BRAZIL BY MOTO

My name is Nichola, and I got your message via Hospitality Club. There I use a nickname which is isauro.

It seems really a great thing to do, by motorcycle to ride coutries worldwide. I also like nature and wildlife, as it seems to please you.

By these days, I am just moving from Minas Gerais' capital city Belo Horizonte to a much smaller city in the countryside of the state called Passos. Sorry if my reply did not come fast, it is just the rush of the moment.

Well, I would like to speak a little about Minas Gerais, or MG as we use write. MG is a big state, about the same size as France. It does not have coast, but is well known for its great landscapes.

Doing the trip by motorcycle is a very good way to discover the state. There are plenty of places to see and travel to, and I think you will not be disappointed.

There are some mountain chains (serra, as we call it - pronounce it like say'-rah) worth of visit. For instances, Serra do Cipo', not far from the capital (about 100 km). There you find plenty of camping places, hostels, water falls, and great places to see. Also, there is the Serra da Canastra, some 400-500 km from Belo Horizonte. Waterfalls and wildlife, as well as the birthplace of the great river Sao Francisco. There are some big artificial lakes in the state, as the Represa de Furnas, Represa Tres Marias, Represa dos Peixotos, which are good places to go. The state is so huge, that everything I tell you here is just the top of an iceberg of possibilities.

If you come from Rio de Janeiro (i.e., from the south), you have the Serra da Mantiqueira, at the entrance of the state, and the Ibitipoca National Park, which are worth of visit. Also, you have the possibility of visiting the historic cities of the state, which show the history of the time of gold mining (therefore Minas Gerais, or General Mines) in the state. Go to Tiradentes and Sao Joao del Rei, Ouro Preto and Mariana. Around Belo Horizonte there are Sabara' , Caete' and Santa Barbara, and after the Serra do Cipo' (riding north) you have Conceicao do Mato Dentro, Serro and Diamantina, all historic cities and nice places.

Well, this are general hints. It depends on how long are you staying, and where you decide to go (I did not mention the north of the state, arid, dry, almost a desert, and economically very poor, but in many ways also interesting to see). Tips on the small things, such as restaurants etc. you will find in the cities' of the region travel agencies, touristic information and, I believe, although not easy to find english speakers, gas stations. If it is still time, write me more about your itinerary, and I may be of more help. I have some travel experience in the state, and I can also give some personal advices on places I visited. My cell phone is (31) 9106-8203 and you may call whenever you need to ask help or any information.

I hpe I could be of some help. Narrowing the scope of the state, I may give you more specific advice. Don't hesitate writing or calling me, I will be glad to help and/or meet you.

Good luck, and good adventures.

Greetings,

Nichola

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