Mariana is a small town located in the southeastern state of Minas Gerais in Brazil. Founded in 1696, it is one of the oldest cities in the…
Best for you if…
Mariana is a strong pick for beach activities & snorkeling — plan about 5-7 days; group places into half-day loops. Peak season: June to August.
Deep guide guide · about 3 min to read · depth score 86/100 (coverage of intro, tips, and mapped places)
Spread density — Wide area — group nearby places into half-day loops. (≈64.1 km span)
High season: June to August
Best months for lower-cost travel: March · April · September · October
March to May
September to November
December to February
June to August
Mariana is a charming city located in the state of Minas Gerais, Brazil. Known for its rich history, colonial architecture, and breathtaking landscapes, Mariana is a must-visit destination for travelers. Here's how you can reach Mariana:
The closest major airport to Mariana is Tancredo Neves International Airport (CNF) in Belo Horizonte, the capital city of Minas Gerais. From the airport, you can hire a taxi or book a private transfer to Mariana, which is approximately 120 kilometers away. The journey takes around 2 hours, depending on traffic conditions.
Mariana is well-connected to various cities in Brazil through a reliable bus network. You can find regular bus services from major cities like Belo Horizonte, Rio de Janeiro, and São Paulo. The bus journey offers scenic views of the countryside and usually takes around 3-4 hours from Belo Horizonte.
If you prefer to drive, Mariana is easily accessible by car. From Belo Horizonte, you can take the BR-040 highway towards Rio de Janeiro and then follow the signs to Mariana. The journey takes approximately 2 hours, depending on the traffic and road conditions.
Mariana also offers a unique and nostalgic way to reach the city - by train. The historic Maria Fumaça train operates between Ouro Preto and Mariana, providing a scenic and memorable journey through the picturesque landscapes of Minas Gerais. The train ride takes around 1 hour and offers a glimpse into the region's mining heritage.
Once you arrive in Mariana, you will be captivated by its well-preserved colonial architecture, cobblestone streets, and warm hospitality. Don't miss exploring attractions like the Cathedral Basilica of the Assumption, the Museum of Sacred Art, and the beautiful Praça Gomes Freire square. Enjoy the local cuisine, visit nearby historical towns, and immerse yourself in the rich culture of Mariana.
Mariana is a small town located in the southeastern state of Minas Gerais in Brazil. Founded in 1696, it is one of the oldest cities in the country and has a rich history and cultural heritage. The town is known for its colonial architecture, churches, and museums, as well as its traditional crafts and festivals. However, Mariana is perhaps most famous for being the site of one of the worst environmental disasters in Brazilian history.
In November 2015, a dam operated by the mining company Samarco, a joint venture between Vale and BHP Billiton, collapsed, releasing millions of cubic meters of mining waste into the Rio Doce river. The disaster killed 19 people, displaced thousands, and caused extensive environmental damage, including the destruction of water sources and the killing of marine life.
Despite the tragedy, Mariana remains an important symbol of Brazil's past and present. The town is a popular tourist destination, attracting visitors from around the world who come to explore its historic landmarks and natural beauty.
Compiled from local tips, stay length, and season notes.
50 places mapped for this destination
Evening strolls, half-days, and fuller day loops — clustered by proximity.
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~1.1 km · 5 places
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~3.5 km · 7 places
~2.8 km · 7 places
Places ordered by proximity into day buckets. Add what you like to your trip.
~0.3 km path
~0.7 km path
~1.1 km path
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~6.9 km path
Answers compiled from stay length, season, and local tips for this guide.
Most travelers spend about 5-7 days in Mariana, Brazil.
High season is typically June to August.
Travelers often find better value in March, April, September, October.
Mariana suits Beach activities, Snorkeling, Hiking, Exploring caves.
Wide area — group nearby places into half-day loops.
Don't forget to bring sunscreen
Add Mariana and the places you want to see — your itinerary stays on this device.
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