Mariana and Ouro Preto are in the same region (Historic Cities of Minas Gerais). Mariana: the first capital of Minas; Ouro Preto: stone-paved slopes, gilded Baroque churches and the work of Aleijadinho in the former gold capital. The weather is similar in both this month. The two are about 12 km (7 mi) apart, 0h24 by car; you can combine them in a single trip.
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Frequently asked questions
Mariana or Ouro Preto: which is better?
Mariana and Ouro Preto are in the same region (Historic Cities of Minas Gerais). Mariana: the first capital of Minas; Ouro Preto: stone-paved slopes, gilded Baroque churches and the work of Aleijadinho in the former gold capital. The weather is similar in both this month. The two are about 12 km (7 mi) apart, 0h24 by car; you can combine them in a single trip.
What is the best time to visit Mariana and Ouro Preto?
The best time to visit Mariana is from May to August; for Ouro Preto, it is from May to August, based on INMET's climate normals (temperature and rainfall for each month). If your trip already has a date, check each destination's page for your month.
Which of the two is cheaper to get to?
By car, leaving from Belo Horizonte, Mariana is 112 km (70 mi) and costs about R$ 70 each way (fuel plus tolls); leaving from Belo Horizonte, Ouro Preto is 100 km (62 mi) and costs about R$ 63 each way (fuel plus tolls). The calculation assumes a car that gets 11 km/L. Lodging and activities vary with each place's season.
Where does it rain less, Mariana or Ouro Preto?
Averaged over the year, Mariana has 8 rainy days a month and Ouro Preto has 8. The two are practically tied over the year, but what decides the trip is the month: the rainiest month in Mariana is December and in Ouro Preto, December. For temperature, both have the same average high, 27°.
How many days should you spend in Mariana and in Ouro Preto?
To see the main sights without rushing, Mariana calls for 2–3 days and Ouro Preto, 2–3 days. Since the two are 12 km (7 mi) from each other, anyone with 4 days or more can combine them in a single trip.
Mariana or Ouro Preto with kids?
Both work with kids: Mariana (Minas Baroque, first capital of Minas, and historic center) and Ouro Preto (Minas Gerais Baroque, UNESCO heritage, and historic city). The choice usually comes down to getting there, not to infrastructure.
Can you visit Mariana and Ouro Preto on the same trip?
Yes. The two are about 12 km (7 mi) apart, 0h24 by car and in the same region (Historic Cities of Minas Gerais). Combining them in a single itinerary is common, with a few days in each.
What should you not miss in each?
In Mariana: Praça Minas Gerais, Sé Cathedral Basilica, Church of São Francisco de Assis. In Ouro Preto: Church of Saint Francis of Assisi, Tiradentes Square, Inconfidência Museum. These are the sights that show up most in first-trip itineraries for each destination; the full guide to each has the whole list.
