Active Pursuits

The hills around Tiradentes and São João del Rei offer some spectacular hiking and walking trails. Local company Lazer e Aventura (tel. 032/3371-7956; www.lazereaventura.com) specializes in trips in the region. One of the more popular hikes goes up to the top of the Serra de São José and offers fabulous views of the surrounding valleys. The company also runs a jeep tour, which follows a trail along the base of the hills through some stands of Atlantic forest and takes you through some small villages. More adventurous types can try out rappelling or caving as well. Most tours last about 4 hours and require just an average level of fitness. All transportation is included and prices range from R$40 to R$60 per person.