Shea Peters
With a landmass larger than France, Brasil’s mountainous state of Minas Gerais is considered the heartland of South America’s largest country. This region traditionally known for agriculture and mining represents the massive amount of artistic, gastronomic, and natural resources that Brasil has to offer the world.
Belo Horizonte, the capital city, is so valued internationally as a food travel destination that in 2019 the city was named as a UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy.
In March 2024, during a visit to France, Brasil’s President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva announced that he’d given French President Emmanuel Macron,”five of the best and most awarded Brasilian cheeses”,sparking a friendly competition with the European country that also prides itself on its cheeses.
Further stamping itself alongside Lima, Buenos Aires, and Santiago as one of the major gastrohubs and food destinations of South America, Belo Horizonte’s recent opening of Centro de Referência do Queijo Artesanal (CRQA), a cultural center and modernist-designed museum dedicated to cheese artisans. This open-space venue is used to host tastings and inform “cheese heads” about the dairy and cheese heritage of the region. Designed by architect José Lourenço and installed in the new Espaço 356, CRQA feels both rustic and minimalist with iron rebar, while giving guests a techy, immersive experience. Curved walls, inspired by the mountains of Minas Gerais, host interactive moments and products in a complex of high design and architecture.
For the region as a whole, the aquamarine, amethyst, and topaz that once brought huge attention to the mines of Minas Gerais are largely gone and mostly iron is what’s left of the mining industry. Minas still operates 3 of 5 largest iron mines in the world. Brasil was also once the world’s most important diamond source and much of that was done in Minas Gerais. While the name of the region translated is General Mines, there is a heavy art community that runs through seeking to change how the land is viewed.
Travelers to Belo Horizonte often venture out to visit the large nature preserves, open air museums, parks, and public art havens within the city and nearby surrounding areas. From lush parks to serene gardens, there are tons of spaces in Minas for fitness, family fun, and viewing public art.
Instituto Inhotim plays a large part in this renaissance of Minas Gerais and is the world’s largest open air museum. A contemporary art museum and botanical garden located about 90 minutes outside of Belo Horizonte in Brumadinho, Minas Gerais. This space was once located on a farm packed with ferrous (iron) ground but now houses over 700 pieces by more than 60 artists from nearly 40 different countries. The works include wood, iron, and interactive art which are displayed both outdoors and in semi-indoor galleries, allowing the environment to become part of the art. In addition, Inhotim’s spectacular Botanical Garden hosts more than 4000 species of plants from all 7 continents.
In the north of Minas Gerais, you’ll find many artists with Indigenous backgrounds and influence, in the Jequitinhonha Valley, which has one of the strongest artistic enclaves in Brasil. Leather crafts, clothing, accessories, ceramics, dollmaking and world-renowned woodworking are the region’s bedrock, much of the knowledge of the craftsmanship is passed down from generation to generation.
Bichinho in the northeast is where the richness and complexity of Brasil’s culture come to play. Cida Guimarães, a prolific businesswoman and naturist, relocated her interior design, furniture, and artisan tile businesses from Belo Horizonte in order to relish in the artisanship of the area, while providing her sons a more rural lifestyle. Often, designers of the wealthy from around the world spend weeks in this region with instructions for hand-crafted doors, tables, various furniture pieces and artwork to receive one-of-kind pieces.
Ouro Preto, translated as Black Gold, could easily be mistaken for a mountainous European village known for its soapstone craftsmanship and Baroque architecture, is found in the eastern portion of Minas Gerais. This picturesque town was known as the Imperial City and is one of the most historically preserved cities in South America.
Minas Gerais is dotted with many hotels, but a standout is the gorgeous Fasano Belo Horizonte, where you’ll find celebs and locals alike, gathering around their intimate Lobby Bar, designed by São Paulo architect, Marcio Kogan. There are tons of restaurants, bars, and shopping within walking distance of the hotel, making it a great anchor for your visit.
Also, the Fasano Belo Horizonte specializes in arranging experiences for guests and some of the more unique packages travelers will find in the capital city. They have a gastronomic experience called the Taste of Minas, which includes dinner for two at their Gero Restaurant. Their Inhotim Experience package includes two tickets to Inhotim with a private transfer, which is great for travelers that don’t plan to drive. Please check directly with the hotel when booking to ensure the packages are available at the time of stay.
All in all, Belo Horizonte is centrally located enough that it can be the only destination for travel to Brasil…or it can be just one of the cities and states as you explore the 5th largest country in the world.
Fasano Belo Horizonte
The lobby area of the Fasano Belo Horizonte is a step into a chic, city hotel, but still quite and comfy enough to host a quick, intimate meeting.
Shea Peters
The Santuário Arquidiocesano São Francisco de Assis was built in 1959 by Oscar Niemeyer. Situated lakeside, it is one of the more unique catherdrals in Brasil and is considered a landmark in Belo Horizonte.
CRQA
The Artisanal Cheese Reference Center (CRQA) is a cultural space that celebrates the experiences and products related to Minas Gerais cheese and gastronomy. The center beings together local artisans, teachers, researchers and gives guests the opportunity to purchase local cheeses and merchandise related to cheese consumption.
Shea Peters
Sampling of local cheeses and merchandies offered at CRQA in Belo Horizonte.
Pacato
A very cool restaurant for happy hour and dinner, Pacato honors the tradition of backyard cooking. Their menu leads with veggies, chicken, and pork, but also you’ll find good cocktails, friendly staff, and a warm atmosphere.
Fasano Belo Horizonte
Centrally located, Fasano Belo Horizonte is a perfect place to anchor your getaway, especially if you decide to venture further into Minas Gerais. With shopping and restaurants within walking distance, plus hosting its own great eats, and a cute bar….this hotel is a really nice choice for this area.
Dona Lucinha Restaurante
Dona Lucinha Restaurante is a local favorite in Belo Horizonte. Open since 1990, this homestyle restaurant features traditional cooking and hopes to preserve the iconic flavors of Minas Gerais. Here you’ll find slower cooking and larger portions, this is a great family restaurant.
Shea Peters
Dona Lucinha Restaurante’s entrance showcases traditional china and cookware collected and used by the founder of the restaurant.
Shea Peters
Fasano Belo Horizonte places tasty treats in the guest rooms in order for them to get a taste of the city without leaving their room.
Shea Peters
Restaurante Xapuri is an open air eatery that features wood-fired food. Focusing on meats and country-style cooking, this fun atmosphere is good for families and groups. They also have a plentiful dessert area for those with a sweet tooth.
