Here are some of the nicest places for 2/3 days backpacking or hiking in Minas Gerais or near.
Caparaó National Park
The park is home of Pico da Bandeira (Peak of the Flag), the third highest peak in Brazil with 2,893 m. Unlike many smaller peaks, it is very accessible for those in good shape. It was considered the highest point in Brazil until mid 1950. The Caparaó Park has a lot of other peaks, including the 4th, 5th and 6th highest peaks in Brazil: Pico do Cristal, Pico do Calçado and a peak without name. The traditional final attack to the Pico da Bandeira is during the night, so that you can see the sunrising from the summit. Latter, you can extend your walk and go to the Pico do Cristal. But beware, do not go to Cristal unless the climate is very good. Pico do Cristal is more difficult and dangerous than Pico da Bandeira, but it has a beautiful view. I have been in the Bandeira 7 times but only once at Cristal.
Catas Altas and Caraça
The Caraça Sierra is located on the Espinhaço, a mountain belt of about 1,000 km of extension. The Caraça mountain is protected by the Caraça Sanctuary reserve. It received this name due to its resemblance to a giant head and chest laid on the ground. The Sanctuary has some rivers and waterfalls and several peaks around 2,000 m. The highest is Pico do Sol (Peak of the Sun), with 2,072 meters. The nearest is Pico do Carapuça, with1,955 m. Another famous peak is the Pico of Inficcionado (2,068m) . Located on the chest of the giant, Inficcionado hides the world's largest and deepest quartzitic cave, the Gruta do Centenário (Centenary Grotto). Another great ascent is the Pico de Catas Altas, located at the homonym city. You can reach most of the peaks in this region with a 1 day hike.
Lapinha da Serra
Lapinha da Serra is a small community at Serra do Cipó. It offers many attractions, starting with Pico do Breu, the highest peak in Cipó Sierra with 1,687 m. The region is very beautiful with a lake and rivers. Lapinha is the start point of the very traditional Lapinha-Tabuleiro trail. It takes 3 days and finishes at the Tabuleiro waterfall, the 3th highest waterfall in Brazil, with 273m of free fall. Other famous attraction are the Bicame waterfall and Poço do Soberbo, a large water well originated from diamond extraction on the sixties.
Petrópolis - Teresópolis Trail
The Petrópolis-Teresópolis is a hiking trail inside Parque Nacional da Serra dos Orgãos, in the state of Rio de Janeiro. It is traditionally completed in 3 days, beginning at the city of Petrópolis. The first day is the hardest with an climb of over 1,200 m. It is the most beautiful end-to-end trail I have done so far. It is also very structured, with two mountain huts with beds and kitchen.
Serra Fina Trail (Passa Quatro-Itamonte)
Serra Fina is a 4 day hiking/backpacking trail in the Mantiqueira Sierra, considered by many as one of the toughest trails in Brazil. It begins on the city of Passa Quatro and ends on the city of Itamonte. The trail has approximately 32 km with very few water points. It passes over several mountains over 2,000 meters, on the limits of the states of Minas Gerais, São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro. The highest peaks are Pico do Campim Amarelo (2,491 m), Pedra da Mina (2,798 m) and Pico dos Três Estados (2,656 m) and Alto dos Ivos (2,524m) . Pedra da Mina ranks on the 7th place in the list of the highest peaks in Brazil. I made this trail in 3 days with my friend Ernani.