2-Day Fun & Vibrant Friends Getaway — Ouro Preto
A lively, social 2-day itinerary for friends who love history, playful outdoor adventure, group-friendly dining, and live music. Fast-paced but relaxed: historic mornings, active afternoon adventure, and nights built for shared plates, drinks, and live tunes.
Highlights
- Hands-on historic walking through Praça Tiradentes and Museu da Inconfidência
- Baroque church visits (São Francisco & Nossa Senhora do Pilar)
- Hike the dramatic Itacolomi ridge for skyline views & picnic
- Subterranean adventure at Mina da Passagem (nearby Mariana)
- Group-friendly dinners and live-music nightlife
Itinerary
Day 1
Historic center orientation, museum visit, relaxed shopping, and a lively dinner + live music night.
Check in and quick drop-off at Pousada do Mondego
Arrive, drop bags, freshen up. The pousada is centrally located so you can walk to the main square and museums.
Tips from local experts:
- Ask the pousada to hold backpacks if rooms aren't ready — saves the group from lugging bags.
- Request a ground-floor or low-stairs room if anyone in the group wants to avoid many cobbled-street steps.
- Confirm a single bill for the room(s) if one person will pay and divide later — easier for group math.
Orientation walk and photos at Praça Tiradentes
Start with the heart of Ouro Preto — the lively Praça Tiradentes. Great spot for group photos, street musicians, and planning the next stops.
Tips from local experts:
- Stand by the Tiradentes statue for the classic group photo; aim for golden-hour light later if you want glow shots.
- Watch your step — historic cobblestones are uneven; wear comfortable shoes for the whole weekend.
- Scout nearby benches to stash purchases while you continue exploring; many vendors accept cash only.
Museu da Inconfidência — guided or self-guided visit
Dive into Minas Gerais history at the main museum; plan 60–90 minutes to see exhibits and the courtyard.
Tips from local experts:
- Buy tickets as a group at once to speed entry; ask about a combined ticket if you plan more museums later.
- Audio guides may be available — split cost among 3–4 people to share one device and commentary.
- Take photos of the exterior and courtyard for Instagram — interior photo rules vary, so check signage.
Lunch at Mercado Municipal de Ouro Preto — food stalls & shared plates
Casual market lunch with multiple stalls: try regional Minas dishes and share plates across the table.
Tips from local experts:
- Order several small plates (tutu, feijão tropero, pão de queijo) to share and split the bill evenly.
- Carry some cash for stall vendors — some accept card but small vendors may prefer cash.
- Pick a central table so the whole group can sample different stalls and pass plates easily.
Visit Igreja de São Francisco de Assis (Aleijadinho’s masterpiece)
Explore one of Brazil's baroque gems — ornate altarpieces and iconic sculpture work. 45–60 minutes to soak in art and architecture.
Tips from local experts:
- Expect crowds — split into pairs to admire details up close rather than clustering in one spot.
- Quiet voices inside preserve the vibe; step outside for group chatter and instant photo ops.
- If anyone in the group has mobility limits, ask staff about closer vantage points — there are some level areas.
Coffee break & mini tapas at Bar Bené da Flauta
Recharge with coffee or a cold drink and small plates — an easy hangout for groups before afternoon shopping.
Tips from local experts:
- Reserve a table for 4–6 if you want guaranteed seating — popular spots fill quickly on weekends.
- Split rounds of drinks to keep things fast; staff are used to groups and splitting tabs.
- This is a great spot to plan the evening: ask staff about tonight's live-music schedule and reserve if needed.
Shop local crafts — soapstone stalls around Praça Tiradentes
Browse soapstone sculptures, handcrafted jewelry, and Minas keepsakes — perfect for shared souvenirs.
Tips from local experts:
- Negotiate politely in groups — buying 2–3 items often scores a discount, great for friends splitting costs.
- Inspect items closely for chips in soapstone and ask vendors about care instructions.
- Ask vendors to hold purchases while you continue exploring; many will keep items behind the stall.
Group dinner at Restaurante Casa do Ouvidor — lively, group-friendly plates
Sit-down dinner with regional dishes in a convivial atmosphere. Reserve for a group table and ask for sharing platters.
Tips from local experts:
- Book a group table in advance (4–6 seats) and request family-style or shared plates for easy splitting.
- Order a couple of regional mains and sides to share — that reduces cost per person and increases taste variety.
- Ask staff about local craft beers or cachaças for a tasting flight to split among friends.
Live-music night — local bar with performances (check the night's schedule)
Cap the night with live music and drinks. Great for groups who want to dance, sing along, or simply hang out at a lively table.
Tips from local experts:
- Confirm live-music nights in advance; if it’s a big show, buy or reserve tickets early so the whole group sits together.
- Ask for a table near the stage for energy, or at the rear if you want to chat — bars in Ouro Preto are used to vibrant groups.
- Plan a taxi or group ride back to the pousada — streets are steep and cobblestoned at night.
Day 2
Active morning outdoors at Itacolomi, afternoon church & a dramatic subterranean mine tour in Mariana, finishing with a festive farewell dinner.
Group transfer to Parque Estadual do Itacolomi
Short drive out of town to the state park entrance; arrange a shared taxi or minivan for the group.
Tips from local experts:
- Book a group transfer or split a taxi to save per-person cost and make arrival time predictable.
- Bring a light daypack with water and a rain layer — spring weather can change quickly in the hills.
- Check park opening hours the night before and confirm trail conditions with the park office.
Hike the Itacolomi ridge and picnic with skyline views
A playful, breezy hike to viewpoints and picnic spots. Choose a loop route suited to the group's fitness; expect stairs and rocky trails.
Tips from local experts:
- Wear sturdy shoes and bring sunscreen — the ridge is exposed and spring sun is strong.
- Pack a shared picnic: finger foods and a blanket make for easy group dining on the summit.
- Split into comfortable-paced subgroups (fast/steady) so everyone enjoys the hike without waiting often.
Return transfer to Ouro Preto
Short transfer back to town to clean up and have lunch.
Tips from local experts:
- Plan for cooler temps after the shaded descent — carry an extra layer for the drive back.
- Use the return trip to coordinate the afternoon mine-tour logistics (timing, tickets, transport).
- If anyone is tired, opt for a short rest in the pousada before lunch to recharge batteries.
Lunch — relaxed meal in town (easy group-friendly restaurant)
Light lunch near the historic center so you can walk to the afternoon church and prepare for the mine tour.
Tips from local experts:
- Choose dishes that are quick to serve so you stay on schedule for the mine tour transfer.
- Ask staff for a single bill or multiple split receipts depending on how your group prefers to pay.
- Order local sweets like doce de leite or queijo Minas to energize the group for the afternoon.
Visit Igreja Matriz de Nossa Senhora do Pilar
Short cultural stop to admire gilded baroque altars and panoramic views from the church area.
Tips from local experts:
- This church is ornate — split up to view altar details and meet outside for quick group photos.
- Check for any service times that could limit interior access and plan accordingly.
- If anyone collects small religious keepsakes, vendors often sell tasteful, affordable items nearby.
Transfer to Mina da Passagem (Mariana) — short scenic drive
Drive to the famous Minas Gerais mine-museum for a guided subterranean tour — fun, slightly adventurous and great for groups.
Tips from local experts:
- Book the mine tour in advance for your group to guarantee a slot and often a group discount.
- Bring a light jacket — underground temperatures are cooler; group members who get cold easily should be warned.
- Confirm meeting point and parking instructions with the mine to avoid delays with a large group.
Mina da Passagem guided mine tour (Mariana)
Explore tunnels, galleries and a unique subterranean landscape — lively guides often make tours interactive and group-friendly.
Tips from local experts:
- Listen for safety and mobility info at the start of the tour; keep the group together to avoid missing commentary.
- Bring a small flashlight or use your phone’s torch sparingly — guides will point out photo-friendly lighting.
- After the tour, split souvenir purchases (like small mineral samples) among friends to keep costs down.
Return transfer to Ouro Preto
Head back to Ouro Preto to freshen up before the farewell evening.
Tips from local experts:
- Use the return drive to coordinate the final evening plan (photo drop-off, dinner reservation confirmation).
- If anyone wants a quick nap, ask the driver to wait 10–15 minutes while the group freshens up.
- Plan a short stop for snacks/drinks if the group is hungry after the mine tour — great time to split a shared treat.
Farewell dinner & optional trivia night
Celebrate the trip with a festive group dinner — many restaurants/bars host trivia or live-acoustic sets. Reserve a lively table and request music/trivia info in advance.
Tips from local experts:
- Reserve a single large table for the group and ask venue staff about trivia start times if you want to join a game night.
- Order a couple of shareable platters and a shared bottle to keep per-person costs predictable.
- Plan transport home together — late-night hills and cobbles are best tackled with a group taxi or ride app.
