Mariana & Ouro Preto day trip: Colonial gold cities tour

Walk through Rua Direita's preserved colonial houses and stand inside a German-organ cathedral.

A full-day guided tour of Mariana and Ouro Preto, two former gold-rush capitals in Minas Gerais, visiting churches, museums and town squares built in the 1700s and 1800s. The tour includes entrance tickets to the Sé Cathedral and Igreja do Carmo in Mariana, plus the Museum of Inconfidência and Chapel of São Francisco de Assis in Ouro Preto. Air-conditioned transport and a Portuguese-speaking guide are provided. Pickup is included. Minimum age is 12. Lunch and personal expenses are not covered, and some optional attractions carry separate fees.

Step-by-step itinerary

Explore historic cities and landmarks

• Visit Church of Nossa Senhora do Carmo
• Tour House of Chamber and Jail
• See Replica of a pillory and Church of São Francisco de Assis
• Visit First Cathedral of Minas Gerais
• Explore Main town square and craft shops
• Tour Old Town Hall and Jail
• Admire architectural marvel by Aleijadinho and Ataíde
• Shop for soapstone handicrafts

The experience

The tour starts in Mariana, the first capital of Minas Gerais, where you walk Rua Direita to see preserved colonial houses, then enter the Sé Cathedral: the first cathedral built in the state. The building is currently closed for restoration, but the guide takes you through to see the German-made organ and the interior's artistic detail. You'll also visit the Igreja do Carmo and walk through the old town hall and jail, both 18th-century structures with period rooms that tell the region's history.

From there the tour moves to Ouro Preto, the second capital, where you visit the Museum of Inconfidência in a grand building on Praça Tiradentes. The chapel of São Francisco de Assis is the centerpiece: a baroque masterpiece designed by Antônio Francisco "Aleijadinho" and decorated by Manoel da Costa Ataíde, recognized as one of the seven wonders of Portuguese origin in the world. The itinerary includes time at Praça Minas Gerais, considered one of the seven wonders of the Estrada Real (the old royal road), where craft shops sell soapstone carvings, local chocolate and cachaça.

The full day runs about ten hours with a Portuguese-speaking guide. You travel in an air-conditioned vehicle, and the operator includes travel insurance for Brazilian residents. Lunch is not part of the package, so plan to eat at one of the towns' restaurants or bring your own food.

What’s included

• Entrance tickets to the Sé Cathedral and Igreja do Carmo in Mariana.
• entrance to the Museum of Inconfidência and Chapel of São Francisco de Assis in Ouro Preto.
• air-conditioned transport.
• Portuguese-speaking guide.
• travel insurance for Brazilian residents.

Before you book

Days and timesThursdayDeparts at 07:00

Book up to2d before

AgesAdult (12 to 85 years) · Under 12: can't be booked

GroupPrivate

Live guidePortuguese

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup is optional; you can also go straight to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated yesterday

Good to know

Low physical effortNot recommended with heart problems

Operated by Espinhaço Operadora Turística

Is this one for you?This is a shared group tour led by a guide, so you move at the group's pace and follow a set itinerary. It suits travelers who want the history and architecture explained as they walk through each site, rather than exploring on their own.

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Top questions

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What is the Sé Cathedral in Mariana like inside?

The Sé Cathedral is the first cathedral built in Minas Gerais and features a German-made organ as its centerpiece. The guide takes you through the interior to see the artistic detail, though the building is currently undergoing restoration.

What will I see at the Chapel of São Francisco de Assis in Ouro Preto?

The chapel is a baroque masterpiece designed by Antônio Francisco "Aleijadinho" and decorated by Manoel da Costa Ataíde. It is recognized as one of the seven wonders of Portuguese origin in the world and is considered a must-see stop on the tour.

Is lunch included in this tour?

Lunch is not included. You'll have time to eat at restaurants in Mariana or Ouro Preto, or you can bring your own food.

How long is this tour and what time does it start?

The tour runs about ten hours total. Pickup is included, though the specific start time is not listed in the tour details. Confirm that when you book.

Can I buy souvenirs during the tour?

Yes. The itinerary includes time at Praça Minas Gerais in Ouro Preto and at craft shops in Mariana, where you can buy soapstone carvings, artisanal chocolate, cachaça and jewelry.