Wednesday - December 02, 2009
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.
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
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
- 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
8. São Paulo [Apr '07]
Repairs on the exhaust 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, 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
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]
- Visconde de Mauá [1037 metres]
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]
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]
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]
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]
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]
Camped on the property of a farmer.
gps: S 20.35.953 - W 043.56.166
- Lavras Novas [1360 metres]
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]
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
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$10 [2 persons and car].
gps: S 25.36.295- W 054.31.474
15. Campo Grande and surroundings
- Campo Grande [Jul '09]
WIFI
Across from the Tourist Information Office [inside the building Morada dos Baís along the main road 'Avenida Afonso Pena'] you can ask for WIFI at McDonalds. They'll give you a card with password which is valid for an hour. There is also WIFI at the cafeteria of Carrefour, further down Avenida Afonso Pena [part of a large shopping mall].
Accommodation
Nothing special, but quiet petrol station [Petrobras, about 10 kms west of downtown]. Hot shower available.
gps: S 20.32.758- W 054.39.963
Information on Campo Grande
- tourist information and museums
- Bonito [Jul '07]
Campground "Gordo" [if I remember the name correctly] lies in a much nicer and quieter location than the better known campground "Balneario Municipal", where there is a lot of noise/ music from the adjacent public swimming pool.
"Our" campground is a bit more expensive [R$ 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].
- south 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
- 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
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
- Cuiabá churches and handicrafts
- Cuiabá tourist attractions
- 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
- Nationaal 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 meter/ 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
- tourist attractions in Chapada dos Guimarães; waterfalls and rock formations
- 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 in 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
- Adventure Travel 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
Informatie over Campo Novo do Parecis
- Campo Novo do Parecis adventure trips
- Sapezal [530 metress/ 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
- 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
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.