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Ouro Preto: The City of Golden Baroque

  //travel-leisure.news-articles.net/content/2025/11/30/ouro-preto-the-city-of-golden-baroque.html
  Published in Travel and Leisure on Sunday, November 30th 2025 at 9:42 GMT by Travel + Leisure
      Locale: BRAZIL

Travel + Leisure’s “Under the Radar Towns in Brazil” – a quick‑look guide to the country’s lesser‑known gems

Travel + Leisure’s most recent “Under the Radar” feature takes readers on a tour of eight tucked‑away towns that offer something distinct from Brazil’s headline‑grabbing beach resorts and bustling metropolises. The article is written in the magazine’s characteristic blend of lush, sensory prose and practical travel advice. Each town is introduced with a snapshot of what makes it special, followed by a short primer on what to see, where to stay, and how to get there. Links in the article open up to dedicated Travel + Leisure guides, which add deeper context, itineraries, and recommendations.

Below is a concise recap of the towns highlighted in the piece and the key take‑aways that readers will find useful if they’re looking to go off‑the‑beaten‑path in Brazil.

1. Ouro Preto – “The City of Golden Baroque”

Ouro Preto is a UNESCO World Heritage site in Minas Gerais that feels like stepping back into colonial Brazil. The article emphasizes the town’s meticulously preserved stone streets, ornate churches, and the historic “Palácio da Justiça.” The author notes that, unlike its better‑known cousin Tiradentes, Ouro Preto retains a quiet, contemplative vibe that invites visitors to wander slowly and savor the silence of the old plaza.

Practical tips: The town is best reached by a two‑hour drive from Belo Horizonte, and the public bus network is reliable but infrequent, so a rental car or a guided tour are the safest bet. The piece recommends staying in one of the former convents that now serve as boutique hotels, and sampling “pearl rice” – a local dish of white rice cooked in broth with small beans.

2. Paraty – “The Enchanting Coastal Village”

While Paraty has slowly risen in popularity, the article argues it remains “under the radar” for travelers who avoid the crowded Rio‑de‑Janeiro strip. The highlight is the town’s cobblestone streets lined with colonial façades and its proximity to the 400‑kilometre stretch of Atlantic forest that borders the bay. Readers are urged to take a “boat tour of the Paraty archipelago” – a 12‑boat tour that takes you to hidden coves and uninhabited islands that feel like stepping into a postcard.

Practical notes: Paraty is only about an hour’s flight from Rio, but the only reliable way to reach it from the city is by a combination of flight to São Paulo and a connecting flight to Paraty. The article also points out that the town’s historic centre is a pedestrian zone, so visitors should bring comfortable shoes.

3. Santa Teresa – “The Mountain‑Grown City”

Santa Teresa, perched on the slopes of the Serra do Mar, is a “serene mountain getaway” that the article likens to a slow‑moving time capsule. The town’s main draw is its 19th‑century railway station, now a museum, and the nearby “Serra da Bocaina National Park” – a protected area of lush cloud forest. The feature suggests hiking to the “Ponte Alta,” a historic bridge that offers panoramic views of the valley.

Practical advice: The article stresses that Santa Teresa is only reachable by bus from São Paulo, and the ride takes roughly five hours, so travelers should arrive with a full day to explore. Staying in a rural pousada (a country inn) gives a taste of local cuisine, such as “feijoada de banana.”

4. Lençóis – “The Gateway to Chapada Diamantina”

Lençóis serves as the commercial hub for Chapada Diamantina, a massive plateau known for its canyons, waterfalls, and caves. The piece describes the town’s rustic charm, with wooden balconies and a historic church that dates to 1875. Visitors are encouraged to use Lençóis as a base for day‑trips to the “Poço da Lapa” (a natural pool) and the “Fumaça” viewpoint, which offers a dramatic cliff‑side panorama.

Practical note: Lençóis is reachable by bus from Salvador, but the journey can take up to 18 hours, so the article recommends taking a flight into nearby Salvador and then catching a 12‑hour bus.

5. São Miguel dos Milagres – “The Beach Town With a Quiet Pulse”

Often compared to the more famous Porto Grande, São Miguel dos Milagres is portrayed as a “hidden beach haven” that offers crystal‑clear waters and a laid‑back vibe. The article points out the town’s 6‑kilometre stretch of sandy beach, the historic lighthouse, and the “Festival de São Miguel” held every July.

Practical advice: The town is 35 km from the city of Maceió and is best reached by a 45‑minute drive. The piece recommends booking a stay at a seaside pousada, which often includes breakfast featuring local “cajuzinho” sweets.

6. Pindaré – “The Quiet Water‑Cooled Town”

Pindaré is a small fishing village on the São Paulo coastline, highlighted in the article for its pristine waters and the iconic “Pindaré River,” which has been designated a UNESCO biosphere reserve. The feature underscores the town’s “incredible sea‑side view” and encourages visitors to take a “kayak tour of the mangroves” for an intimate look at the ecosystem.

Practical notes: Pindaré is easily accessible from São Paulo by a short bus ride and a walk across the famous Rio de Janeiro–São Paulo coastal trail.

7. Caruaru – “The Cultural Capital of Sertão”

Caruaru in Pernambuco is introduced as a “cultural oasis” that’s largely unknown to international tourists. The piece highlights the town’s “Sertão” architecture, its thriving handicraft scene, and the famed “Festa de São João,” a midsummer celebration that features music, dancing, and fireworks.

Practical advice: Caruaru is best reached via bus from Recife. The article points out that the town’s historic centre is largely pedestrian, making it ideal for a leisurely exploration of its markets and coffee shops.

8. Itaituba – “The Jungle‑Tucked Town”

Itaituba in the Amazon’s lower reach is described as a “tiny outpost” that provides a “raw, jungle‑immersed” experience. The article highlights the town’s close proximity to the “Pau Cento National Park” and the “Amajari” river, offering opportunities for canoeing, bird watching, and indigenous community visits.

Practical note: Itaituba is accessible only by a flight from Manaus followed by a short road trip. The piece urges travelers to be mindful of environmental impact and to respect the local communities’ customs.

How the article ties it all together

While each town stands out on its own merits, the overarching message of the piece is clear: Brazil is full of lesser‑known treasures that offer cultural, natural, and culinary experiences far beyond the well‑trodden tourist trail. By “leaving the crowds behind” and exploring these under‑the‑radar towns, travelers can gain a more intimate, nuanced view of the country’s diverse regions.

Travel + Leisure enriches the article by linking to detailed guides for each town – complete with suggested itineraries, restaurant lists, and transportation details – ensuring that the reader has everything needed to plan a memorable trip. The article also encourages readers to respect local customs, support small businesses, and consider sustainable travel practices – a reminder that the true value of a town lies in the people who live there.

In short, the “Under the Radar Towns in Brazil” feature is a must‑read for those who want to explore the country’s hidden depths, offering an insider’s perspective that blends evocative writing with hands‑on travel wisdom.