A visit to São João del Rei is a must. Here the religious traditions of colonial times live on in the churches, processions and habits of the faithful. The very air of its winding streets is thick with religious fervor as the church bells toll out their sundry announcements. Also to be admired are the decorative objects made in pewter - a recently revived local tradition.

A special treat for the kids is a ride on the narrow-gauge train with its steam engine locomotive running between São João del Rei and Tiradentes. The trip lasts thirty minutes and runs on Fridays, Satur-days and Sundays. Departures from São João del Rei are at 10:00 am and 2:30 pm, from Tiradentes at 1:00 pm and 5:00 pm.