Geotouristic Opportunities of the Caminho dos Diamantes (Estrada Real - MG): a Journey Described Through the Perspective of the Naturalist Travelers

The Caminho dos Diamantes (Estrada Real, MG) that links Ouro Preto and Diamantina has been constructed due to the discovery and exploitation of diamonds and gold in the region. In accordance with reports and descriptions done by natural scientists who traveled in this region, especially during the 20th century, and associating them with current means, it was possible to understand the places of interest geological and mining beyond the touristic perspective. It was also possible to see these geosites through the natural scientist travelers´ point of view. During field trips, by combining the tools of navigation provided by Instituto Estrada Real to the reports of these natural scientist travelers, it can be realized that the motivation and interest in trips motivated by geodiversity precedes the appeal and use current of the Estrada Real touristic product. Therefore, based on the historical importance to understand and describe the geological and mining heritages, geotourism is an alternative to the upgrading regional tourism, besides it can also be a conservation and education tools