How to get to Paracatu

Paracatu is a colourful historic city in the state of Minas Gerais, known for its colonial architecture and rich heritage from the gold rush era in Brazil. If you are planning to travel to Paracatu, it is useful to know the various route options connecting this corner of the country with major centres. We will explain how to get to Paracatu by plane or ground transport — using buses or cars — so you can choose the most convenient way to travel.

Travellers can use air transport to reach their destination as quickly as possible. The city has its own Paracatu Airport (PYT), which handles regional aviation flights. Specifically, Azul Conecta operates flights here, providing a connection to the state administrative centre — Belo Horizonte. This is a convenient option for those who are already in Brazil and wish to save time.

For tourists arriving from abroad or distant regions, the optimal solution is often flying via the country's capital — Brasília. The President Juscelino Kubitschek International Airport (BSB) is located approximately 230 kilometres from Paracatu and receives a vast number of flights from around the world. After landing in the capital, you can rent a car or take a bus to cover the remaining part of the journey along a scenic highway.

Reaching Paracatu by train is not possible: the city does not have a railway station, and passenger rail services in this region are practically undeveloped. The railway network of Minas Gerais and neighbouring areas is focused primarily on industrial freight transport, so travellers should exclude this option from their itinerary immediately.

Even the nearest major cities, including the capital Brasília, do not have convenient rail connections for tourists heading to this part of the country. The optimal solution for the trip remains a combination of a flight followed by a transfer via bus or car.

Bus travel remains one of the most reliable and budget-friendly ways to get to this historic city while enjoying the landscapes of Minas Gerais along the way. Most travellers arrive from the capital, Brasília: comfortable coaches cover the distance of 230 kilometres in approximately 3.5–4 hours via the federal highway BR-040. This is the most frequent choice for those arriving in the country on international flights and continuing their journey by land.

An alternative convenient route runs from the city of Patos de Minas, located 200 kilometres to the south; the journey from there usually takes about three hours. There is also a transport link with the popular resort of Caldas Novas, although this route is significantly longer — about 380 kilometres, so the trip will last 6–7 hours. It is recommended to purchase tickets for intercity routes in advance, especially during the high tourist season.

Travelling by car is an excellent way to explore the region at your own pace, and the most popular route leads from Brasília: the drive along federal highway BR-040 will take about three and a half hours, covering 230 kilometres. If you are heading from the direction of Patos de Minas, expect to spend approximately three hours on the road to drive 200 kilometres through picturesque terrain. The road surface on these sections is usually of good quality, making driving comfortable and safe.

A longer journey awaits those departing from the resort town of Caldas Novas: a distance of 380 kilometres will require about six hours behind the wheel. Given the significant mileage, renting a car at the arrival airport will be much more economical than a taxi, as the cost of a private transfer for such distances can be quite high. Having a car will also give you the freedom to stop at colourful roadside cafes and viewpoints on the way to the historic centre.

Preparing for a trip to Paracatu requires a little planning to ensure your holiday goes perfectly. We have gathered useful recommendations to help you comfortably organise your visit to this historic corner of Brazil.

1. Clothing and Essentials: The climate in the region is hot and tropical, so prioritise light clothing made from natural fabrics such as cotton or linen. Be sure to bring comfortable flat shoes, as walking through the historic centre with its cobblestones can be tiring in heels.
2. Transport: The historic city centre is compact and is best explored on foot to fully appreciate the architecture. For trips to more distant districts or natural attractions, it is most convenient to use a taxi or motorcycle taxi services, which are very popular and affordable here.
3. Finances: The official currency is the Brazilian Real. Although hotels and major restaurants accept bank cards, it is always best to carry cash, preferably in small denominations, for buying souvenirs, street food, or paying for minor services.
4. Health and Safety: Paracatu is a fairly calm city, but observing basic safety measures is necessary: do not leave belongings unattended and avoid poorly lit streets at night. It is also recommended to drink only bottled water and use insect repellents, especially if you plan trips into nature.
5. Communication: The main language of communication is Portuguese. English is not widely understood, mostly only by staff at major hotels. It is recommended to download an offline translator app or learn a few basic phrases to communicate more easily with locals.
6. Local Etiquette: The residents of Minas Gerais are famous for their hospitality. It is customary to greet people when entering a shop or lift ("Bom dia" — good morning, "Boa tarde" — good afternoon). Do not be surprised if, upon introduction, new acquaintances offer a hug or exchange kisses on the cheek — this is a common local expression of friendliness.
7. What to Avoid: Do not neglect sun protection even in cloudy weather — UV levels here are very high, so a hat and sunscreen are mandatory. Also, try not to display expensive jewellery or large electronics on busy streets to avoid attracting unnecessary attention.
8. Gastronomic Tip: Be sure to try the local version of cheese bread — "pão de queijo". Paracatu has its own unique recipe for this dish, which is recognised as intangible cultural heritage and differs from what is baked in other regions of the country.

Following these simple rules will make your stay in the city easy, safe, and filled with pleasant impressions. Enjoy the hospitality and unique atmosphere of historic Paracatu!