Mariana is in the Historic Cities of Minas Gerais (MG), while Rio de Janeiro is in the state of the same name (RJ): different regions of Brazil. Mariana: the first capital of Minas; Rio de Janeiro: mountains, sea and rainforest inside the same city. For this month's weather, Mariana has the edge. The two are about 440 km (273 mi) apart, 6h12 by car; you can combine them in a single trip.
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Frequently asked questions
Mariana or Rio de Janeiro: which is better?
Mariana is in the Historic Cities of Minas Gerais (MG), while Rio de Janeiro is in the state of the same name (RJ): different regions of Brazil. Mariana: the first capital of Minas; Rio de Janeiro: mountains, sea and rainforest inside the same city. For this month's weather, Mariana has the edge. The two are about 440 km (273 mi) apart, 6h12 by car; you can combine them in a single trip.
What is the best time to visit Mariana and Rio de Janeiro?
The best time to visit Mariana is from May to August; for Rio de Janeiro, it is from May to September, 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 São Paulo, Rio de Janeiro is 430 km (267 mi) and costs about R$ 334 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 Rio de Janeiro?
Averaged over the year, Mariana has 8 rainy days a month and Rio de Janeiro has 10. Mariana is the drier of the two over the year as a whole, but what decides the trip is the month: the rainiest month in Mariana is December and in Rio de Janeiro, January. For temperature, both have the same average high, 27°.
How many days should you spend in Mariana and in Rio de Janeiro?
To see the main sights without rushing, Mariana calls for 2–3 days and Rio de Janeiro, 4–5 days. Since the two are 440 km (273 mi) from each other, anyone with 6 days or more can combine them in a single trip.
Mariana or Rio de Janeiro with kids?
Both work with kids: Mariana (Minas Baroque, first capital of Minas, and historic center) and Rio de Janeiro (urban beach, trails in Tijuca, and iconic viewpoints). The choice usually comes down to getting there, not to infrastructure. With small children, weather matters: Mariana has fewer rainy days over the year.
Can you visit Mariana and Rio de Janeiro on the same trip?
Yes. The two are about 440 km (273 mi) apart, 6h12 by car. 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 Rio de Janeiro: Christ the Redeemer, Sugarloaf Mountain, Ipanema Beach. These are the sights that show up most in first-trip itineraries for each destination; the full guide to each has the whole list.
