📍 Destination Overview
Ouro Preto, a colonial town in Minas Gerais, Brazil, is the country's finest baroque city and a UNESCO World Heritage site. Its name means Black Gold, from the 1690s gold rush that made it central. Its baroque churches, designed and carved by master Aleijadinho, crown Brazilian art; cobblestone streets and colonial mansions keep the 18th-century town, cradle of Brazil's independence.
Region
Minas Gerais, Brazil, ~100km southeast of Belo Horizonte
Currency & language
Brazilian real (BRL); Portuguese
Best season
The mild, dry autumn-winter (Apr-Sep) suits the hill walking best
Suggested stay
1-2 days
Sockets & voltage
Mixed 127V/220V in central Brazil, Type N
Communications & timezone
Good 4G in town; Brasília Time (UTC-3)
☀️ Best Time to Visit & Climate
🏛️ Dry-Cool Season: May–Sep
On a ~1,100 m plateau, 10–25°C with little rain—comfortable for exploring the colonial town.
🌤️ Shoulder: Apr & Oct
14–26°C, the transitional months between dry-cool and wet, with occasional showers.
January
🌧️
26°/16°
February
🌧️
26°/16°
March
🌧️
26°/15°
April
🌧️
25°/14°
Fair
May
☀️
24°/12°
Best
June
☀️
23°/11°
Best
July
☀️
23°/10°
Best
August
☀️
24°/11°
Best
September
☀️
25°/13°
Best
October
🌧️
26°/15°
Fair
November
🌧️
25°/15°
December
🌧️
26°/16°
🎯 Ouro Preto Experiences
Gaze under a gilded altar
Touch the soapstone friezes
Browse the soapstone market
Gaze over the gold-town
At ~1,100 m elevation, it stays mild year-round. Best is the dry-cool season, May–Sep: 10–25°C, dry and comfortable for the colonial churches. Oct–Apr is the wet season.
🚌 Transport & Stays
City Transport
From Belo Horizonte
From Rio/São Paulo
Around town
Recommended Stay Areas
Historic centre
Foothills / new town
Free Consultation
Free Consultation
1-on-1 travel consultant customizes your Ouro Preto trip for free based on your schedule and preferences.