Lavras 3-Day Itinerary

A day-by-day plan for Lavras: the best attractions in order, where to eat, how to get around — with free hotel briefings for your stay.

Day 1

Arrive & Explore the Highlights

Morning
Museu Bi Moreira

A natural history and cultural museum housed in a historic building. Displays include taxidermy, indigenous artifacts, and regional geology.

🕐 Mon-Fri 8am-12pm, 2pm-5pm; Sat 8am-12pm

Free entry

💡 Check the small mineral collection upstairs—some pieces are surprisingly rare. Donations welcome but not required.

Hotels near Museu Bi Moreira →
Afternoon
Igreja Matriz de Sant'Ana

The main church of Lavras, built in the 19th century. Features a neoclassical facade, wooden altar, and simple stained glass.

🕐 Daily 7am-12pm, 2pm-6pm

Free entry

💡 Visit during a weekday mass (usually 6pm) to see the interior fully lit and hear the choir. No photography during services.

Hotels near Igreja Matriz de Sant'Ana →
Evening
Where to eat

Alvadora Hotel UFLA · ££

Casa do Pão · ££

Day 2

Deeper Into Lavras

Morning
Museu de História Natural de Lavras

A small university-run museum focusing on local flora, fauna, and fossils. Interactive exhibits for kids and a skeleton display.

🕐 Mon-Fri 8am-11am, 1pm-5pm; Sat 9am-12pm

💡 Ask at the front desk if the rooftop terrace is open—it offers a good view of the city for free.

Midday
Parque dos Jogos Olímpicos

A large public park with sports courts, a running track, playground, and shaded picnic areas. Popular for exercise and family outings.

🕐 Daily 6am-10pm

💡 The outdoor gym equipment near the entrance is free and often quiet in late afternoon. Bring water—no drinking fountains nearby.

Evening
Dining tonight

Restaurante O Tropeiro

Manah Restaurante

Day 3

Final Favourites & Departure

Morning
Parque Ecológico Quedas do Rio Bonito

A natural park with waterfalls, hiking trails, and swimming spots along the Rio Bonito. Well-maintained paths lead to several cascades.

💡 Go on a weekday morning to avoid crowds; wear sturdy shoes for the trail to the upper falls.

Final meal

Antares

Restaurante Aeroporto

Getting Around Lavras

Interstate bus from São Paulo to Lavras From 120 300 min

Buy tickets online via ClickBus—window seats face the Serra da Mantiqueira. Arrive 45 mins early to avoid queues. From the terminal, a 10-min taxi to Tropical Palace costs R$25.

Local taxi from Lavras Bus Terminal to Tropical Palace Hotel From 25 10 min

Uber works in Lavras but wait times are 10–15 mins. At the rank, negotiate flat rates before getting in—R$25 is fair for this short run. Avoid taxis queued at the main entrance; walk 50m to the secondary rank for cheaper fares.

Local municipal bus from Lavras Bus Terminal to Tropical Palace Hotel From 5 15 min

Catch line 02 (Centro-Universitário) or 03 (Centro-Jardins) from stop just outside bus station. Tell driver 'Hotel Tropical'—they often stop near the entrance. Have exact change; drivers don't give change for notes larger than R$10.

Private airport transfer from São Paulo (CGH or GRU) to Lavras From 800 240 min

Book a remessa (shared taxi) from GRU to save 40%; companies like TransLavras run daily. Confirm the fare includes tolls—many drivers add them after.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is 3 days enough for Lavras?

Three days covers the main highlights well. You can see the key attractions like Museu Bi Moreira and get a genuine feel for the city. For a more leisurely pace or to explore neighbourhoods in depth, a 5-day trip is better.

What is the best time to visit Lavras?

See our full best time to visit Lavras guide — it covers weather month by month, peak vs. shoulder seasons and how to avoid the crowds.

Where should I stay for this itinerary?

A central location saves transit time between sites. Top options include Alvadora Hotel UFLA, Hotel Vitória, Hotel Serema. See the full ranked list with free briefings for each.