A city with planned infrastructure. A city where wide, tree-lined roads and ample greenery exist side-by-side with modern concrete buildings. And a city that offers stunning views of the mountains all around it. That’s Belo Horizonte for you, the capital of the Minas Gerais state of Brazil.
Brazil’s third-largest city might not be as famous as the country’s tourism crowning glory, Rio de Janeiro. But with its museums, art galleries, street fairs, and restaurants, Belo Horizonte has a lot in store for you. Add to that the infectious charm that the citizens – and Brazilians, in general – are noted for, and you have got a perfect recipe for a rewarding vacation.
However, even the most perfect vacation can change in a flash when something doesn’t go as you’d expected. And if you aren’t properly prepared, it can be costly. Therefore, it is highly recommended that you always purchase travel insurance.
Trip Cancellation Insurance for Travelers in Belo Horizonte – FAQs
A sudden trip cancellation entails financial losses owing to the nonrefundable bookings. That’s why you should purchase trip cancellation insurance as part of booking your trip. It can help prevent financial loss if you must cancel your trip for a covered reason.
Why Should I Get Trip Cancellation Insurance for My Belo Horizonte Travel?
When booking a trip abroad, most of your major expenses – such as hotels and airfare – must be prepaid, and are nonrefundable. Have you considered what would happen if you fell sick just before departure? What if a family member were to get sick, you had a personal emergency, or a natural disaster made travel impossible?
If you cannot take your trip, you stand to lose all the money you’ve already spent on nonrefundable bookings. Trip cancellation insurance can help you get reimbursed for these costs, so long as the cancellation was for a covered reason.
What Should I Look for in My Belo Horizonte Trip Cancellation Insurance?
In addition to coverage for trip cancellation, look for a policy that can cover other common travel scenarios, such as:
- Loss of baggage
- Baggage delays
- Travel delay
- Trip interruption
- Loss of passport, and other ancillary benefits
If you need additional flexibility to cancel you trip for other reasons, consider cancel for any reason coverage.
Belo Horizonte’s Most Popular Places for Travel
It’s not often that you come across a city where art-deco inspires most of the buildings. This is something that sets Belo Horizonte apart from others of its ilk. Museums and art galleries with stunning displays are reasons enough to visit this beautiful city. Check out some of the main attractions here:
Palacio das Artes
Among the several buildings designed by the famous Brazilian architect Oscar Niemeyer, the Palacio das Artes has an eye-catching range of displays for tourists. The works of traditional and contemporary artists exist side-by-side here. See various types of wood carvings, pottery, needle arts, glassware, etc. designed by them. You can catch live music shows, operas, or dance performances here.
Museu de Mineralogia (Mineralogy Museum)
The Minas Gerais region is rich in mineral deposits. This museum has on display over 3,000 minerals that have been sourced from the mines of this region and elsewhere. These consist of precious stones like gold, diamonds, emeralds, topaz, sapphires, and more. Attend a short informational session here to learn more about the multiple usages of these minerals.
Parque Mangabeiras
This park is located on the edges of Belo Horizonte, on the slopes of the Serra do Curral. The attractions inside include children’s play areas, a small forest, walking paths, an amphitheater, and an open-air theater. Catch breathtaking views of Belo Horizonte from Mirante da Mata and also from Praca do Papa. And do visit Rua do Amendoim to witness a marvel of nature. A kind of optical illusion will make you feel as if the cars are rolling uphill.
Praça da Liberdade (Freedom Square)
Located right in the city center, there is a large park here where you can take relaxing walks or spend some time in the shade. Admire the fountains and many colorful flowers here. The curved and towering apartment building, Edificio Niemeyer, is sure to grab your attention.
Mercado Central (Central Market)
Welcome to the liveliest part of the city. With over 400 shops, this bustling market is the go-to place for almost anything under the sun. Be it cooked/uncooked food, fruits and vegetables, drinks, home furnishings, utensils, or medicines – Mercado Central has all this and more. Hole-in-the-wall eateries rustle up the most amazing local delicacies that will have you craving more. Buy some mementos before you leave the market.
Key Guidelines for Travelers in Belo Horizonte
Belo Horizonte has a higher-than-normal crime rate. However, that shouldn’t bother you much if you take some basic precautions.
Stay on the Main Roads
If you plan to take walks in the city in the late evening, stick to the well-lit main roads. You might fall prey to muggers in the deserted lanes and alleys. And avoid flashing any valuables or too much cash.
Avoid Tap Water
It’s better to drink only bottled mineral water in Belo Horizonte. The local tap water might not suit your constitution. You would surely not want to end up with traveler’s diarrhea while on vacation, would you?
Fix Taxi Fares before the Journey
Utilize only licensed taxis or those booked through the hotel. And always decide on the fare beforehand. Otherwise, the taxi driver might partner up with his fellow drivers and try to extract more money from you once you have reached the destination.
Beware of Floods
The monsoon season causes flooding in the city and its outskirts. If you are in Belo Horizonte during the monsoon, plan your trips only after getting updates about the rain and/or flood predictions.
Road Dangers
Cross the roads carefully. If you are on a self-driven trip, be extra cautious. Drivers in Belo Horizonte are often eager to break the speed limits, and traffic signals might not deter them. It’s better to go by the “safety first” rule while on the roads of Belo Horizonte.
Before You Travel to Belo Horizonte – Do This
- Carry raincoats and umbrellas if you are traveling to Belo Horizonte during monsoons.
- Women are advised to dress modestly to avoid unwelcome attention in certain parts of the city.
- Carry mosquito repellent, and use it regularly.
- Make an investment in travel insurance.