Go in April for: A capital city that is on the rise, with modern art and rich culinary traditions
Brazil is almost like a continent, with areas as diverse as palm-fringed coastlines in the northeast, vineyards hidden away in lush valleys, and vast, wildlife-rich wetland regions of the south. Pantanal. Yet with its deep culinary traditions, echoes of colonial architecture, and famously warm hospitality, Minas Gerais, one of Brazil’s largest states, is among its most overlooked treasures—at least to an international audience.
Belo Horizonte is quietly becoming a popular destination. Its boteco (no-frills) culture has been fueled by the many anonymous, no-frills pubs that serve delicious food and ice-cold beer. Like the bistronomie in Paris, young chefs are reinventing regional favorites in modern places such as Bar PirexCaio Soter A Porca VoadoraBruna Resende continues to be a leading figure in the city’s arts scene. The team of architects behind Mercado Novo—the cultural and gastronomic hub that helped reshape the city’s urban fabric over the past decade—is now launching Galeria Ficus, on a charming square in the Carlos Prates neighborhood. The hybrid project is housed in an old manor and will include seven stores, as well as a cocktail lounge.
Newly reopened in the vibrant Savassi district Albuquerque Contemporânea It is rapidly establishing itself in the Brazilian contemporary art scene. By highlighting local artists, such as Mateus Moreira (who will open an exhibition in March 2026) while also representing internationally recognized Brazilian names such as Ana Maria Tavares, the gallery is helping place the city on par with cultural hubs like São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro. Accor joins the creative fun and has opened their first Tribe hotel Here in Brazil last year, September 2025.
You can reach the city in 1.5 hours by car. InhotimIn 2026, the largest open air art museum in Latin America will celebrate its twentieth anniversary with new exhibits in April, and October. Stay at the hotel on site. Clara Arte ResortThe property will be expanded in August 2026 to include 30 more rooms, a spa, and an extension inspired by Japan’s Benesse House. On Mondays and Tuesdays when the museum is closed, the hotel offers exclusive guided experiences for its guests.
Plan your trip: Belo Horizonte is the capital city of Brazil. There are not many international direct flights to Belo Horizonte. Minas Gerais is well-connected to major Brazilian cities such as São Paulo and Rio de JaneiroWith multiple daily departures. To reach Inhotim, the best option is to rent a car—in good news, this will also allow you to explore smaller towns and culinary backroads throughout the state. You’ll need a strong vehicle to handle the unpaved road you will likely encounter. The temperatures are milder from May to September. Minas can be visited all year round. —Rafael Tonon
