Advice: Ouro Preto vs Pantanal ?

Stick to the colonial towns in Minas Gerais, it makes more logical sense, won't cost you an arm and a leg in airfares and lots of travelling time, eating into your holiday.

Thank u ... and from Salvador or Rio could I reach the the colonial towns by bus? or is it better by plane?

or is it easier to rent a car (and drive) from Rio to the towns?

The nearest large metropolis to the cidades historicas is Belo Horizonte (capital of Minas Gerais state), but it's very easy indeed to get to them from Rio (I can't quite remember, but upwards of 6 hours by bus to Ouro Preto...). From Ouro Preto you can take a steam train to Mariana which is quite lovely. Sao Joao and Tiradentes make another pretty duo (linked by regular steam train service). All are worthwhile. Don't bother (over) stretching yourself by heading towards the Pantanal if you're short on time. The likelihood is you'll fall in love with Brazil as I did and want to come back - leave the jaguars and capybaras for then!

If it's your first time I'd suggest you avoid driving.

Thanks again for all the informations, ... avoid driving because it's "dangerous" or cos it's not necessary?

Because it's a hassle, it's expensive and there is a cheaper and more relaxing alternative in taking the bus. Rio is not a good place to drive. I don't know how fluent your Portuguese is but I'm always a little surprised by people wanting to sign rental contracts they can't understand.

I think which you choose depends on what you are more interested in, a full nature experience in the Pantanal, which is wonderful for animal viewing and experiencing the rural pantaneiro "cowboy" life, or seeing the beautiful colonial towns in Minas, eating excellent food and going to cute bars and shops. I don't think you can go wrong with either choice; Tiradentes and the Pantanal were two of my favorite experiences in Brazil.

You can get some great nature in if you choose Minas. Check out Serra do Cipo national park, which is stunning and close to the colonial towns.

One last piece of advice: If you plan to return to Brazil to see the Amazon someday, do the Pantanal then by going to the northern Pantanal out of Cuiaba and then hopping on a short flight to Cristalino Jungle lodge (also in the state of Mato Grosso) for an excellent Amazon experience.

Both your choices are fantastic. I agree w/ the above travelers; don't rent a car to see the historic towns in Minas Gerais. All of those places have good frequent bus service to/from and between. It's not worth braving the streets in Rio.

But I did love the Pantanal. If you do your research, and can afford the extra cost, maybe you should do that.