Major city · Brazil
Ouro Preto
Go for 2 nights: the colonial core is walkable in a day, but the hills, churches and mines need a second morning.
Ouro Preto was the centre of Brazil's 18th-century gold rush and is the country's best-preserved colonial town, a UNESCO site since 1980. Two nights covers the churches, museums and one mine; the streets are steep cobbles, so base near Praca Tiradentes and walk.
More ways in
Local time, weather, currency, airports
- Weather
- see forecast
- Currency
- BRL
- Best months
- Apr–Sep (dry, cooler)
- avoid Dec–Mar (heavy rain), Carnaval and Holy Week unless booked ahead
- Airport
- CNF
- Nights
- 2
Rules in force · 7Above 2,500 m (Bogotá, Quito, Cusco, La Paz) keep the fir…
- South America ↗Above 2,500 m (Bogotá, Quito, Cusco, La Paz) keep the first day light; sleep lower where you can (Sacred Valley before Cusco) and descend if headache comes with vomiting or confusion.
- South America ↗A yellow fever certificate is required on arrival in French Guiana, and asked for on some routes into Bolivia, Paraguay, Suriname and Guyana, or when arriving from Amazon areas — vaccinate at least 10 days before travel and carry the card.
- South America ↗Overnight buses are the norm in Argentina, Chile and Peru, but pick top-tier companies and keep valuables on your body; on-board thefts from overhead racks are the common loss.
- Brazil ↗US, Canadian and Australian citizens need an e-visa (about US$81 — check) applied for online at the official VFS portal before travel; EU and UK citizens do not. Check your passport with Brazil's Ministry of Foreign Affairs before booking.
- Brazil ↗Yellow fever vaccination is recommended for many areas, including the Amazon and Pantanal; check with a travel clinic at least 10 days before travel.
- Brazil ↗Keep your phone out of sight in the street and on beaches; phone theft is the most common crime against visitors in big cities.
- Brazil ↗Carnival 2027 runs about 5–10 February (Tuesday 9 February; Salvador from 4 February): book Rio, Salvador and Recife/Olinda months ahead or avoid those dates.
What is in this basic guide9 covered · 4 not yet ▾
In this guide
Not in this guide yet
- Walking areas with bag rules
- Day plans checked against opening hours
- Airport-to-bed timings and the last safe connection
- Field-checked times and prices
Emergency numbers for Ouro Preto190 ▾
Tap a number to call from your phone. These are the numbers listed in this guide; a row marked check has not been verified.
EssentialsQuick answers and what things cost
Essentials
Quick answers and what things cost
Quick answers
The questions people ask first about Ouro Preto, one line each. Tap a card for the full answer.
- Cash or card?Currency is the Brazilian real (BRL, R$).Brazil-wide
- SIM or eSIMVivo, Claro and TIM cover the country; buying a prepaid SIM needs a passport and sometimes a CPF — an eSIM before you fly is easier.Brazil-wide
- Tap waterDo not drink tap water; filtered water is provided in most homes and hotels.Brazil-wide
- TippingRestaurant: 10% service (serviço) usually on the bill; optional but normal.Brazil-wide
- Plugs & powerSockets C/N. US/Canada (A/B): adapter · UK/Ireland (G): adapter · Australia/NZ (I): adapter. 127 V: UK and AU 230 V-only devices need a converter; most chargers are dual-voltage.Brazil-wide
- SafetyOuro Preto is a small, busy tourist town and generally safe by day.
Show all 12 answers
- RestroomsPut toilet paper in the bin, not the toilet, in most places.Brazil-wide
- Emergency numbers190 police · 192 ambulance · 193 fire (not 911, 999 or 000)
- Sundays & holidaysCarnival shuts many businesses for several days; museums often close on Mondays.Brazil-wide
- Your embassyFind your embassy's 24-hour line before you fly.
- AirportCNF Belo Horizonte–Confins (About 100 km (62 mi) away; bus or car from Belo Horizonte, roughly 2 h by road).CNF Belo Horizonte–Confins (About 62 mi (100 km) away; bus or car from Belo Horizonte, roughly 2 h by road).
- Getting aroundWalk: the centre is small but the cobbled hills are steep, so wear grippy shoes.
Cost cheat-sheet
Typical prices for the everyday things, as ranges. Your currency is shown next to the local price.
- CoffeeR$6–12 (≈ US$2–3)
- Beerdraught / can at a shopR$10–18 (≈ US$2–4)R$5–8 (≈ US$1–2)
- Taxi, about 5 km (3 mi)Taxi, about 3 mi (5 km)5 km (3.1 mi) taxi or app ride3.1 mi (5 km) taxi or app ridecheckR$20–35 (≈ US$4–7)
- SIM or eSIM, a weekeSIM or data SIM, about a weekR$40–80 (≈ US$8–15)
- Museum or sight ticketMuseum or church entryR$2–17 (≈ US$1–4)
- Budget bedHostel dorm bed, a night, per personR$80 (≈ US$15)
- Mid-range bedPousada double room, a night, per roomR$380 (≈ US$75)
- High-end bedPousada double room, a night, per roomR$750 (≈ US$140)
A day, not counting the bed: Budget R$180 (≈ US$35) · Mid R$320 (≈ US$60) · High R$600 (≈ US$120)
Local prices, with USD next to them (rates 2026-09 (approximate); change it in the header). Ranges are desk estimates: check locally. Every price and the budget calculator →
DecideWhat it is known for, and when the weather works
Decide
What it is known for, and when the weather works
At a glance
What the city is known for, how you fly in, and where to find the phrases.
- Airports
- CNF Belo Horizonte–Confins (About 100 km (62 mi) away; bus or car from Belo Horizonte, roughly 2 h by road)CNF Belo Horizonte–Confins (About 62 mi (100 km) away; bus or car from Belo Horizonte, roughly 2 h by road)
Best months at a glance
From the guide's best and avoid lists
Jan
Avoid
26°C (79°F)79°F (26°C)
Feb
Avoid
26°C (79°F)79°F (26°C)
Mar
Avoid
25°C (78°F)78°F (25°C)
Apr
Best
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
May
Best
23°C (73°F)73°F (23°C)
Jun
Best
22°C (71°F)71°F (22°C)
Jul
Best
21°C (70°F)70°F (21°C)
Aug
Best
23°C (73°F)73°F (23°C)
Sep
Best
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
Oct
not flagged
24°C (76°F)76°F (24°C)
Nov
not flagged
25°C (76°F)76°F (25°C)
Dec
Avoid
25°C (76°F)76°F (25°C)
Best: Apr–Sep. Avoid: Dec–Mar. Month by month →
Warmest Feb (26°C (79°F)79°F (26°C)), coolest Jul (8°C (47°F)47°F (8°C) low). Averages, not a forecast.
Weather and climate
Ouro Preto: next 7 days
Loading forecast…
Forecast: Open-Meteo (CC BY 4.0), model data for this point.
Air quality
Loading…
Model estimate (CAMS via Open-Meteo), not a street-level station; readings near busy roads run higher.
Jan
26°C (79°F)79°F (26°C)
16°C (60°F)60°F (16°C)
0 rd
Feb
26°C (79°F)79°F (26°C)
16°C (60°F)60°F (16°C)
0 rd
Mar
25°C (78°F)78°F (25°C)
14°C (57°F)57°F (14°C)
0 rd
Apr
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
13°C (56°F)56°F (13°C)
0 rd
May
23°C (73°F)73°F (23°C)
11°C (52°F)52°F (11°C)
0 rd
Jun
22°C (71°F)71°F (22°C)
9°C (48°F)48°F (9°C)
0 rd
Jul
21°C (70°F)70°F (21°C)
8°C (47°F)47°F (8°C)
0 rd
Aug
23°C (73°F)73°F (23°C)
10°C (49°F)49°F (10°C)
0 rd
Sep
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
12°C (54°F)54°F (12°C)
0 rd
Oct
24°C (76°F)76°F (24°C)
14°C (57°F)57°F (14°C)
0 rd
Nov
25°C (76°F)76°F (25°C)
15°C (58°F)58°F (15°C)
0 rd
Dec
25°C (76°F)76°F (25°C)
15°C (59°F)59°F (15°C)
0 rd
High / low, both scales · rd = rain days
Arrive & moveAirports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Arrive & move
Airports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Getting around
Walk: the centre is small but the cobbled hills are steep, so wear grippy shoes. City buses and the Moovit app cover outer neighbourhoods and Mariana. Taxis and app rides work for the station and mines.
Nearest full guides
Straight-line distance, not travel time
See & doDay-trips, door to door
See & do
Day-trips, door to door
Day-trips
Mariana
goDoor to door: About 30–45 min by bus
Regional bus from the rodoviaria or centre, or the Maria Fumaca steam train
Oldest town and first state capital; pair with the train if it is running.
Congonhas
goDoor to door: About 1.5 h
Bus or car via the BR-040 corridor
Bom Jesus sanctuary with Aleijadinho's prophets; a half day.
Ouro Branco
cautionDoor to door: About 45 min
Bus or car on the MG-443
18th-century buildings and the Serra do Ouro Branco rock formation.
Belo Horizonte
goDoor to door: About 2 h
Passaro Verde bus from the rodoviaria, about 16 departures daily
The nearest big-city airport link is here, via Confins.
Eat & sleepWhich area to sleep in
Eat & sleep
Which area to sleep in
Where to sleep
Areas, not hotels: pick the one that fits your arrival time and plans.
Praca Tiradentes and the historic centre
Walk to most sights; steep streets, so pick a place with a lift or ground-floor room if stairs are an issue.
Around the rodoviaria (bus station)
Cheaper, on the northwestern edge; a downhill walk into the centre.
PracticalWhat a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Practical
What a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Cost per day
- Budget
- R$150–250 (≈ US$30–50) excl. bed
- Mid
- R$250–450 (≈ US$50–85) excl. bed
- High
- R$450 (≈ US$85)+ excl. bed
Trip budget
| Pousada double room1 × 2 nights × R$380 | R$760 |
| Food, local transport, entries2 × 2 days × R$320 | R$1,280 |
| Bus Belo Horizonte → Ouro Preto, one way2 × R$60 · check | R$120 |
| Maria Fumaca train to Mariana, round trip2 × R$70 · check | R$140 |
| eSIM, about a week of data2 × R$50 | R$100 |
| Buffer 10%Price creep, a taxi you did not plan, one splurge | R$240 |
| Trip total≈ R$660 per person per day, bed included | R$2,640≈ US$500 |
2026 estimate in reais; flights and long-distance buses excluded. Your choices stay in this browser.
Prices of common things
| Coffee | R$6–12 (≈ US$2–3) |
| Mineiro plate (feijao tropeiro or frango com quiabo) | R$30–60 (≈ US$6–12) |
| Beer: draught / can at a shop | R$10–18 (≈ US$2–4) / R$5–8 (≈ US$1–2) |
| 5 km taxi or app ridecheck | R$20–35 (≈ US$4–7) |
| Museum or church entry | R$2–17 (≈ US$1–4) |
| eSIM or data SIM, about a week | R$40–80 (≈ US$8–15) |
2026 estimate; check locally.
Watch out
Safety
- No photos or filming inside museums and churches.
- Cobbles are slippery when wet; the hills are hard work for anyone with limited mobility.
- Book accommodation well ahead for Carnaval and Holy Week.
- Itacolomi State Park visits require a guide arranged in advance by phone.
Emergency numbers
- Police
- 190
- Ambulance
- 192
- Fire
- 193
Pocket card
Fill in, then print or save as PDF
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Ouro PretoOuro Preto
Pocket card · Voykit
My bed tonight
—
—
—
Para este endereco, por favorTo this address, please
Emergency
- Police190
- Ambulance192
- Fire193
Embassy
No embassies in Ouro Preto; the US, UK and other consulates are in Rio de Janeiro or Brasilia (check).
My embassy: —
Fare anchors (2026 estimate)
- Bus Belo Horizonte → Ouro Preto: about R$60 (≈ US$12), 2 h (check)
- Maria Fumaca Ouro Preto → Mariana: about R$50 (≈ US$10) one-way, R$70 (≈ US$13) round trip (check)
- Mina da Passagem entry: about R$17 (≈ US$4) (check)
Say or show
- Com licenca — Excuse me / Sorry (kong lee-SEN-sah)
- Obrigado / Obrigada — Thank you (oh-bree-GAH-doo / oh-bree-GAH-dah)
- Quanto custa? — How much is it? (KWAN-too KOOS-tah)
- Posso pagar com cartao? — Can I pay by card? (POH-soo pah-GAR kong kar-TOW)
- Onde fica o banheiro? — Where is the toilet? (ON-jee FEE-kah oo bah-NYAY-roo)
- Nao falo portugues — I do not speak Portuguese (now FAH-loo por-too-GAYS)
Deep diveWhat this guide covers so far, and its sources
Deep dive
What this guide covers so far, and its sources
Not a trip line yet
This is a basic guide: no airport-to-bed contract, walking clusters or day plans are published for Ouro Preto. Airport, fare and schedule details are unverified; check the operators before you fly.
What we know, and what is coming
On this page
- Best months: Apr–Sep (dry, cooler) · avoid Dec–Mar (heavy rain), Carnaval and Holy Week unless booked ahead · month by month →
- 1 airport and 2 areas to sleep in
- Weather: a 7-day forecast and monthly averages
- Cost per day in 3 bands
- 4 day-trips, door to door
- 4 things to watch out for, with emergency numbers
Coming as the guide grows
- Airport-to-bed contract for CNF: last bus from Belo Horizonte, taxi fallback, overnight rung.
- Four walking clusters with rescue anchors: Praca Tiradentes, the Conceicao and Carmo churches, the mines, and the Rosario and Santa Efigenia hills.
- Place pages with verified cutoffs (Museu da Inconfidencia, Pilar, Sao Francisco de Assis, Mina da Passagem) and eat pages with last orders.
- Rain and Carnaval fixtures so gates A–D can go green.