Minas

What do you think of when you think of Brazil? Beaches thronging with beautiful people? Outrageous Carnival costumes? Deserted, unspoilt beaches? The seductive beat of Samba? Beaches backed by lush tropical rainforest? Being blessed with 7000km of coastline, much of which enjoys what most Europeans would consider year round summer weather, it’s perhaps difficult not to think of beaches when you think of Brazil.

What do you think of when you think of Brazil? Beaches thronging with beautiful people? Outrageous Carnival costumes? Deserted, unspoilt beaches? The seductive beat of Samba? Beaches backed by lush tropical rainforest? Being blessed with 7000km of coastline, much of which enjoys what most Europeans or Americans would consider year round warm summer weather it is difficult not to think just of beaches when you think of Brazil.

However, it’s too easy to overlook the many other treasures this vast country has concealed within. Venture slightly inland from the state of Rio de Janeiro and you will discover the lesser known state of ‘Minas Gerais’; deservedly considered the gastronomic capital of Brazil and larger than the entire country of France, yet surprisingly absent from the itinerary of many international visitors.

Minas is the country’s largest producer of cheese and luxury travel experts Dehouche can assure you that once you’ve tried the ‘Pao de Queijo’ (Brazilian cheese bread) to be found in Minas, you’ll no longer be content with that made in any other state of Brazil.

The state of Minas Gerais (or General Mines) began to be populated in the late seventeenth century when colonists flocked here in search of gold. Exploiting the region and the slaves they had brought from Africa, they mined for minerals and beautiful towns were built on the fruits of others labour.

Particularly well preserved examples of the unique ‘Barroco Mineiro’ style that developed during this period are the towns of Ouro Preto, Diamantina, Sabara, Tiradentes and São João del Rei, nestled amongst the Mineiro mountains. It may sound remote, but if you’re looking to genuinely escape on your honeymoon or well earned holiday, locally based Dehouche can easily arrange flights and transfers here from other destinations in Brazil.

Let your private driver navigate the winding roads and descend peacefully upon an oasis of tradition and unspoilt splendour. Take your time enjoying the culinary delights this region is famed for, explore the abundance of richly decorated churches and marvel at the oeuvre of renowned Aleijadinho.

Wandering up and down the steep, cobbled streets of these picturesque towns it’s difficult to imagine the suffering and sacrifice that went into their construction. However, for those who are interested, there are many museums dedicated to telling the stories of centuries gone by.

One particular gem of the region must be ‘Ouro Preto’, which at the height of mining exploration was the capital of the state itself and is today still an important university town with many ‘republicas’ or university halls of residence scattered about. Needless to say, the town enjoys quite a vibrant nightlife as a result. Today, Minas is perhaps better known for its festivities and carnival celebrations, which focus around traditional street parties, quite unlike the carefully choreographed samba shows of Rio. Minas may lack the glamour of Rio and the pace of life may seem trapped in time compared to that of São Paulo, but it’s more than testament to the fact that there is not one Brazil, but many.

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