A day trip out to Inhotim, the open-air contemporary art park 60 km west of the city, is the single most rewarding excursion for most cultural visitors to Belo Horizonte. The park covers 140 hectares of botanic garden punctuated by 23 individual gallery pavilions; allow a full day and consider a second.
Direct buses run from the city's main bus terminal (Saritur company) every morning, returning in the late afternoon. Tickets to Inhotim must be booked in advance through their website. The park is closed Mondays. A practical alternative is to combine Inhotim with an overnight in a nearby pousada and visit on a more relaxed schedule.