World class attraction 1 hour by car from Belo Horizonte. Highly recommended and, in my opinion, hands down the best touristic attraction in the region. It's a huge botanical park dotted with very interesting (sometimes very unusual and peculiar) art galleries and installations from renowned Brazilian and international artists. Even if you're not a fan or a contemporary art connoisseur, just the nature itself will blow you away. Make sure to buy the tickets in advance (a day or two before the visit might be enough) and if possible try to visit on a weekday (Wednesdays are free which is good, but might mean longer lines). The last time I was there, it was a Sunday in between holidays, so the lines to get in and for some of the galleries were huge but moved quickly. It's possible to go and come back by Uber, but expect price surges because everybody goes and leaves at the same time. There are cheaper bus options as well, but keep in mind that if you're in a group, it might be worth renting a car or just sharing an Uber. The road to access it is not the best, but it's manageable. If money is not a problem, it's possible to stay at a great 5 star hotel inside the park. Don't expect to see everything in just one day, but if you only have one, make sure to arrive at the earliest time possible and pay for the golf cart package to speed things up (the extra fee is not that expensive). If you decide to walk everywhere, expect long distances and huge elevation differences, so dress accordingly. I've always been there during the fall or winter, so although very humid and hot (the area is part of the Atlantic rainforest), the weather was comfortable enough and there were no mosquitos. About the galleries, two different takes: study or watch videos before going to make sure you visit the ones that interest you the most in order not to waste time walking aimlessly and not miss out on the great ones; or take your time and be surprised, you do you. Some are interactive, you'll have to take your shoes off and for some others, have enclosed proper shoes to step on broken glass. There are two art installations with swimming pools and if you want, you're able to get in and swim (I guess they even offer towels and a changing area). Some other galleries might not be suitable for children due to adult themes and be careful with others with flashing lights, but everything is clearly signed and explained by the staff. The service is great, but some of the staff might not be so knowledgeable about the art and might not even be able to speak other languages. And although all the signs are in English as well, instructions given by the staff were all in Portuguese only, so beware. Hiring a guide beforehand to help and explain some of the art is great if possible, but not required at all. There are great options for food throughout the park that cater to all tastes and most food restrictions with two big self service restaurants for lunch (different price ranges) and the quality in both are very good. There are also smaller places for burgers, pizzas and a good number of coffeeshops scattered inside the park. Water fountains are plenty so bring your bottles. Bathrooms are clean and well maintained. Don't...
Read moreThe park is nice and well kept. Some interesting and beautiful architecture, ponds, trees and flowers. They have good food at the self serve restaurant, but the place is busy at lunch time. There are interesting exhibits, but quite a few seem to be under maintenance and temporarily closed at any given time. Unfortunately, and maybe surprisingly, I don't think the park is very family friendly. There is a traffic problem, which takes some of the fun out of the experience. I am referring to the numerous electric cars for personal transportation, whizzing around the trails. It's good that they provide a mobility solution for the many, many physically challenged people visiting the park, but the way they do this is very hazardous to pedestrians. Especially to the children playing and running around. The cars are almost silent, so you can't hear them coming. It shouldn't be too difficult to fix this by fitting some contraption providing artificial noise, like they do with many electric cars. They should also drive with the headlights on at all times. The very young employees should also adjust the vehicle speed when passing pedestrians, and they should pay attention to the job instead of their phones, I witnessed a boy driving one of these cars at full speed, barely missing young children on the path, while texting on his phone, eyes firmly fixed to the screen. This is insane, and there will be a serious accident soon, if nothing is done to prevent it. I have serious doubts if I will feel comfortable taking my kids back for another visit, or international guests visiting BH. Please find a solution to this issue before something...
Read more🇧🇷 Inhotim has been described as many things - an art zoo, a cultural Disneyland, and even a contemporary art Jurassic Park of sorts. Indeed, This magical wonderland is a feast for the senses, with an impressive collection of contemporary art, sprawling gardens, and mesmerizing natural landscapes.
🏞️First and foremost, the scale of Inhotim is mind-boggling. It's basically a small city dedicated to art, with over 5,000 acres of land to explore. You'll need comfy shoes and a good dose of energy to truly appreciate all this place has to offer. But trust me, it's totally worth it.
🖼️The art installations are nothing short of spectacular. From giant metallic sculptures to immersive video installations, Inhotim has it all. One of my personal favorites is the "Sonic Pavilion," an underground structure that amplifies the sounds of the surrounding nature. It's like nothing I've ever experienced before!
🎍But the real showstopper at Inhotim is the botanical garden. The lush greenery and vibrant flora create a magical setting that makes you feel like you're in a fairy tale. I highly recommend taking a stroll through the park's many gardens and taking in the beauty of the natural surroundings.
💚 Overall, Inhotim is an unforgettable destination that combines art, nature, and wonder in a way that's truly unique. If you're a fan of contemporary art or just looking for an immersive and mind-expanding experience, this place is an absolute must-visit. Trust me, your senses...
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