With so many destinations in the WHL Group’s ever-expanding network, we have an incredible wealth of local travel information at our fingertips. Through the Inside Word, our local partners – all travel experts – share their top tips. Here we explore Pirenópolis, considered to be the heart of Goiás state and culture in Brazil. It has retained its wonderful colonial architecture, which gives the city an irresistible charm and has led to its designation as a National Artistic Historic site.

This is a shot of Azedinha Beach, found just outside the town of Armação dos Búzios (or just Búzios for short), located to the northeast of the bustling metropolis of Rio de Janeiro. Taken close to the end of the day, the photo captures a moment of almost pure relaxation as the sun edges closer to the gently rolling waters of the South Atlantic Ocean.

THIS ARTICLE IS AVAILABLE IN ENGLISH, PORTUGUESE, SPANISH AND FRENCH. The colonial mining centre of Pirenópolis is found in the shadow of the Pireneus Mountains at the centre of the Brazilian state of Goiás. A well-preserved 18th-century architectural gem, the historical town offers travellers unique insight into Brazil’s days of yore, with quartzite-stone cobbled streets, picturesque churches, old colonial mansions and museums to provide all the essential back-story.