Before you go
Your trip to Itabirito.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
Itabirito – MG Destination Historic Towns of Minas Gerais (Estrada Real)
How to get there
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Rodoviária de Itabirito Itabirito
Approximate road distances. Check flights and bus schedules before you travel.
From Belo Horizonte, road access goes via BR-040 and BR-356, heading toward Ouro Preto. Those arriving by plane can land at Confins and arrange ground transfer. There is a connection with Rio Acima via the MG-030 axis; check the conditions of that access before choosing the crossing.
How many days
Allow two days to cover the historic center, the former station, the Museu Jeca Tatu and São Gonçalo do Bação. In one day, focus the visit on the center and the station. Waterfalls and other districts require additional time and their own planning.
When to go
The drier months favor walks around the center and trips to the districts. In the rainy season, check rural access routes. To attend Julifest and Festa do Pastel de Angu, consult the municipal calendar for the edition you plan to visit.
Do you need a car?
In the center, some visits can be done on foot, taking care on the slopes. A car or hired transport makes it easier to reach São Gonçalo do Bação and the Museu Jeca Tatu, located next to BR-356. Those using buses should plan transfers to the districts separately.
Suggested itinerary
An order that works
Built with the places on this page. No rush: it's paced so you have time to see them.
One day in Itabirito
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Morning
Historic center and Boa Viagem
Explore the surroundings of the Matriz de Nossa Senhora da Boa Viagem and the streets of the historic center. Arrange entry to the church with the parish in advance.
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Afternoon
Railway heritage
Visit the Complexo Turístico da Estação and observe the railway architecture. Include a break to try pastel de angu at a local establishment.
2 days in Itabirito
Day 1
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Dia
Urban heritage
Dedicate the first day to the Matriz de Nossa Senhora da Boa Viagem, the historic center and the Complexo Turístico da Estação, respecting each site's opening hours.
Day 2
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Dia
Bação and Jeca Tatu
With organized transport, visit São Gonçalo do Bação and its churchyard. On a separate trip, stop at the Museu Jeca Tatu via BR-356; confirm opening/service before you set out.
Check before you go. Opening hours and days change, and places may close for renovations, holidays or events. This itinerary is a suggestion from Cidade Turismo, not a commitment: plan yours by checking directly with each place you intend to visit.
Before you go
Frequently asked questions
What to see in Itabirito besides passing through on the road?
The historic center brings together the Matriz de Nossa Senhora da Boa Viagem and the Complexo Turístico da Estação. Outside that core, São Gonçalo do Bação and the Museu Jeca Tatu broaden the visit with religious heritage and a collection of old objects.
What food is typical of Itabirito?
The pastel de angu is a local tradition: the dough contains angu and is filled with various fillings. The city also holds a festival dedicated to this preparation; check the festival's edition calendar before traveling.
Is São Gonçalo do Bação in the city center?
No. It is a district of Itabirito, with a nucleus formed around the church of São Gonçalo. Plan transport to the district and confirm with the community the possibility of entering the temple.
Can you visit Itabirito in one day?
One day is enough for a visit concentrated on the historic center and the former station. To add the Museu Jeca Tatu and São Gonçalo do Bação, two days help distribute the trips.
How to include Itabirito in the Circuito do Ouro?
On this circuit, Itabirito appears after Congonhas and before Rio Acima. Access coming from Congonhas uses the BR-040 and BR-356 axes. For the next connection, check the condition of MG-030 and the available road alternative.