Saturday - February 26, 2011
Brazil
Let there be no misunderstanding: no, you don't have to go to these places. No, these are not by definition the best spots. After having travelled in South America for so long we realize that it's no problem here to find your own beautiful spots for camping. We decided to continue the page anyway, for people who would like some tips about camping spots which we enjoyed or found practical – please note that this is always our personal experience.
Campings are dearth but petrol stations offer a good alternative. Of course they are not the most interesting places but they are well-equiped for travellers to spend the night They have large areas to park the car, [hot] showers, restaurants and sometimes WIFI. Since you'll find petrol stations anywhere, we mention them only in case of a special reason.
You may find the Tracksource website very interesting for you to get very accurate and free Brazilian maps for your gps.
N.B. We use the following system:
HDDD.MM.MMM -WGS 84
1. South of Porto Alegre [Feb '07]
Cassino A beach town south of Rio Grande with several campsites. Price low season: R$ 10 [2 persons and car]. gps: S 32.11.212 - W 052.09.885 Arambaré Beach town bordering Lagoa dos Patos, with several campsites. We camped next to the waterfront. gps: S 30.54.719 - W 051.29.784 Information on Rio Grande do Sul Gaucho Festival Semana Farroupilha in Brazil 2. North of Porto Alegre [Mar '07] National Park Aparados [also called "Itaimbezinho", 900 metres] Bush camping is possible outside the entrance of the park [camping inside the camp is forbidden]. Entrance fee: R$ 17 [2 persons and car]. gps: S 29.09.288 - W 050.03.604 National Park Serra Geral [also called "Fortaleza, 1000 metres] This National Park lies 40 kilometres north of NP Aparados. Bush camping is possible outside the entrance of the park [camping inside the camp is forbidden]. Beautiful area! No entrance fee. gps: 29.04.224 - W 050.01.112 3. Laguna [Mar '07] We spent the night in the parking lot of a boatclub, free of charge, and could use the hot shower and toilet. gps: S 28.29.438 - W 048.47.146 4. West of Florianópolis [Mar '07] Urubici [1242 metres] About 15 kilometres north of Urubici you see a sign saying "Fazenda hotel". We camped on the property of this hotel. Beautiful area to walk. gps: S 27.54.025 - W 049.35.150 Waterfall "veu de noiva" There is an off-road east of Urubici, leading to Corvo Branco. On this road you'll find a sign saying "Morro Igreja" [spectacular view at 1822 metres]. Following this sign you'll find another sign for the waterfall. We camped on the property of a restaurant next to the waterfall. gps: S 28.04.517 - W 049.31.089 Rio Canoas [1000 metres] Back on the off-road between Urubici and Corvo Branco, you continue eastward. You'll find a sign on your left to "Rio Canoas", and following this you will arrive at the Refugio de Montanha. We camped on the premises. Beautiful walking area. www.riocanoas.com.br gps: S 28.01.810 - W 049.22.524 Anitápolis Anitápolis lies northeast of Rio Canoas. In front of the church you take the narrow road on the right side of the church, following the river. After some kilometres you'll see an orange-colored sign listing several pousadas. Take a right and follow the road until you see a wooden gate on your right. Go through the gate, follow the track downhill and you’ll end up at the most wonderful place in the area: the pousada of Fernando and Regina. It borders the river and has a sauna. Price: negotiable [depending on use of the sauna, eating with the family, etc] gps: S 27.51.585 - W 049.07.839 5. Pomerode [Mar '07] Spent the night in the parking lot of restaurant "Wunderwald" on the eastside of the river. gps: S 26.42.795 - W 049.10.112 6. Castrolanda [Apr '07] Camped on the property of the friendly Dutch couple Gerrit and Menna, owners of restaurant "Vitorius" [outside the centre, in the direction of Campo]. We could use their shower and toilet. gps: S 24.47.964 - W 049.57.272 7. On the coast, southeast of Curitiba [Apr '07] Antonina Spent the night in the parking lot of pousada "Lanjareias", in Rua Ermelino de Leão. gps: S 25.25.767 - W 048.42.673 Guaraqueçaba Spent the night on Praça William Michaud. Nice and quiet. Used the shower and toilet at Restaurant Guaricana [situated on the same Praça], owned by the friendly Joãn Luiz and Gladys. gps: S. 25.17.871 - W 048.19.828 Information on Natural Reserve do Sebui Ecological Reserve of Sebuí in Paraná, Brazil National Park Salto Morano Entrance fee is R$ 5 per person. When you sleep in the car you don't have to pay extra for using the campground and its good facilities. www.fundacaoboticario.org.br gps: S 25.10.651 - W 048.17.822 Information on Paraná: Best Places to Visit in Paraná, South Brazil 8. São Paulo [Apr '07 / Sep '10] Repairs on the exhaust [Apr '07] at "Navega Escapamentos" made Coen a happy man again. For about R$ 350 they replaced part of the pipe and made a new protection shield around the silencer, as well as some reinforcements and added a new hanging-point. Contact person: Carlos Navega. address: Loja Itaim Av Dr Cardoso de Mello, 1575 cep 04548-005 São Paulo tel: [11] 3846 4262 / [11] 3846 4261 www. navegaescapamentos.com.br gps: S 23.35.487 - W 046.41.190 Toyota garage [Apr '07], we were there because the salesmanager had invited us. Actually, the car was not in need of [Toyota] repairs, and Coen only had the greasing of the joints done. The garage looks very clean and professional so if you are in need of a Toyota garage, we think this may be a good one. Contact person: Jack Nunes address: Toyota garage "Caltabiano" Av. Pacaembú, 380- Barra Funda 01155-000 São Paulo tel: [11] 3660 - 3040 gps: S 23.31.451 - W 046.39.404 Welding [Sep '10]. Professional welder. Welds among other things aluminium. We had our window pane welded here. "Art Soldas" Tecnologia em microsoldas LTDA R. Octávio T. Mendes Sobrinho, 382 – CEP 04376 - 070 São Paulo tel / fax: 5678-4131 / 5563- 5173 daniel@artsoldas.com.br Information on São Paulo - World Cup History at the Soccer Museum in São Paulo - Accommodation Tip in São Paulo, Brazil: BossHouse Bed & Breakfast 9. On the coast [southeast of São Paulo / Apr '07] Toque Toque peq. [= name of the beach] Spent the night in a parking lot, 20 metres walking from beautiful bay and beach. gps: S 23.48.989 - W 045.32.054 Trindade, Praia Brava Spent a quiet night in the parking lot next to a bar/ restaurant which is only open during daytime. Beautiful view over the bay. gps: S 23.20.608 - W 044.42.741 Paraty Another good parking lot. This time near the harbor, next to the only-for-pedestrians part of the old town. Lovely spot! gps: S 23.13.266 - W 044.42.810 10. National Park da Bocaina [May '07] Pousada "Vale das Cachoeiras" [1200 metres] The turn-off "Vale das Cachoeiras" can be found about 20 kilometres south of Cunha. Follow this route for about 10 kms to get to the pousada. Beautiful place, situated on a large terrain with river and many waterfalls. Friendly owner (Claudio) and manager. We spent the night in our car in the parking lot and could use shower and toilet. www.valedascachoeiras.com.br gps: S 23.06.306 - W 044.52.082 Pousada Estalagem Shambala [1080 metres] Two kms south of Cunha, on the road to Paraty [km 49.5]. Beautiful pousada, great food, awesome sauna and swimming pool. Lovely and hospitable owners [Eduardo, Cida and Liliam]. Good parking lot to spend the night and we could use the shower and toilet. Eduardo can explain a wonderful 4WD route to NP da Bocaina [which is not mentioned on any map]. www.estalagemshambala.com.br gps: S 23.05.798 - W 044.57.468 Bairro do Bocaina, [960 metres] Six kilometres northeast of Campos Novos [30 kms north of Cunha]. Camped on the property of a farmer. gps: S 22.51.927 - W 044.47.101 Pousada Campos da Bocaina [1578 metres] Somewhere in the middle of nowhere between Campos Novo and São José do Barreiro, just before the official entrance to NP da Bocaina. Beautiful spot for camping and a lovely owner, Karina. We camped in the parking lot and could use a toilet. gps: S 22.43.138 - W 044.37.108 11. Minas Gerais, Estrada Real [May '07 / Oct '10] Visconde de Mauá [1037 metres / May '07] North of Resende [on BR 116] lies Visconde de Mauá. We camped in the village of Mauá, next to the church. Nothing special, but a quiet place. gps: 22.19.963 - W 044.32.441 Ten kilometres northeast of Itamonte, [1082 metres / May '07] From Visconde de Mauá to Itamonte via off-roads is an awesome drive which we recommend. We spent the night on the property of a friendly farmer. gps: 22.14.145 - W 044.50.092 São Thomé das Letras [1263 metres / May '07] In the centre of the village, on the main square. No problem to spend the night there, although the local pub stays open until the early hours on Saturday. gps: S 21.43.333 - W 044.59.161 Between Luminárias and Carrancas [1157 metres / May '07] Approximately halfway between these two villages, on a remote path on the right side of the road. Top location for bushcamping. Beautiful, remote area and stunning sunsets. gps: S 21.32.037 - W 044.50.659 São João del Rei [906 metres / May '07] In the parking lot of the University, across Igreja Fransisco de Assis. You have to get permission at the Faculdade, situated on the premises, in order to park your car here [and they don't mind you sleeping in your car]. Quiet place. gps: S 21.08.351 - W 044.15.625 30 kms southwest of Corgonhas [902 metres / May '07] Camped on the property of a farmer. gps: S 20.35.953 - W 043.56.166 Lavras Novas [1360 metres / May '07] Follow the main road into the village until you can drive no further [only a path continues, to a waterfall]. Camped in the street. gps: S 20.28.695 - W 043.30.744 Ouro Preto [1200 metres / May '07] The streets are so steep that it is difficult to find a horizontal spot where you can properly park and sleep inside your car. We found a good alternative at the Youth Hostel, where we camped in our car. The Hostel is situated just below the Igreja SF de Paula and from here you have a nice view over the town. Friendly staff. Price: R$ 10 per night [2 persons and car], including the use of bathroom and toilet gps: S 20.23.026 - W 043.30.468 Mariana, 15 kilometres west of Ouro Preto [Oct '10] 1. Spent the night on parking lot of church on top of the hill. Quiet during week days, in the weekend not so quiet [evening visitors to enjoy the view]. Good place from where to explore Ouro Preto. gps: S 20.23.007 - W 43.25.115 2. More quiet than next to the church was this parking lot of the gold mine Mina da Passagem, a few kilometres down the road to Ouro Preto [right hand side]. gps: S 20.23.0540 - W 43.26.326 Information on Minas Gerais - Who Was Brazil's Famous Architect and Sculptor Aleijadinho - Visit Aleijadinho's Barroco Mineiro Art in Minas Gerais 12. Belo Horizonte [Jun '07] Leaf springs in the front, rebending [putting tension back] and reinforcing with two new leafs [one on each side]. Total cost R$ 220 and it took them half a day. Contact: André Silva [tel: 9656-6713] address: "Auto Molas" [molas = leaf springs] on Avenida Waldomiro Lobo, 2040, northeast of the Pampulha area. tel: 3494-8544/ 7437 gps: 19.50.764 - W 043.56.063 13. National Park do Cipó [Jun '07] Southwest of National Park do Cipó, between Jaboticatubas and Almeida [on MG 010] Beautiful spot for bushcamping, on top of a hill between low trees and bushes. Nice sunset. gps: S 19.28.375 - W 043.47.303 Northeast of National Park do Cipó, between Morro do Pilar and Conceicão do Mato Dentro On this route you'll find a sign saying "Cachoeira Tres Barras", follow the track which meanders all the way down to a spectacular waterfall in a beautiful remote area. Perfect for bushcamping. gps: S 19.05.995 - W 043.29.238 14. Foz do Iguaçu [Jul '07] Hostel Natura, situated outside the city and nearby the waterfalls on the Brazilian side. The owner Anwar speaks good English and we enjoyed the atmosphere. We slept in our car and paid R$10 [2 persons and car]. gps: S 25.36.295- W 054.31.474 Information on Foz do Iguaçu Iguaçu Falls and Foz do Iguaçu in Brazil 15. Campo Grande and surroundings Campo Grande [Jul '09] WIFI Across from the Tourist Information Office [inside the building Morada dos Baís along the main road 'Avenida Afonso Pena'] you can ask for WIFI at McDonalds. They'll give you a card with password which is valid for an hour. There is also WIFI at the cafeteria of Carrefour, further down Avenida Afonso Pena [part of a large shopping mall]. Accommodation Nothing special, but quiet petrol station [Petrobras, about 10 kms west of downtown]. Hot shower available. gps: S 20.32.758- W 054.39.963 Information on Campo Grande and Mato Grosso do Sul - Art Shops and Churches in Campo Grande - Campo Grande, Gateway to the Pantanal in Brazil - Places of Interest in Mato Grosso do Sul Bonito [Jul '07] Campground "Gordo" [if I remember the name correctly] lies in a much nicer and quieter location than the better known campground "Balneario Municipal", where there is a lot of noise/ music from the adjacent public swimming pool. "Our" campground is a bit more expensive [R$ 15 reals per person whereas campground municipal is R$ 10 per person [price high season], but we found the money well spent. When you enter Bonito from the east, there is a roundabout before you enter the city with a sign saying "Balneario Municipal" to the right. If you want to go to campground "Gordo", you have to drive back a little bit in the direction from where you came and take an off-road to the left [there is a sign with the name of campground]. Sorry, can't explain it better than this. Six kilometres of off-road take you to the campground. Sparkling river, the bottom of which you can see at four metres’ depth. Beautiful place, very friendly owner. gps: S 21.09.518- W 056.25.411 16. Pantanal Note: everywhere it's possible to find spots for bushcamping. How many spots actually are available probably depends on the season, thus the amount of water. Since we were there in July, the dry season, and the water was at it lowest we could pick from many. These were our favourites: southside Pantanal: Porto Manga [Jul '09] On the east side of the river, on a small field. Quiet night. gps: S 19.15.603 - W 057.14.019 southside Pantanal: Corumbá [Jul '09] Accomodation In the port 'Porto Geral', next to the large building [where there is a guard at night. Quiet place. gps: S 18.59.805- W 057.39.334 WIFI and Tourist Information WIFI is available at Petrobras [corner Carrero and Major Gama] as well as at restaurant 'Gaúcho', a churrascaria [rua Frei Mariano]. The Tourist Information no longer exists, a map of the town is available at the Secretaria do Turismo [Rua 15 de Novembro, white building next to number 659]. southside Pantanal: Fazenda 4 Cantos [Jul '09] Situated in the heart of the Pantanal, about halfway between Corumbá and Coxim. www.fazenda4cantos.com.br or this article. gps: S 18.36.905 - W 056.15.909 southside Pantanal: along Estrada Parque [Sep '10] Awesome camping spot, along waterfront and protected from dust from the road gps: S 19.22.812 - W 057.03.046 southside Pantanal: Piraputanga [Sep '10] Campsite, quiet during week days, more lively during weekends and holidays with Brazilians enjoying their music. price: R$10 per night [2 persons] gps: S 20.27.994 - W 055.31.121 northside Pantanal: 28 kms beyond Poconé, towards Porto Cercado [Jul '07] Bushcamping near two ponds. Another beautiful spot is 1 km further down the road, next to the "caiman bridge". There we saw an even larger range of different birds. And many caimans of course. gps: S 16.25.418 - W 056.25.330 northside Pantanal: along the second half of the Transpantaneira towards Porto Jofre, on the right side of the road [Jul '07] gps: S 16.48.566 - W 056.50.800 northside Pantanal Campground next to Hotel Jofre [Jul '07] Beautiful spot alongside the river. Sanitary facilities are clean, but too much garbage lying around. 25 reals a night [2 persons + car] was too much money considering the facilities. But spotting a jaguar, 2 azul papagaios and an iguana made it definitely worth the money. Owner is Oscar. gps: S 17.21.643 - W 056.46.014 Information on the Pantanal - Pantanal Tours to the Wetlands of Brazil - A Wildlife Trip Inside the Pantanal of Brazil - Rent a Car to Visit the Pantanal in West Brazil - Brazil – Piranha Fish in the Pantanal 17. Cuiabá and surroundings Cuiabá [Jul '09] Accommodation For small vehicles only: with authorization from Hotel Mato Grosso [Rua Commandanta Costa 2522] we were allowed to park in the car park across the street. Had to leave before 7am though. Quiet place. gps: S 15.35.788 - W 056.05.884 Tourist Information and Sedtur The Tourist Information can be found at Praça Rachin Jaudy. Nice people, little knowledge. Sedtur [the government department for tourism] can be found at Rua Voluntários 118. Nice people as well, beautiful brochures but little knowledge beyond the basics [or beyond tourist information you can find in any guidebook]. Information on Cuiabá - Churches and Handicrafts in Cuiabá - Tourist Attractions in Cuiabá - Mato Grosso Eco Adventures; tourist information and car rental in Cuiabá Santo Antônio de Leveger, Praia da Vereda [Jul '09] Als het te heet is in Cuiabá is dit een goed alternatief. Rivier met strand. Overdag [zeker in het weekend] dagtoeristen uit Cuiabá [25 kms], 's avonds rustig om te kamperen. gps: S 15.52.360 - W 056.05.656 National Park Chapada dos Guimarães [Jul '07 / 09] Camping Salgadiera [359 metres / 2007] A few kilometres west of the entrance to "Veu de Noiva" [waterfall in the park]. It only costs 1 reals per person, but then it is a worn down place, and not very clean. Simply because we couldn't find anything in the neighbourhood did we spend one night here. gps: S 15.21.366 - W 055.49.728 Cidade de Pedra [674 metres/ 2007] Difficult to find because the signpost has disappeared. Just before the town Chapada dos Guimarães [from the westside ] you turn left to Aqua Frio, taking a dirt road. After about 10 kms you follow the sign saying "Fazenda do Chafariz". After another 10 kms or so you arrive at Cidade de Pedra. Beautiful place to be and to camp. Note Oct 2009: Cidade de Pedras has been closed down. Apparently it will open again [don't hold your breath] but can only be visited with a guide. gps: S 15.17.972 - W 055.50.430 Accommodation [823 metres/ 2009] Quiet night in the parking lot of the church at the central square. gps: S 15.27.554 - W 055.44.857 Information on Chapada dos Guimarães - National Park Chapada dos Guimarães - Day trips around Chapada dos Guimarães Bom Jardim [north of Cuiabá / Jul '09] Grot Quebó do Duto Spent the night at the entrance to the cave with permission of owner. No facilities. gps: S 14.26.442 - W 056.01.274 More information about Bom Jardim - Adventure Travel in Bom Jardim - Refúgio Porto das Pedras at Bom Jardim - Adventure tourism around Nobres 18. west Mato Grosso Tangará da Serra [390 metres / Sep '09] Accommodation Petrol station 'Midia Moto' is clean and has cold showers. Located a few streets from downtown. gps: S 14.37.142 - W 057.28.864 WIFI Shopping mall 'Tangara Shopping'. gps: S 14.37.063 - W 057.29.815 Information on Tangará da Serra - Adventure Activities in Tangará da Serra - Tourist Information in Tangará da Serra - An Adventure Holiday in Tangará da Serra - Hotel and Waterfall Salto das Nuvens - Campo Novo do Parecis [Sep '09] Ponte de Pedra still free admissible, but the Parecis Indians are working on making this Indian territory, so check with the Secretaria de Turismo before heading out this way [www.camponovodoparecis.gov.mt.br / turismocnp@hotmail.com]. gps: S 13.34.348 - W 057.21.345 Information on Campo Novo do Parecis - Visit Indigenous People in Mato Grosso - Adventure Trips in Campo Novo do Parecis Sapezal [530 metres/ Sep '09] Spent the night at 'Prainha', two kilometres west of town. This beach along the river has showers and toilets but is normally only open on weekends. Check with the Prefeitura if it is possible to stay here on weekdays. We greatly enjoyed this quiet spot. gps: S 13.32.612 - W 058.50.854 Information on Sapezal - Agritourism and Techno Tourism in Sapezal - Adventure Tourism in Sapezal Cáceres [127 metres/ Sep '09] Car papers [border crossing Bolivia] Receita Federal, part of Ministerio da Fazenda downtown. gps: S 16.04.338 - W 057.41.209 Visa [border crossing Bolivia] Elsewhere downtown at Migraçiones [sorry, no gps waypoint] Accommodation Possible at large Shell petrol station, west of town. Other option is to pay a bit [R$25 for 2 persons and car] to park at the parking lot of Village Hotel [Avenida São Luiz 1399, eastside of the city]. Has WIFI, swimming pool and extensive breakfast buffet [included in the price!]. gps: S 16.05.472 - W 057.40.832 Information on Cáceres and surroundings: - Outdoor Activities in the Guaporé Valley - Tourism in Vila Bela da Santíssima Trindade 19. east Mato Grosso Campo Verde, restored Rondon Telegraph Station 20 kms south of Campo Verde, at Asentamento Capim Branco [586 metres/ Oct '09] Nicely restored building and now housing a small museum about Rondon and his telegraph lines. Next to is a good spot for camping, next [or underneath] an enormous mango orchard. gps: S 15.32.919- W 055.01.111 Barra do Garças [295 metres/ Oct '09] Quiet night at huge Petrobras petrol station. Around the city are several 'praias' [beaches] en 'balneários' [recreational area]. One is east of the city [no name] and normally only used during the weekends. We arrived Sunday and good spend the night at stay on Monday. Pleasantly crazy place on Sunday and paradise on Monday. Silence, birds, swimmingpool, showers. gps: S 15.53.177 - W 052.10.474 Novo Xavantine [260 metres / OCt '09] Balneário Praia do Chiquito lies at 7 kilometres from downtown Novo Xavantino and is run by the friendly Vivian. Beautiful spot during weekdays. Probably crowded during weekends and holidays. Now [November] it was quiet and lovely. Showers, river and BBQ. gps: S 14.40.609 - W 052.24.494 Gaúcho do Norte [372 metres / OCt '09] Entrance to Parque Xingue. Spent the night at a petrol station. Quiet, clean, showers. gps: S 13.11.076 - W 053.15.367 20. north Mato Grosso Alta Floresta [289 metres / Nov '09] Floresta Amazônica Hotel. Spent the night in the parking lot. This is also the place to arrange a stay at the Cristalino Jungle Lodge. gps: S 09.52.720 - W 56.05.842 Route from Alta Floresta to Porto Velho [Nov '09]: Accommodation - Colniza [east Juruena Rivier] at a petrol station. - MT 418, 5 kms east of Rio Roosevelt Lovely bushcamping near a half abandoned house. gps: S 09.10.077 - W 60.39.089 - Machadinho D'Oeste [west Machado Rivier] at a petrol station. Ferries - Rio Juruena R$ 52 - Rio Roosevelt R$ 25 - Rio Machado R$ 18 Ferries ply frequently during the day. Condition of the road We drove this beautiful stretch in November and was very doable. Daily rainshowers but no continuous rain. Most of the stretch is good to reasonable [laterite, washboarded sections] but the 70 kms west of Rio Roosevelt are horrendous and not recommended during height of rainy season [Dec-Apr]. Large parts are eroded, brigdes unreliable. Information on Alta Floresta and the Amazon - How to Prepare for a Hike in the Amazon Jungle - Cristalino Jungle Lodge in Alta Floresta - Bird-watching at Cristalino Jungle Lodge - Handicrafts and Orchids in Alta Floresta - Alta Floresta – Floresta Amazonica Hotel - The Pakaas Jungle Lodge in Brazil's Amazon 21. Brasília [Oct '10] Accommodation Parking lot next to a Parque Ecológico. Quiet spot. gps: S 15.49.704 - W 47.51.347 Veteran Car Club Those who appreciate vintage car may want to check out this place. Open on Saturday only. gps: S 15.51.543 - W 47.57.589 Information on Brasília - The Vintage Car Association in Brasília - Modern Architecture in Praça dos Três Poderes in Brasília - Gardens of Landscape Architect Burle Marx in Brasília 22. Pirenópolis [Oct '10] Pousada and Camping "Vila do Sossego" Good place for a quiet nice away from downtown. Sergio and Carol are fun people to be with. gps: S 15.51.214 - W 48.56.719 Information on Pirenópolis - Things to do in the Colonial Town of Pirenópolis - Pousada & Camping Vila do Sossego 23. National Park Chapada dos Veadeiros / Alta Paraíso [Nov '10] Spazenda [furnished farm and ecolodge – 963 metres] Between Alta Paraíso en Moinho Janet and Xavier renovated an old farmhouse and constructed a lovely ecolodge. Both are properly furnished and can be rented. It's a beautiful region as well as a good base to explore National Park Chapada dos Veadeiros and surroundings. gps: S 14.05.500 - W 47.28.404 State Park Park Terra Ronca [594 metres] In northeast of state of Goiás and has more than 200 caves. Most need to be visited with a guide [can be hired in São Domingos]. We found a great bush camp near a river across from a huge cave gps: S 13.44.060 - W 46.21.414 Information on Chapada dos Veadeiros and surroundings - Outdoor Adventure in National Park Chapada dos Veadeiros - Ecolodge Spazenda at National Park Chapada dos Veadeiros - Tourist Attractions and Outdoor Adventure in Goiás 24. National Park Chapada da Diamantina [Nov '10] Caverne Pratinha [632 metres] North o t National Park Chapada da Diamantina are various astounding caves / carvernes. We had a good place to camp in the parking lot of Caverne Pratinha, where you can swim in a crystal-clear river and visit two caves. Price: 10 reais per person per day. gps: S 12.21.094 - W 41.32.472 Vale do Capão [942 metres] On the westside of NP Diamantina. Had an awesome bush camp along a stream. Turn-off is difficult to find though, it lies on your left side a couple of kilometres before reaching the village of do Capão. [our gps indicated: "trilha dos rios claros"]. gps: S 12.34.354 - W 41.29.482 Between Lençois and Andarai [348 metres] Eastside of the park. There is an off-road linking the two towns. Coming from Lençois there is a perfect bush camp just before you cross the rivers a couple of kilometres south of Lençois. gps: S 12.35.164 - W 41.22.963 25. Salvador da Bahia and surroundings [Dec '10] Cachoeira Camping / Balneario "Vale das Cachoeiras", near the entrance of the town, is a good place to spend the night. Swimming pool and showers. Price: 25 reais for 2 persons and car per night. gps: S 12.35.888 - W 38.57.670 Beach Siribinha [north of Conde] Camped beautifully under the coconut trees along the coast. From Conde you drive to the coast and then northward along various fishing villages, where you'll encounter various beautiful bushcamp locations. gps: S 11.45.123 - W 37.31.156 Information on Salvador da Bahia and surroundings -The Sea Turtle Protection Program in Praia do Forte 26. State of Sergipe [Dec '10] Aracaju [for lovers of disco music] We have been told that Aracaju is not a safe city just to park anywhere for the night. So we stayed at the 24-hours BP petrol station, near the beaches of Alataia, a suburb south of Aracaju [about 6 kms from centre]. It is safe, but not quiet – at least not during weekends or festivals. At night it's a meeting point for som automotivo parties [cars and pick-ups full of music equipment blasting at full volume]. Since we have no place better to stay in Aracaju, we give you the gps waypoint anyway. gps: S 10.57.143 - W 37.02.692 São Christovão On the plaza, next to one of its many churches. gps: S 11.00.840 - W 37.12.452 Areia Branca – Parque dos Falcões [Park of Hawks] About 30 kilometres west of Aracaju [inland] lies Areia Branca. North of Areia Branca is a sign "Parque dos Falcões". Turn right and follow a 3 kilometre dirt track to reach the park. Good place to spend the night but even more to meet José Percíllio and his marvellous prey birds, which he protects and trains. gps: S 10.44.854 - W 37.22.626 Pirambu – Tamar turtle project About 30 kilometres north of Aracaju lies Pirambu, a fishing village in the dunes. A good place to spend the night but more to visit the Tamar project which by far and large is not as touristic as f.e. Praia Forte [Bahia]. Between Dec-March turtles lay their eggs here and there is a hatchery as well. gps: S 10.43.988 - W 36.50.617 27. State of Alagoa [Dec '10] Penedo In parking lot next to Hotel Colonial downtown [next to church NS da Correnta]. gps: S 10.17.472 - W 36.35.178 Praia Lagoa Pau [near Pontal de Coruribe] Astounding beach, with other other side a sweet water river to rinse. Just perfect. gps: S 10.07.822 - W 36.06.690 Maceió Toyota garage Helpful and professional! gps: S 09.37.423 - W 35.44.328 Bladveren bedrijf - Casa das Molas One of the most proffesional Coen has encountered in South America. www.casadasmolas-al.com.br gps: S 09.33.987 - W 35.46.892 Tourist Information At Memorial a Rebuplica] they have practical tourist information as well as maps of Alagoas and Maceió. gps: S 09.40.249 - W 35.43.681 Praia de Croa [near Barra de Santo Antônio] Fish restaurants, quiet night along the beach, entrance of Praia de Carro Quebrado [15 kilometres of beach driving, only possible during low tide]. gps: S 09.24.486 - W 35.29.815 Praia Barra di Camarajibe [south São Miguel dos Milagres] Awesome beach, quiet night at the end of a dead-end street. gps: S 09.17.724 - W 35.23.719 Praia Patacho [north São Miguel dos Milagres] Awesome beach, camped majestically in all solitude among coconut trees. gps: S 09.11.671 - W 35.18.553 Information on Alagoas - Top Accommodation in Alagoas: Pousada Villa Pantai - Boat trips on the Atlantic Ocean of Alagoas 28. State of Pernambuco [Jan '11] Brejo do Madre de Deus [northwest Caruarú, 910 metres] Beautiful meandering off-road to Piscina Brejo do Madre de Deus, with 3 swimming pools. Quiet night camping in the parking lot gps: S 08.09.275 - W 36.24.211 East of Arapina [route PE 585, 745 metres] Coming from the east it is the last part of the pleasant higher altitude [cooler nights], where we camped on the premises of a small restaurant in the middle of nowhere. gps: S 07.31.382 - W 40.29.462 29. State of Paraíba [Jan '11] Barra do São Miguel [509 metres] Peaceful rough camp just north of town. gps: S 07.45.003 - W 36.19.465 Hotel Fazenda Lajedo de Pai Mateus [433 metres] According to the LP this is near São João de Cariri, but drive 30 kilometres further east, to Boa Vista We enjoyed the place, interesting phenomena these lonely boulders on a hill. Spent the night in the parking lot. gps: S 07.23.470 - W 36.19.175 Vale dos Dinosauros, Sousa [228 metres] We were not impressed with this historic site. Good place to camp though. gps: S 06.43.959 - W 38.15.714 30. State of Piauí [Jan '11] Rough camping Nationaal Park Serra da Capivara [538 metres] Along the side of the road, well hidden behind bushes gps: S 08.46.84 - W 42.28.823 São Raimundo Notato [340 metres] In the parking lot of Hotel Serra Capivara, along the road leading north to Teresina. gps: S 09.00.182 - W 42.41.634 Santa Filomena [368 metres] Camped a couple of kilometres east of Santa Filomena along the side of the road. Only later discovered that across the road there is a much more beautiful camping spot with awesome view. gps: S 09.07.362 - W 45.52.660 31. State of Tocantins [Jan '11] Alta Parnaíba [310 metres] [southern tip of Maranhão state] Excellent welding Camped on the premises of 'Oficina Tecnometal - Torneariea e Mecânica' [owner Jonas]. Nothing special in terms of camping [hot shower, though], but place to get excellent welding done. We are very content with how they welded the spare diesel tank underneath the Land Cruiser again. gps: S 09.06.525 - W 45.56.411 Between Lizarda and São Felix do Jalapão [or: SF do Tocantins] [332 metres] At least when raining only doable with 4x4. Lots of eroded tracks. Beautiful area for rough camping. This is just one of the many good spots for camping. gps: S 10.03.538 - W 46.58.398 South of São Felix do Jalapão at Cachoeira da Formiga [460 metres] Camping costs 10 reais pp, entrance to waterfall 5 reais. Toilet is hole in the ground behind a piece of plastic. Too much money for the facilities. But, the waterfall is worth a visit and swim. gps: S 10.20.037 - W 46.28.255 East of Mateiros [Jalapão], at the entrance to the dunes [473 metres] Entrance fee for dunes: 5 reais. Can't spend the night in the dunes so we rough camped in front of the entrance. Quiet place. gps: S 10.36.166 - W 46.39.698 32. State of Pará [Jan '11] Belèm: shipping company to Amapá J. Sabino Filho - Tropical Transportes Rua do Cruzeiro 985 [between R. 15 de Agosto and R. Juvêncio Sarmento] Icoaraci [north of downtown] sails on Monday, Wednesday, Friday gps: S 01.17.539 - W 48.28.922 33. State of Amapá [Feb '11] Port of Santana, from where the ferry plies to Belèm gps: N 00.00.217 - W 51.12.136 Santana: petrol station Texaco, near the port. Safe, quiet, clean place to spend the night. gps: N 00.01.383 - W 51.09.895 Macapá: Jeep Club [president is João] gps: N 00.02.505 - W 51.06.448 34. Lourenço [Feb '11] gold mine, spent the night at the station of the Policía Militar [166 metres] gps: N 02.18.497 - W 51.38.344 35. Oiapoque [Feb '11] Visa - pasport Policia Federal gps: N 03.50.617 - W 51.50.094 Car papers Receita Federal gps: N 03.50.951 - W 51.49.905 Car ferry to ship to French Guiana Verschepingsmaatschappij Lunay gps: N 03.50.633 - W 51.50.372