Minas Gerais and Espirito Santo

Minas Gerais
This state has a wealth of attractions, which include fine colonial cities, national parks, and some splendid caves. It also has its fair share of festivals and a famous cuisine. The capital is Belo Horizonte, now a major industrial centre, but also culturally very active.

The inland State of Minas Gerais is mountainous in the south, containing the Mantiqueira range, and in the east, where there is the Caparao National Park. North there is undulating grazing lands, the richest of which are in the extreme west. Minas Gerais is also a major producer of coffee. Minas Gerais was once described as having a heart of gold and a breast of iron and half the mineral production of Brazil comes from the state, including most of the iron ore. The city also produces 95 percent of all Brazil's gemstones.

Esprito Santo
The coastal state of Esprito Santo is relatively unknown. It has many beaches and a number of nature reserves. European immigration has given towns in the interior a distinctive atmosphere. Five bridges connect the island on which Vitoria stands with the mainland. The Vitoria town is beautifully set with attractive beaches. It is largely a modern city with the upper, older part of town, reached by steep streets and steps, is much less hectic than the lower harbour area which suffers dreadful traffic problems.

Here are some points that will make your trip more pleasant:
1) Take good care in your personal hygiene and dress to avoid ridicule and to fit in with the locals.
2) Remember to be polite by removing headdress (males) and shaking hands and waits for a reply before proceeding.
3) Be patient and don’t criticise.
4) When taking photographs with locals in them, always ask permission.
5) Generally be wary of what you do to avoid offending or causing trouble.

Most of Brazil can be visited comfortably throughout the year - it's only the south, which can be unbearably sticky in summer and non-stop rainy in winter, that has extreme seasonal changes. With many Brazilians on summer vacation from December to February, travel can be difficult and expensive, while from Rio to the south the humidity can be oppressive.
Summer is also the most festive time of year, as Brazilians escape their apartments and take to the beaches and streets. School holidays begin in mid-December and go through to Carnaval, usually in late February.