←Brazil travel guide
Minas Gerais, Brazil
Ouro Preto
A baroque former gold-mining town in Minas Gerais, a UNESCO site.
ArchitectureArt & MuseumsCultureHistory & Heritage
Ouro Preto is a historic town in Brazil's Minas Gerais state, founded at the heart of the 18th-century gold rush. Its steep cobbled streets, baroque churches and works by the sculptor Aleijadinho form a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The town is set in the mountainous Iron Quadrangle region.
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Best time to visit
April to October
Region
Minas Gerais
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Top Things to Do in Ouro Preto
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Getting Around Ouro Preto
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Frequently Asked Questions About Visiting Brazil
From April 2025, Brazil requires an eVisa for citizens of several countries including the United States, Canada, and Australia, reversing its previous visa-free policy. Citizens of the EU, UK, Japan, and many others remain visa-free for tourism. Always check your specific passport via the Yoogo visa checker.
Visa-free visitors can typically stay for up to 90 days per visit, with the possibility of extending to 180 days within a 12-month period. Overstaying results in fines and potential banning from future entry.
A valid passport with at least 6 months of remaining validity, a valid eVisa or visa if required, and a completed electronic entry form (SISMIGRA) which is often integrated with the eVisa application.
Safety in Brazil varies significantly by city and neighbourhood. Tourist areas like Ipanema, Leblon, and the historic centre of Salvador are generally safe during the day. Avoid displaying valuables, be cautious after dark, and stay aware of your surroundings. Exercise increased caution and follow local advice.
The Brazilian Real (BRL, symbol R$). ATMs are widely available in cities. Credit cards are accepted in hotels and restaurants, but cash is needed in smaller towns and for many street vendors.
Portuguese is the official and only national language. Brazilian Portuguese differs notably from European Portuguese in pronunciation and vocabulary. English is spoken in tourist areas, hotels, and by educated city-dwellers, but is not widespread.
Brazil's seasons are opposite to the Northern Hemisphere. May to September (dry season) is generally best for most of the country. Avoid the Amazon and northeast in the wet season (November–April). Rio Carnival typically falls in February or March and is spectacular but very busy.
Attend Rio Carnival, visit Christ the Redeemer, explore the Amazon rainforest, see Iguazu Falls, relax on Copacabana and Ipanema beaches, explore Pelourinho in Salvador, discover the dunes of Lençóis Maranhenses, and watch a football match in one of the iconic stadiums.
São Paulo/Guarulhos International Airport (GRU) is the largest international hub. Rio de Janeiro–Galeão International Airport (GIG) and Brasília International Airport (BSB) also serve major international routes.
Travel insurance is strongly recommended. Medical facilities vary in quality outside major cities, and costs can be high for private care. Travel insurance covering emergency evacuation is advisable in remote areas.