population: 0.67 million

extension: 210.62 square kilometers

Museums

If you're in Contagem and interested in visiting museums, I would recommend checking out the Inhotim Institute in Brumadinho, which is about a 45-minute drive from Contagem. It's a museum of contemporary art and includes beautiful botanical gardens. If you'd like to explore other museums in the area, you could also visit the Museum of Mines and Metal in Belo Horizonte or the UFMG Museum of Natural History in Pampulha.

Food

Some of the most recommended and typical dishes to eat in Contagem and the surrounding region include:

1. Feijão Tropeiro: a dish made with beans, bacon, and sausage, mixed with cassava flour and served with rice.

2. Pão de Queijo: a famous Brazilian cheese bread that is popular throughout the country, made with tapioca flour and cheese.

3. Frango ao Molho Pardo: a traditional chicken dish that is cooked in a sauce made from blood, onion, garlic, and spices.

4. Tutu Mineiro: a dish made with mashed beans, fried pork, and cassava flour, often served with rice, kale, and sausages.

5. Leitão à Pururuca: roast suckling pig with crispy skin, a typical delicacy of Minas Gerais state.

6. Brigadeiro: a sweet treat made with condensed milk, cocoa powder, and butter, rolled into balls and coated with chocolate sprinkles.

7. Doce de Abóbora com Coco: a dessert made with pumpkin and coconut, often served as a sweet accompaniment to coffee.

These are just a few examples of the delicious food you can try in Contagem and the surrounding area.

Activities

There are several fun activities that locals in Contagem enjoy. Here are some suggestions:

1. Visit the Parque Municipal Gentil Diniz - it's a beautiful park with hiking trails, playgrounds, and picnic areas.
2. Explore the Feira de Arte e Artesanato de Contagem - it's a street fair where you can find handmade crafts, clothing, and souvenirs.
3. Attend a football match at the Estádio Independência - it's a popular stadium where local teams play.
4. Enjoy some traditional Brazilian food at the Mercado Central de Contagem - it's a lively market with a variety of food stalls.
5. Take a dance class - Samba and Forró are popular dance styles in Brazil, and there are several studios in Contagem where you can take classes.

These are just a few ideas - there are many other activities to enjoy in Contagem!