Itajubá is a municipality in southeastern Minas Gerais state of the Federative Republic of Brazil. It lies in a valley by the Sapucaí River and has terrain elevations ranging from 827 to 1500 meters, occupying an area of 290.45 km² (112.14 mi²), with a population of 97,334 people (2020 est). Neighboring the city are the mountain slopes of the Serra da Mantiqueira range.

The climate sees heavy rain in the summer months with dry weather in the winter (July). You should expect the average temperatures of 63.1, with very occasional rain and lowest temperatures at night.

Itajuba is a quiet, kid friendly and peaceful mountain town and has a lot of nature and local food to appreciate. It is also known for its cluster of college and universities and for that it has been gradually growing a lot of restaurants and attractions. In July, Minas Gerais celebrates one of the most famous tradicional country festivals called Festa Junina with many traditional dishes and treats. Another historical curiosity is that Itajubá, just like many other towns, restaurants and places are named indigenous names from the dialect Tupi Guarani, which is still spoken in some regions of Brazil in many indigenous communities.

One of the greatest riches of Minas Gerais, along with its history and culture, are in the kitchen, in its clay pots, on the woodstove, and everything that relates to typical Minas Gerais food. It is almost impossible to visit the state and not return with a suitcase full of cheeses and sweets (seriously!). We'll add pictures and recommend you to browse about food mineira (from Minas Gerais) 😋

Itajuba is specifically known for one of the best universities in the country: Federal University of Itajuba (UNIFEI), where Belle attended! It has a beautiful campus and the perfect spot for a picnic.

Some of its other popular attractions include:

• Mercado Municipal de Itajubá: where you can get some of the tradicional foods!

•Cachoeira do Ano Bom and Cachoeira Serra dos Toledos: beautiful waterfalls to visit! Igreja da Nossa Senhora da Agonia (Sanctuary of Our Lady of Agony): that's is a church at the top of a hill where the whole neighborhood can see and listen to its bells. Origin and meaning of "Agonia" The word agony has its origin in the distressing struggle between gladiators in ancient Rome. Therefore, the Virgin Mary began to be invoked by fishermen from Viana do Castelo in Portugal, as our Lady of Agony. They began to use the title "of the Agony" because they always faced the great fight against the dangers of the shipwreck.

• Lago do Parque Municipal de Itajubá: that's the attraction in the city. It's a park with a big pond where people go to exercise, play or just enjoy the view with their families. There is a lot to do: restaurants, bar, lanchonetes -snack stands, movies, f1 carts, a small playground with slides and swings, and tennis and soccer fields! It is Belle's family favorite spot.

• Trilha Pedra Aguda: a hiking trail with beautiful views. It attracts a lot of tourists every year, though it is a 3 hour hike to a high elevation.

• Pesqueiros Arco iris in Maria da Fé, Juquinha in Wenceslau Braz e Picumã em Piranguçu: those are local restaurants with authentic food of the state and optional catch your own fish on their lakes! Belle's family loves to spend time at Pesqueiros! 🐟

• Restaurants Pé na Roça em Piranguçu e Aramis (Peixinho) em São José do Alegre: restaurants at farms that are very typical in the state! Balanço infinito em Delfim Moreira: a beautiful viewpoint at the mountains with a swing to get pictures on!

*All of these locations are drivable, except for the hiking trail and the waterfall Serra dos Toledos, where you also have to hike a little.