we could understand that, but the second time he simply missed the turnoff), so it took us full three hours to get to Ouro Preto, and at that time we were not that excited to explore the city.
Travel Insurance
We never leave home without travel insurance that was designed to cover our expenses if something goes wrong during the trip.
Travel insurance protects against theft, flight delays, injury, illness, cancellations, and much more.
World Nomads provides travel insurance for travelers to cover their trip essentials, including sports and adventure activities.
SafetyWing is affordable travel insurance for backpackers, long-term travelers, and digital nomads.
Travel smarter and safer!
OURO PRETO TOUR
In case you want to explore Ouro Preto from Belo Horizonte without traveling by public transport, you can reserve a Ouro Preto Tour.
WHERE TO STAY IN OURO PRETO
Most of the visitors in Ouro Preto are locals, as the city has a great reputation, but not that many foreigners make it to Minas Gerais state, simply because it is quite far from the coast and the must-visit destinations.
However, Ouro Preto has a large number of accommodation options.
We've handpicked three best hotels for every type of traveler.
Budget | Hostel Minas - Centrally located hostel has a homey feel, rooms are comfortable and clean, you can sleep either in dormitories or private rooms, and breakfast is complimentary.
Mid-range | Pouso Jardim de Assis - Quiet place, tasty breakfast, great location, exceptional rooms, and a beautiful courtyard are the main features of this hotel.
Luxury | Hotel Pousada do Arcanjo - A beautifully-restored colonial house bosts with perfect rooms with the old fashioned charm, and attention to detail.
We visited Ouro Preto on a one-day trip from Belo Horizonte because we also had Inhotim museum on our itinerary. You can search for accommodation in Belo Horizonte here.
WHAT TO PACK FOR OURO PRETO
Ouro Preto sits 1100 meters above sea level, and you can expect pleasant temperatures throughout the year.
The dry season is also winter time in Ouro Preto between May and October, so temperatures are lower, especially in the morning or later in the evening.
Between November and April, you can expect higher temperatures, but also rain showers - it rains the most in February, and it is also the slowest month in the region when it comes to tourism.
Here are five essential things you need to pack with you when visiting Ouro Preto.
Mirrorless Camera | The city is absolutely photogenic, do not forget your camera.
Flannel Shirt | Because of the altitude, you can be easily cold in Ouro Preto, especially when the sun goes down.
Jeans | Wear whatever you feel comfortable, but jeans are always a great pick.
Rain Poncho | When visiting Ouro Preto during wet season, do not forget to pack either rain poncho or an umbrella.
Sneakers | The most comfortable shoes for walking the cobble stone streets of Ouro Preto are sneakers.
Travel Resources
Here you can find links to all the travel resources we use and which you might find helpful when planning your next holiday.
Accommodation: When looking for accommodation, we usually search hotels via Booking.com or Hostelworld.
Tours: Although we love to travel independently, some places are better to visit with a guided tour.
We prefer GetYourGuide for its easy-to-use interface and solid reputation. Another great alternative is Viator.
Rental Cars: When going on a road trip, we always use Rentalcars.com, a reliable site for booking a rental car in advance.
Flight Tickets: When looking for flight tickets, you can search Skyscanner to find the best price.
Travel Insurance: World Nomads and SafetyWing cover against risks of travel.
