Brazil: Coastal and Inland Culture

Originally settled by the Portuguese in 1660, Paraty has maintained its Colonial heritage with architecture that has remained virtually untouched for hundreds of years.

The drive from Sao Paulo along the coast to Paraty is about 3 hours with beautiful views of the ocean along the way. Arriving in Paraty, you will stay at Casa Turquesa, one of the finest boutique hotels in town. With just nine cosy rooms, the house was restored to its former glory with sumptuous suites and a courtyard garden and a plunge pool.

Paraty is a wonderful town to explore at your own pace. On your first morning, we will arrange for a local historian to give you a walking tour of the city and help you get your bearings. This coastline is also well known for its turquoise water and hidden islands only accessible by boat. It is worth spending a morning exploring hidden coves including Comprida island with its reefs and multitude of fish.

Drive north along the coast to Rio, where you will board a flight to Belo Horizonte.

You may wish to spend a night or two in Rio, and we can arrange several exciting adventures, from private culinary classes to historical and art tours. The live music scene in Rio is also a great way to sink into Brazilian culture and listen to up-and-coming artists playing samba music.

On arrival at Belo Horizonte airport, you will be driven to the Fasano Hotel. Part of the prestigious South American hotel group, the structure is elegant and contemporary, and the restaurant is excellent. From here you are in an excellent position to explore Inhotim tomorrow.

Today will be an alluring contrast of exquisite contemporary art and classic Colonial architecture.

Early this morning you will be driven to Inhotim. This contemporary art centre is committed to education and cultural development in the local community. Over 500 works are displayed indoors and outdoors in the landscape gardens designed by Roberto Burle Marx. The focus is on contemporary art produced from the 1960s through to the present day. Mediums include sculptures, installations, paintings, drawings, photography and film.

Spend as long as you wish at Inhotim before driving about 2.5 hours to Ouro Preto, where you will settle into Solar do Rosario. Based in the centre of town, Solar do Rosario is charming with simple but stylish furnishings and a small pool in the garden.

Ouro Preto is in the hills below the Espinhaco Mountains. This town is a treasure trove of religious artwork and Baroque and Rococo churches. In the historic centre, you will discover a maze of labyrinthine streets lined with red-roofed houses and quirky shops.

A full day with your private guide will give you ample time to discover the treasures of Ouro Preto and Mariana. This includes the Museum of Mineralogy, home to the largest collections of minerals in the world and the Museum of Sacred art in Mariana. Stop for coffee in sunny plazas and let the magnificence of these heritage towns sink in.

The Bom Jesus do Matozinho Sanctuary was built in the second half of the 18th century. It consists of a church with a magnificent Rococo interior of Italian inspiration, an outdoor stairway decorated with statues of the prophets and seven chapels illustrating the Stations of the Cross.

The polychrome sculptures were created by the great sculptor, Aleijadinho and are masterpieces of a highly original, expressive form of Baroque art.

Arriving in the mountain town of Tiradentes, you will settle into Solar da Ponte, a country house situated in the historic centre of town. This hotel has a pool and a good restaurant with views of the city and mountain backdrop.