Minas Gerais (MG) is a secret playground for travelers who crave vibrant city life, jaw‑dropping colonial towns, and nature that feels both epic and intimate. If you’re chasing a grid of vacation rentals, holiday rentals, and mobile accommodation that fits an active, social, and playful itinerary, MG is a dream come true. Think colorful baroque churches, emerald hills, and lakes carved by wind and water, all within easy reach of stylish vacation homes, glamping tents, and mobile stays that let you move as fast as your plans change. This guide dives into MG’s top destinations, the best mobile accommodations, and local experiences that turn a group trip into a living postcard—all with options ready to book on searchandstay.com.
Destinations in Minas Gerais: base camps for adventures with friends
MG isn’t a single city; it’s a mosaic of historic towns, natural parks, and culinary hubs. The right base can amplify your vacation rentals search, helping you find a home on wheels or a cozy loft with a view, while you hop between UNESCO towns, canyons, and art-filled gardens. Here are the spots you’ll likely want to call home during a memorable MG escape.
Ouro Preto and Lavras Novas: living history with modern comfort
Ouro Preto is MG’s crown jewel when it comes to Baroque architecture and mining history. Its steep streets, whitewashed houses, and ornate churches create a dramatic backdrop for day trips, sunset photo sessions, and long dinners with friends on a terrace that overlooks a city square. Booking a vacation rental here means stepping into a living museum—but with all the modern comforts you expect from a holiday rental. If you want a quieter pause, nearby Lavras Novas offers smaller, charming accommodations tucked into the hills, perfect for a slower pace that still keeps the adventure going. In both towns, a car or a mobile home makes it easy to explore nearby mines, viewpoints, and artisan workshops without feeling rushed.
- Iconic colonial architecture, famous for Baroque artwork and stair-step views
- Day trips to nearby mines, minesites, and craft ateliers
- Great options for boutique vacation rentals and glamping stays in the surrounding countryside
When you’re ready to stretch your legs, the go‑to hikes are gentle enough for a relaxed pace but spectacular enough to earn bragging rights on your group chat. After a day of exploration, your MG rental becomes the anchor for evenings of local cuisine, live music, and friendly chatter in a warm, welcoming town square.
Capitólio and Lombada do Lago: canyon views, water adventures, and playful stays
Capitólio is famous for its canyons and the blue waters of Furnas Lake. It’s a magnet for boat tours, cliff jumps (for the brave), and long lakefront picnics. A vacation rental with a terrace that catches the sunset over the lake turns Capitólio into a social hub for your crew. If you’re traveling in a mobile setup, consider a well-equipped caravan or a camping spot near the water—your crew can wake up to coffee with the sound of water lapping the shore and plan a day of canyoneering, stand‑up paddleboarding, and cliff‑side roasting marshmallows under starlit skies.
- Boat tours to the canyons and hidden waterfalls
- Water activities, scenic viewpoints, and lakeside dining
- Vacation rentals and mobile accommodations that maximize waterfront access
Nearby towns offer gastronomy and craft markets to keep the group entertained between excursions, and the area’s flexible lodging options—from chic lakefront apartments to rugged glamping pods—mean you can tailor your MG stay to the vibe your crew wants.
Inhotim and Brumadinho: art, nature, and outdoor flair
Inhotim isn’t just a day trip—it’s a cultural immersion in a vast outdoor contemporary art garden surrounded by lush botanical displays. Staying in MG while visiting Inhotim means you can pair an art-filled morning with a late lunch in Brumadinho and a sunset drive back to a comfortable vacation rental. For a group that loves both nature and culture, a stay near Inhotim offers a perfect balance of quiet mornings, scenic drives, and evenings spent planning your next museum‑quality photo shoot in a rare, open-air setting.
- Blend of large outdoor installations and botanical trails
- Nearby lodging ranges from modern apartments to rustic cottages
- Short drives to other MG highlights—mining heritage towns and scenic lookouts
Serra do Cipó: waterfalls, canyons, and hiking playgrounds
Serra do Cipó sits in the portion of MG that feels like it’s been carved by hikers and nature lovers. It’s a haven for day hikes, birdwatching, waterfall swims, and canyoning adventures. Mobile accommodation works beautifully here, letting you spend mornings scrambling up stone stairs and evenings lounging in a cozy cabin with a view of misty green hills. For groups that want an active itinerary, Cipó is a perfect base to pair with visits to Belo Horizonte’s culinary scene and the regional farms that farm‑to‑table your meals in ways you’ll remember long after you return home.
- Extensive network of hiking trails and waterfalls
- Excellent opportunities for glamping and mobile stays with full gear readiness
- Accessibility from BH makes weekend trips easy to organize
Mobile accommodation and vacation rentals in MG
MG’s landscapes invite flexible stays, from mobile homes that you drive between iconic towns to glamping pods tucked into forests and hills. When you’re chasing a flexible, social, and nature‑forward holiday, look for options that combine comfort with mobility. In MG, you’ll find:
- Motorhomes and campervans with kitchenettes and gear space for a group of friends
- Glamping tents and eco-friendly pods with private decks and outdoor seating
- Rural casas or farm stays that welcome groups and sometimes include shared kitchens and communal fire pits
- Boutique vacation rentals in historic towns with modern amenities
- Central apartments in BH and other cities, ideal as launchpads for day trips
To maximize your MG stay, choose accommodations that offer easy access to multiple day-trip windows, clear routes to scenic viewpoints, and the possibility of late-night gatherings after sunset meals. Whether you’re traveling with a float-pack of friends or a larger squad, MG’s inventory of vacation rentals and mobile stays makes it easy to organize an itinerary that’s both energetic and restorative.
Local experiences, activities, and curious bites you won’t forget
Beyond the obvious sights, MG offers a treasure trove of experiences that are perfect for a group seeking active days and memorable nights. From food tours to art gardens and hillside viewpoints, here’s a curated mix you’ll want to weave into your MG itinerary.
- Culinary trails and pão de queijo mornings: Start the day with fresh pão de queijo, queijo minas, and strong coffee at a market or hillside café. A short cooking class can teach you how to recreate pão de queijo at your vacation rental, turning your MG stay into a delicious, shareable experience.
- Cachaça and cheese experiences: Minas Gerais is known for its cachaça and queijo minas. Take a guided tasting that pairs artisanal cheeses with regional spirits, in settings that range from rustic distilleries to chic tasting rooms with panoramic views.
- Baroque art and sacred architecture: MG’s churches and chapels house works by master sculptors like Aleijadinho. A guided route through Ouro Preto, Mariana, and Sabará reveals intricate wood carvings, azulejos, and gilded altars—immersive experiences that pair beautifully with evenings in historic inns.
- Canal-like canyons and boat days in Capitólio: The lake and canyon scenery provide dramatic backdrops for photos, and boat trips open up secluded coves where you can swim and picnic.
- Hiking, waterfalls, and wildlife: Serra do Cipó offers trunks of trails and refreshing waterfalls—great for morning cardio and late afternoon photographic sessions.
- Inhotim: art in nature: A day spent wandering sculpture gardens, reflective ponds, and sculptural pavilions—followed by a relaxed dinner back at your MG rental.
- Nightlife and sunset rituals: Belo Horizonte’s eateries and rooftop bars deliver lively vibes, while smaller towns offer quiet square evenings and live acoustic sets in outdoor spaces.
Sample MG week: a balanced plan for friends on the move
Here’s a flexible 7‑day outline designed for a group that loves a mix of culture, nature, and social meals. It can be dialed up or down depending on your mobility and energy levels, with quick swaps between destinations via car or a planned mobile accommodation route.
- Arrive in Belo Horizonte (BH) and settle into a stylish city apartment. Explore the Mercado Central and a sunset drink at a rooftop bar with views of the city and surrounding hills.
- Drive to Ouro Preto and check into a historic‑chic vacation rental. Spend the afternoon strolling the cobbled streets, visiting the churches, and sampling local pastries.
- Day trip to Lavras Novas for a smaller‑town vibe with hiking routes and a slower pace. Return to Ouro Preto for a group dinner featuring traditional MG dishes.
- Head to Inhotim for a full day of art and nature. Stay overnight near Brumadinho to reduce travel fatigue and wake up refreshed for more exploration.
- Move to Capitólio and check into a lakeside glamping pod or a modern apartment with a balcony. Boat tour in the afternoon and a relaxed evening by the water.
- Spend a day in Serra do Cipó: hike to waterfalls, a picnic lunch, and perhaps a guided adventure activity like canyoning. Return to a comfortable rural rental for a final night under the stars.
- Head back toward BH for a farewell dinner and last-minute shopping before departure.
End‑to‑end, MG offers a rhythm that suits a group ready to mix movement with restorative evenings. A well-chosen MG vacation rental or mobile accommodation can be your home base for each day’s new discovery, with enough communal spaces to keep the energy high and the conversations flowing.
Planning tips for MG vacation rentals and mobile stays
To get the most out of MG’s vacation rentals, consider these practical tips that help you maximize time, minimize stress, and keep the group aligned on preferences and pace.
- Centralize your base by region, then branch out. Choose a couple of anchor locations (e.g., BH and Ouro Preto or Capitólio and Cipó) and use mobile accommodations to move between them if your itinerary includes multiple clusters of attractions.
- Book ahead during peak seasons. MG’s most popular towns fill up quickly, especially for weekends and long holidays. Secure vacation rentals or mobile lodgings at least 6–8 weeks in advance in peak periods like July and December.
- Prioritize access to outdoor spaces. For group trips, outdoor decks, patios, and shared fire pits add value, especially when evenings come with cool breezes from the hills.
- Mix private and communal experiences. Balance private in‑rental time with guided group activities, such as cachaça tastings, cooking classes, or a private local guide for a Baroque art day.
- Plan around driving comfort. MG’s terrain means winding roads and scenic overlooks. If your group includes drivers with varying stamina, build longer breaks into the day and pick lodgings with easy street access.
- Pack for a flexible schedule. Include hiking shoes, light jackets for evenings, swimwear for lake days, and a small first‑aid kit. A portable speaker and outdoor games can turn a balcony into a social hub after dinner.
Where to find MG vacation rentals and mobile accommodations
MG’s landscapes and towns are well served by vacation rental platforms that aggregate an array of stays—ranging from historic casas in Ouro Preto to modern apartments in Belo Horizonte, plus glamping experiences near rivers and forests. For a curated selection of vacation rentals, holiday rentals, and mobile accommodations in MG, you can browse and book through searchandstay.com. It’s a straightforward way to compare properties by location, price, and amenities, and to filter for places that suit a group of friends traveling with a mix of days on the road and nights in comfort. Searching MG on searchandstay.com helps you find stays close to your desired mix of culture, nature, and nightlife, all while keeping your travel calendar flexible and stress‑free.
Tips for optimizing your MG booking on searchandstay.com:
- Use filters for “vacation rentals” and “mobile accommodation” to surface glamping and RV options.
- Look for listings with multiple bedrooms and outdoor spaces to host your entire group comfortably.
- Check proximity to key destinations (Ouro Preto, Inhotim, Capitólio, Cipó) to minimize daily travel time.
- Prioritize listings with a well‑equipped kitchen and grill area for social nights and group cooking sessions.
- Read guest reviews for tips on parking, accessibility, and local tips that can tailor your plan.
Whether you’re chasing a luxury city stay in BH, a historic townhouse in Ouro Preto, or a lakeside glamping pod near Capitólio, MG’s online inventory makes it easier to set up a vacation rental plan that suits your crew’s vibe and budget. The key is to map your must‑see experiences first, then align lodging availability with those days so you aren’t chasing down reservations at the last minute.
Ready to plan your MG adventure?
Minas Gerais is a playground of color, history, and natural drama, with vacation rentals and mobile accommodations that invite you to move, share, and savor every moment with friends. The region’s towns—from the gold‑rush lanes of Ouro Preto to the glassy water of Furnas Lake, from Inhotim’s art‑in‑nature installations to the hiking routes of Serra do Cipó—are best enjoyed with a flexible, social pace and a home base that makes you smile the moment you step inside. With a mix of active days, slow evenings, and plenty of opportunities to sample regional flavors, MG fosters memories you’ll be telling stories about for years. And with searchandstay.com as a doorway to the area’s best places to stay, you’ve got a reliable roadmap to turning an MG trip into a seamless, shareable, and endlessly quotable adventure.

