Ouro Preto (Brazil)

Ouru Preto is the best preserved of the country's baroque towns and is, in my opiniona key place to put on your itinerary, when touring Brazil. The town is spread over several hills, so be prepared for slopes and take care during rainy weather, when the paving stones are very slippery.

I really enjoyed the calm that reigns over Oura Preto, which makes a nice change from the noise of big cities, such as São Paulo and Rio. The stunning and impressive monuments only add to the great impression I have of this town. Built in the 18th Century, Ouro Preto's wealth came from the gold mining industry. Gold, alongside wood, were used to construct some of it's most magnificent, religious buildings - the São Francisco de Assis, Nossa Senhora do Carmo and Nossa Senhora do Pilar churches being prime examples. Make sure you check out their opening times in advance!

One thing for kids is a visit to the former gold mines. The mine at Chico Rei has a track you can follow, that goes deep in to its shafts. And, finally, I can highly recommend the food here! You'll enjoy delicious, varied, regional dishes.