 The option for real explorers and adventurous is to take to the Estrada Real (Royal Road). The road crosses over 190 counties, running by waterfalls, peaks, mountain ranges, hills, churches and historic sites, thus taking visitors through an unforgettable adventure through Brazil and its culture. There is an option for 15 different sightseeing circuits.
Estrada Real began to be built in the 17th century, as explorers came  and went from the seaside into Minas Gerais in their quest for wealth. What began as a link between old Villa Rica (Ouro Preto) and Parati became only a part of this 1.600 km long road that came to be known as The Old Road. Two other parts were developed: The New Road, which links Rio de Janeiro to Ouro Preto, and the Diamond Route, which links Ouro Preto to Diamantina.
Some of the tours available to visitors are: Alto do Cruzeiro, Artesanato Prata da Casa, Cachoeira do Macuco, Fazenda do Rosário, Fazenda Rio João João , Matriz Bom Jesus do Amparo, Memorial Cardeal Motta and Recanto das Pedras.
Gastronomy: The towns along the Royal Road always offer several gastronomic options, typical local cuisine, bars and such. Fogão-de-Lenha is a self-service restaurant on road MG-133, km 35 that offers typically local cuisine at low prices. Restaurante Bom-Sabor, in Caxambu, also offers local cuisine from all over Brazil. Its prices are also a little higher. Each town offers tens of options at all prices and levels. You can check it out at http://www.estradareal.org.br and seek out the town of your choice.
How to get there: The route depends on the visitors’ choice. They can choose one out of several towns to set off from and drive the historic road. For example, it is 173 km from Belo Horizonte to Barbacena, but there are other and closer destinations such as Ouro Preto (95 km) or Itabira (111 km).
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