Minas Gerais
Overview: 
Minas Gerais (The General Mines), or simply Minas to Brazilians as the name suggests has a large history of mining. Its mountains and plains were a great source of precious metals for the Portuguese Crown. As with the Spanish the Portuguese wanted to ensure they got their “just” rewards from the discovery.
From the monopolisation of industries to the establishment of the Estrada Real (Royal Road), which collect taxes and duties, the Crown ensured that it profited from the mining activities.
The historical cities of Ouro Preto and Diamantina were established due to the discovery of Gold and Diamonds in Minas Gerais and have a history rich in tradition and rebellion. Both have been preserved and offer an insight to how the area looked in its boom times. The Mineiro, those from the Minas Gerais state, is a very capable and stoic person. They suffered at the hands of the crown and led many a rebellion against them that was usually brutally put down by the Portuguese.
OURO PRETO
Ouro Preto was founded in 1698 by explorers searching for gold. Aiming to follow in the footsteps of the Spanish, the Portuguese spent 200 years searching before they finally found it in the area around Ouro Preto.
Built in the mountainous areas of the centre of Brazil it was the centre of the Brazilian gold boom and capital of the state of Minas Gerais until 1897. It houses the largest collection of Baroque architecture in Brazil and was named a World Heritage area by UNESCO in 1980. It is a city steeped in history and was the scene of many rebellions against that oppressive Portuguese royal family.
Around the surrounding areas there are many activities to participate in. A highlight is the Itacolomi natural park. It was there on top of the Itacolomi Mountain that the original strains of gold were spotted commencing a gold boom that is said to have even aided in the financing of the English Industrial Revolution.
DIAMANTINA
Founded in 1713, Diamantina is small colonial town built in the centre of Minas Gerais. Surrounded by picturesque hills and mountains it retains its original style and charm.
Named after the diamonds that were found throughout the area in the 1720’s it prospered, with foreign companies establishing mines, principally by South African companies. The city has been largely preserved by its isolation and boasts a fine example of simple but elegant colonial architecture.
The city is also famous for being the birth place of the ex-Brazilian President Jucelino Kubitschek. Kubitscheck was a driving force behind the modernisation of Brazil, including the establishment of Brasilia as the new capital of Brazil. Around the area there are many waterfalls to visit, wildlife and plants to discover and paths to follow on foot or by horse.