Brazil Tourism

The largest State in the Southeast with a territory comprising plateaus, valleys, caves, canyons and mountains, among them Pico da Bandeira, one of the highest points in Brazil. Urban tourism highlights the architectural and historical heritage, as in the example of Ouro Preto, Diamantina, São João Del Rey, Mariana, Serro and Sabará, all bearers of the Unesco Historical Heritage of Mankind title. In more rural areas, there are waterfalls, rapids and farm style hotels to add an extra thrill to trekking, hiking and ecotourism. Not to be missed are the soapstone, iron and bronze handicrafts as well as ornaments in gold, silver and precious and semiprecious stones.

History
Minas Gerais only became integrated to the colonial scenery from the 17th Century, after explorers from São Paulo discovered gold in the region – with production achieving six to seven tons per year. Some historians have said that this gold was one of the financial sources for the Industrial Revolution in England.

Explored by the Portuguese Crown, the region was the stage of many rebellions (War of the Emboabas, The Vila Rica uprising and the Insurrection of Minas Gerais). From the midst of these fights was to emerge one of Brazil’s main national heroes, Joaquim José da Silva Xavier, also known as Tiradentes. At the time of the declaration of Independence, the economy turns towards the coffee sector, and at a national level, a political alliance is formed with Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo, which was to become the main pillar for the Empire. During the Republic this alliance (which became known as “coffee with milk”) strengthens, lasting until 1930 when the coffee crisis causes São Paulo to withdraw. Minas joins forces with Rio Grande do Sul and the Northeastern states, participating in the Revolution of 1930, which ended the Old Republic in Brazil. In 1943, relations are broken off with the allies, and in 1955, Juscelino Kubtischeck is elected president of the Republic. Breaking new ground for the political standards at the time, Juscelino carries out a surge of industrial and development programs, which would prepare the country for the type of investments starting in the 1970s, when the State starts to diversify its agricultural and industrial production.

Places to Visit in Brazil

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