Traveling by car from Rio de Janeiro to Ouro Preto is an opportunity to enjoy the natural landscape through the way. As well to contemplate the plantation areas of the southern region of the State of Minas Gerais which is beautiful all of the year. Besides that you will still explore the most extensive route in Brazil: the Estrada Real.
So helping you by your Brazil travel planning I selected some routes from Rio de Janeiro and Paraty to Ouro Preto by car. A perfect combination of churches, museums and natural beauties for almost eight hours driving!
DISCOVER THE ESTRADA REAL
Travel along the Estrada Real to discover the old mining region of Minas Gerais. With 1630 km of total length this crisscrossed Brazil from the 17 th and 18 th centuries. It was the official route of the Portuguese Crown passing through Minas Gerais, Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo. So I suggest you to drive on the route of Caminho Novo and Caminho Velho on the route from Rio de Janeiro / Paraty to Ouro Preto.
STARTING IN PARATY
235 km from Rio de Janeiro and 300 km from São Paulo. The Old Road of the Estrada Real has 710 km and links Ouro Preto to Paraty, city of the gold destination explored from Brazil to Portugal. Paraty is both a great colonial relic, well preserved and archtecturally unique on the beach! So time for beaches contemplation. And more the mountain side of Paraty is covered by the Atlantic Forest, where you can find waterfalls and trails. UNMISSABLE are the boat trips around the islands and fishing villages.
TIRADENTES
Continuing the car trip from Rio de Janeiro to Ouro Preto (300 km) through the Old Road the first stop is Tiradentes. One of the most charming cities of Mina! Strategic place for rest along the route from Paraty or Rio de Janeiro to Ouro Preto. I suggest a visiting to the Museum of the Liturgy and to take the Maria Fumaça (locomotive) from Tiradentes to São João Del Rei linked by a short path of 13 km.
CONGONHAS
81 km from Belo Horizonte and 60 km from Ouro Preto.
The second stop is Congonhas to visit the Sanctuary of Bom Jesus do Matosinhos. The sanctuary houses the 12 prophets of the Old Testament in soapstone of the most famous Brazilian artist of that time: Aleijadinho!
FINAL DESTINATION OURO PRETO
Finishing the driving along the Old Road of the Royal Road in Ouro Preto. The old Vila Rica is home to the largest baroque heritage of Brazil. In addition to its numerous colonial houses, museums and churches, Ouro Preto was also blessed by nature with beautiful natural landscapes!
Bacause of its innumerable riches you can get a bit lost by making decisions what to see and visit in Ouro Preto. So for you to enjoy both the historical and the nature attractions of Ouro Preto, what about taking a tour guide? With me in a relaxed way we can walk through Ouro Preto Unesco Cultural World Heritage! Take care of our heritage. Take a walking tour with Sueli Tour Guide!
On my website you can choose a thematic private tour or customize your route and make the online reservation!
YOU BETTER RENT A CAR OR TAKE PRIVATE CAR SERVICE?
If you are not thinking to drive yourselve during the travel in Brazil the tip is to rent a car or hire a private transportation service. You can search for service providers as a Tourist Guide and private transport on the website of the Ministry of Tourism: CADASTUR. I recommend my partners Rodouro company – Contact Savinho (31 98565 4410)- E-mail: rodoouro@yahoo.com.br in case you need a van. And to hire a car service I recommend the company Dilson Transports (31 98314 7660) – E-mail: dilsondx@yahoo.com.br
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