Around Ouro Preto in Brazil

, a waterfall north of town, is reached by taking a bus to Morro de Santana and then walking 25 minutes. To walk all the way takes 1½ hours. Near the waterfall it is possible to visit the

and the

are protected areas close to the city. The former (a three-hour walk from the centre, cars prohibited) includes the peak of Itacolomi, which the first gold prospectors used as a landmark, the source of the Rio Doce as well as endangered wildlife and splendid views. Tripuí is in the valley where the first gold was found; it protects a rare flatworm,

. It can also be reached on foot, or the bus to Belo Horizonte will drop you near the entrance.

 www.minasdapassagem.com.br

The world's largest gold mine open to the public lies mid-way between Ouro Preto and Mariana. Its gloomy passages and clunking machinery date from 1719. A 20-minute guided tour visits the old mine workings and underground lake (take bathing suit). There is a waterfall too, the

, where swimming is possible; walk 100 m towards Mariana then ask for directions. There is also the opportunity to pan for gold on the tour. Note that some signs say 'Mina de Ouro', omitting 'da Passagem'. The nearest town to the mine is

. The bus stops at the edge of town by the

, which has a church behind it. Tours can be organized from hotels or agencies in town.