Ouro Preto in photos

I'm a sucker for colonial architecture. 

Throughout my time in Latin America, I have really enjoyed the maintained historic centers of the area's old cities. Whether it be Cuenca, Quito, Cuzco, Lima, Cartagena, Panama City or any of the other historic cities, they all offer great places to stroll and marvel at the buildings.

So when we were in Belo Horizonte, Avery and I had to make a day trip to the old gold mining town of Ouro Preto, which had some of the largest gold reserves in the world - until they were used to finance the Portuguese empire. 

What remains in the area are a few charming, old mining towns that are full of classic architecture. If we had more time, we would have explored more of the surrounding cities. Since we only had a day, we spent it walking around Ouro Preto.

Between the barroque churches, red-roofed houses, and cobblestone streets, it's easy to think that you travel back in time when you visit Ouro Preto. The main reminders of the 21st century would be the cars on the streets and Visa signs in store windows.

In the main squares of Ouro Preto, there are some great artisan markets where people carve while you shop.

Look! It's Ian and Avery with a colonial city in the background.

While waiting for our bus at the Belo Horizonte bus station, we came across this outstanding purple suit. Just outstanding.

They are getting ready for a big festival in Ouro Preto, which meant installing a church-sized stage in front of the church.