Where to stay in Gonçalves, Minas Gerais? The first thing you need to know is that this village in Serra da Mantiqueira has only 4 thousand inhabitants, but an almost equal number of beds in hotels, inns, chalets and holiday homes.
In recent years, Gonçalves has established itself as one of the most important tourist destinations in the south of Minas Gerais – and also the place of retirement dreams for many São Paulo residents, who travel there with their luggage.
Due to the rural climate, natural beauty and proximity to São Paulo, Gonçalves is crowded on holidays and weekends. Book your accommodation in advance.
See too:
• Where to stay in Tiradentes – 8 best guesthouses
• Where to stay in São João del-Rei: the best inns
• Where to stay in Belo Horizonte: best neighborhoods and hotels
Where to stay in Gonçalves: center or rural area?
The center of Gonçalves does not have the historical landmarks of cities like Tiradentes, Ouro Preto and Diamantina, but it is charming. It has half a dozen streets, a river, a church and some squares, all surrounded by restaurants, emporiums and bistros.
Beyond the center, Gonçalves spreads across the mountains. There are several rural districts, such as São Sebastião das Três Orelhas, Atrás da Pedra and Lambari. The mountain also has waterfalls, natural attractions, breweries, more restaurants and countless accommodation options.
- Stay in the center of Gonçalves if you want to do everything on foot at night, going out to the village’s restaurants.
- Stay in the rural area if you are looking for spectacular views and peace. You’ll need to take the car for everything, but it might be worth it.
Hotels and inns in the center of Gonçalves, MG
- Riacho Das Pedras Pousada – This is where I stayed and I recommend it. It is a five-minute walk from the main square and facing the river. The rooms are simple but comfortable. Breakfast is served on the top floor, with views of the region. Daily rates at R$450.
- Hospedaria Vila Khepri – Simple guesthouse, but very popular with couples. Good location and value for money. Daily rates at R$300.
- Charming little house in the city – Exactly what the name suggests: a beautiful, modern and well-organized house in the city center.
- Pousada Arco Iris – Perfect for those who want to walk around the center. Daily rates at R$280.
Chalets, holiday homes and guesthouses in Gonçalves in the rural area
- Pousada Vida Verde – I’ve also stayed there and recommend it. It is in the rural area, but surrounded by restaurants and close to Cervejaria Três Orelhas. Simão waterfall and the city center are also a few minutes away by car. They offer simple rooms, suites with a jacuzzi and self-catering chalets. Daily rates from R$400.
- Pousada Colina das Andorinhas – Fantastic location, one kilometer from the center. It has a swimming pool and the chalets have a hot tub. Daily rates at R$900.
- Chalé da Sorte – Still close to the center, but with a fantastic view. It has a hot tub and is perfect for couples. Daily rates at R$600.
- Chalé Oliva and Chalé Sálvia – Also have a bathtub, incredible views and are five kilometers from the center. Daily rates at R$500.
- Pousada Villa Catarina – Infinity pool, spectacular views and convenient location: surrounded by nature, but one kilometer from the main square. Daily rates from R$600.
- Chalés Pôr do Sol – Another fantastic option for couples. The cost/benefit ratio is great: daily rates start at R$350.
- Aconchego da Roça – Also close to the center, but surrounded by nature. Rating on Booking is very good and daily rates are around R$350.
- Pousada Solar D’Araucaria – Inn with swimming pool and lots of comfort, for special trips, such as honeymoons in Gonçalves. Daily rates from R$1000.
- Chalés Terras Altas – Another chalet that looks like it came from a tourist advertisement. Fantastic view of the mountains – or Terra Altas. Daily rates at R$500.
How many days to stay in Gonçalves (MG)?
Gonçalves works well as a weekend destination, especially from São Paulo. But if you want to explore the region at your leisure, book your accommodation for three or four days.
What is the cost of a night in Gonçalves?
You could see that the daily price in Gonçalves is influenced by its proximity to São Paulo, right? Despite this, it is possible to find good options that fit your budget.
- Simple but comfortable inns cost from R$300
- Better guesthouses, with a swimming pool and/or jacuzzi, cost around R$500.
- Chalets with a jacuzzi and view cost between R$400 and R$600.
- Inns for special trips, such as honeymoons, from R$800.
How to get to Gonçalves (MG)
Gonçalves is 3h20 away from São Paulo. There are two possible routes: via Fernão Dias the distance is shorter, 180 km. The first 140 km are on the federal highway, with a double lane. Then, you have to face the rest on dirt or stone roads.
Another possible route from the capital of São Paulo is via Rodovia Governador Carvalho Pinto. It is 220 km, passing close to Campos do Jordão.
From Belo Horizonte, the best route is via Fernão Dias. It’s 460 km (6h20 on the road). There are tolls from BH and also from São Paulo.
Are you going to rent a car? For this, we recommend RentCars. They are a comparator that basically includes all rental company options, from the most traditional to the cheapest!
See how to reserve the vehicle (with a discount) in the text how to rent a car in Brazil.
Quick questions about Gonçalves
What are the best inns in Gonçalves?
Colina das Andorinhas and Solar D’Araucaria are the best luxury inns. Vida Verde is another great choice, especially in chalets or rooms with a bathtub.
What are the cheap hotels in Gonçalves?
In Gonçalves, paying between R$250 and R$350 for a double room is considered cheap. Aconchego da Roça, Pousada Arco Iris, Riacho Das Pedras Pousada and Hospedaria Vila Khepri fit this profile. A tip to save money is to look for daily rates on weekdays, but keep in mind that many restaurants are closed, especially at the beginning of the week.
What are the best chalets with a view in Gonçalves?
Good options are Chalés Terras Altas, Chalés Pôr do Sol and Chalé Oliva and Chalé Sálvia.
What are the best luxury inns in Gonçalves and where to stay on special trips?
Are you on a honeymoon trip to Gonçalves? For occasions like this, the best inns are Colina das Andorinhas and Solar D’Araucaria. Another alternative is to book an isolated chalet, such as Chalé da Sorte.
Are there pet friendly hotels in Gonçalves, MG?
Yes. Chalés Pôr do Sol, Aconchego da Roça, Pousada Solar D’Araucaria and Hospedaria Vila Khepri are some of the pet friendly accommodations in Gonçalves. Check the conditions before booking.
Does Gonçalves fit with other destinations?
The stay in Gonçalves combines with other destinations close to Serra da Mantiqueira, such as Campos do Jordão, in São Paulo, and Monte Verde, in Minas.
