Set in the remote and rugged Serra do Espinhaco mountains of eastern Brazil, the historic colonial town of Ouro Preto has been preserved as a national monument and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This bustling university town and popular tourist destination is known for its ancient churches, winding cobblestoned streets, charming town squares, red-tiled roofs, pretty fountains, and wonderful Baroque architecture. Visitors can explore the 18th-century St. Francis of Assisi Church, stroll through the ancient streets, and discover the many squares including Praca Tiradentes, the town’s main square lined with an array of shops and cafes.
Tiradentes is a picturesque colonial village in the Minas Province of Brazil, between Rio de Janiero and Belo Horizonte. The town boasts historic houses fringed with abundant flowers, set against the backdrop of beautiful blue mountains. Visitors can choose to travel to Tiradentes aboard the ‘Smoking Mary’ steam train from São João del Rei, and, once in the village, take horse-drawn carriage rides through the streets, and browse the array of quaint boutiques and antique stores. Nature lovers will relish the variety of hikes in the captivating natural surroundings, and history enthusiasts will be intrigued by the old Paracatu gold mine just outside the town.
A dynamic coastal neighbourhood synonymous with leisure, luxury and nightlife, Copacabana is characterised by million-dollar penthouses, stunning neoclassical buildings and tiny apartments set against a magnificent backdrop of jungle-clad mountains in Rio de Janeiro. From its humble origins as a small fishing village, the "Princess of the Sea" is now a leisure seeker's paradise, bursting with restaurants, nightclubs, bars and hotels, and emits a lively, effervescent energy, perfect for the social traveller. To learn its history, visit Forte de Copacabana, a fort and museum that traces the early days of the Portuguese colony through to the mid-19th century. Art enthusiasts will appreciate a visit to The Eva Klabin Foundation (Casa Museu Eva Klabin), a historical home of famous art and antique collector Eva Klabin that houses over 1000 art pieces from all over the world. A visit to Copacabana is incomplete without the world-famous Copacabana Beach, a 4-kilometre stretch of golden sand dotted with brightly-coloured umbrellas, bars and a popular playground for watersports, football, volleyball, or simply lazing in the sun.
Sao Paulo is Brazil’s largest and most populous urban centre, home to roughly 20 million people in the metropolitan area alone. The capital of Sao Paulo State and the country’s unofficial business capital, the city is also known for its effervescent culture, with myriad entertainment options and a colourful nightlife. Highlight attractions of the city include: the Avenida Paulista, with its commercial epicentre presenting a wide array of shops, restaurants, bookstores and art exhibitions; Bixiga, a ‘little Italy’ known for its theatre scene and vibrant nightlife; the Chinatown district of Liberdade; and Ibirapuera Park, popular for its walking and jogging trails, three museums, free concerts and gorgeous Japanese garden.
