Things To Do
in Barroso

Barroso is a small municipality in Minas Gerais, Brazil, set amid rolling hills and rivers that invite relaxed exploration. The town blends colonial charm with rural traditions, offering a window into everyday life in the countryside. Friendly locals, rustic eateries, and scenic viewpoints create a tranquil escape from busier cities.

Nearby nature provides hiking, waterfalls, and opportunities to experience authentic Minas Gerais hospitality.

Day Trips

Spend a day exploring around

day 1
Arrival in Barroso
morning
:

Arrive in the charming town of Barroso, nestled in the picturesque mountains of Brazil. After checking into your hotel, enjoy a leisurely breakfast at a local café, savoring traditional Brazilian coffee and pastries. Take a stroll through the town to soak up the quaint atmosphere and vibrant local culture.

afternoon
:

Explore the beautiful surrounding landscapes by embarking on a guided hike in the nearby mountains. Breathe in the fresh air and marvel at the stunning views of lush valleys and rugged peaks. After your hike, return to Barroso and enjoy a hearty lunch at a traditional restaurant, sampling local dishes.

evening
:

As evening approaches, visit the town square where you can enjoy live music and interact with friendly locals. Dine at a quaint restaurant where you can try regional specialties such as feijoada or fresh fish. End your day with a peaceful walk under the stars, embracing the serenity of the Brazilian countryside.

day 2
Exploring the Natural Parks
morning
:

Start the day with a hearty breakfast before heading to the nearby Serra do Brigadeiro State Park. The morning is perfect for bird watching and taking in the spectacular flora and fauna native to the region. Engage with a local guide to learn about the area’s environmental significance.

afternoon
:

After lunch, continue your exploration with a visit to a nearby waterfall where you can enjoy a refreshing dip. Spend time picnicking by the water and taking plenty of photos of the breathtaking scenery. In the afternoon, you might also try your hand at fishing in the nearby streams.

evening
:

Return to Barroso and unwind at your accommodation with a relaxing shower and some leisure time. Head out for dinner at a local pizzeria, known for its unique toppings and homey atmosphere. Wrap up your day by visiting a local market to pick up artisanal products to take home.

Cost Guide

Prices

ItemPrice
🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant$10-15
🥤Coffee or soft drink$2-4
🏨One night in budget hotel$25-60
🛍️Local crafts souvenir$5-20
🚕Short taxi ride within town$3-10

Strengths and Weaknesses

  • Relaxed pace and authentic Minas Gerais experience
  • Affordable prices and warm, welcoming locals
  • Genuine regional cuisine and rustic charm
  • Limited public transportation and slower connections to major cities
  • Fewer high-end dining options and nightlife venues
  • Smaller choice of English-speaking services for travelers
  • "Olá" - Hello
  • "Por favor" - Please
  • "Obrigado" - Thank you
  • "Quanto custa?" - How much does this cost?
  • "Você fala inglês?" - Do you speak English?
  • "Onde fica o banheiro?" - Where is the bathroom?
  • "Desculpe" - Sorry
  • "Pode me ajudar?" - Can you help me?

Places to Visit in Barroso

Visit one of these nice places.

Praça Central de Barroso

A lively town square framed by colonial buildings; ideal for street photography at dawn or dusk.

Igreja Matriz de Barroso

Historic church with simple architecture and subtle interior details perfect for architectural shots.

Mirante do Rio

Riverside viewpoint offering scenic angles of the valley and beautiful sunset silhouettes.

Culinary Guide

Food in Barroso

Barroso sits in Minas Gerais, known for hearty, comforting cuisine centered on cheese, beans, and farm-fresh ingredients.

Barroso Famous Food

Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food

Pão de Queijo

Traditional cheese bread baked fresh in local bakeries; best enjoyed warm with coffee.

Must-Try!

Feijão Tropeiro

A staple dish of beans, manioc flour, sausages, and eggs; found in many taverns and family-run eateries.

Tutu de Milho

Creamy corn and beans dish often served with eggs and cheese; a comforting rural specialty.

Queijo Minas e Doce de Leite

Fresh Minas cheeses and sweet milk desserts are common in markets and dairy shops.

Food Markets

Explore local food markets

Mercado Municipal de Barroso

Central market with fresh produce, regional cheeses, breads, and ready-to-eat snacks.

Praça Central Street Food

Stalls offering quick bites like pastel, salgados, grilled corn, and local sweets.

Climate Guide

Weather

Barroso experiences a temperate climate with warm summers and mild winters. The altitude helps keep temperatures comfortable, but rainfall is common in the rainy season, especially from November to March. Pack layers and be ready for sudden weather changes.

How to Behave

Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior

Greetings and respect

A handshake or a light kiss on the cheek is common among friends; address elders with Senhor/Senhora or Dona/Senhora; use polite language and greetings like bom dia, boa tarde.

Safety Guide

Safety

Barroso is generally safe for visitors, but petty theft can occur in crowded areas. Keep valuables secure, use reputable taxis or ride-hailing services at night, and stay aware of your surroundings in less-traveled areas after dark.

Tipping in Barroso

Ensure a smooth experience

Tipping Etiquette

Tipping is appreciated for good service, commonly around 10% in restaurants; some places include service; cards are widely accepted, but carrying cash for small vendors is helpful.

Best Time to Visit

And what to expect in different seasons...

Summer

Hot days with frequent rain showers; carry light clothing, sunscreen, a hat, and a lightweight rain jacket.

Autumn

Milder temperatures and lower humidity; great for outdoor exploration and longer hikes.

Winter

Cooler evenings with occasional cool mornings; layers are recommended; frost is possible on higher elevations.

Spring

Warm days with intermittent showers; lush greenery and blooming plants create colorful landscapes.

Nightlife Guide

Barroso at Night

The nightlife in Barroso centers on small barzinhos and casual venues with occasional live music on weekends; a relaxed, friendly atmosphere prevails rather than large clubs. Be prepared for early evenings and local gatherings that celebrate music, conversation, and regional cuisine.

Hiking in Barroso

Immerse in an unforgettable hike.

Hilltop Loop Trail

A moderate circuit with viewpoints over the valley and dense tree cover; suitable for a half-day hike.

Cachoeira do Bosque Trail

A forested trail leading to a refreshing waterfall; ideal for a morning excursion and photography.

Airports

How to reach Barroso by plane.

CNF - Tancredo Neves International Airport

Located near Confins, Belo Horizonte; serves as the main international gateway for the region. Ground transport to Barroso typically involves a road transfer or rail connections to nearby cities.

VIX - Vitória–Eurico de Aguiar Sosa International Airport

Serves the Espírito Santo coast; a viable option for travelers coming from the east and planning to continue by road to Barroso.

SSA - Deputado Luís Eduardo Magalhães International

Located in Salvador; an option for travelers connecting from the northeast or seeking a coastal extension before heading inland.

Getting Around

Walkability

Barroso’s town center is walkable, with most sights close together. Some streets are hilly and sidewalks can be uneven, so wear sturdy shoes and take care on inclines, especially after rain.

Demographics

Explore demographics in this area.

Local families

Longstanding rural families form the backbone of Barroso, maintaining traditional crafts and farming practices.

Agricultural workers

A significant portion of residents are involved in farming, dairy, and cheese production, reflecting the region’s agricultural heritage.

Young professionals and students

A smaller but growing group pursuing education and work in the nearby cities, often returning for weekends.

Popular Sports

Explore popular sports in region.

Soccer (Futebol)

The region follows local and regional leagues; casual pickup games are common in plazas and parks.

Volleyball

A popular activity in schools and community centers, especially in summer gatherings.

Transportation

Traffic

Roads are generally calm in the town center but can get busy during market days or festival periods. Public transportation is limited; buses connect to nearby towns, while taxis and rideshares are convenient for longer trips.

Accomodations

Find the best place to stay when visiting Barroso.

Dietary Restrictions

Tips for restricted diets.

Vegetarian

Vegetarian travelers can enjoy a variety of local vegetables, cheeses, and grain-based dishes; request no lard or meat; look for pratos com legumes, arroz, feijão, e saladas; ask for queijo minas and eggs as protein sources.

Health & Medical

Healthcare

Barroso has basic healthcare facilities and clinics; for more comprehensive care or emergencies, you may need to travel to larger cities with hospitals. Carry travel health insurance and know the local clinic locations in advance.

Discover Brazil

Read more in our Brazil 2025 Travel Guide.

Brazil Travel Guide