Tudo o que você precisa saber antes de ir à Estrada Real

Summary

This video offers an in-depth guide to traveling the Estrada Real, a historic route in Brazil that spans over 1,600 kilometers through Rio de Janeiro, São Paulo, and Minas Gerais. The hosts, Mari and Plácido, share essential tips and insights, including the best time to visit, recommended routes, and unique attractions along the way. From picturesque villages to natural wonders and historical landmarks, the Estrada Real offers a blend of adventure and history. They also highlight useful apps for the journey, such as those for hiking, camping, and discovering local waterfalls.

Takeaways

• 😀 The Real Road (Estrada Real) spans 1,600 kilometers through Rio de Janeiro, São Paulo, and Minas Gerais, offering a historic and scenic journey.
• 😀 The Real Road was originally established in the 17th century to transport gold and diamonds from Minas Gerais to the ports of Rio de Janeiro and Paraty.
• 😀 The route is divided into several sections: Diamantina to Ouro Preto, the Old Gold Road to Paraty, a New Road, and the Province Road connecting Petrópolis and Paraíba do Sul.
• 😀 Travelers can get a passport for the Real Road, which gets stamped at various cities along the route, marking progress in the journey.
• 😀 A religious route, connecting the National Sanctuary of Aparecida to the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Piety, is also available with a different passport for religious travelers.
• 😀 The best time to visit is during the cooler months (April to September), as summer (October to March) is hot and rainy, making trails more challenging.
• 😀 You can explore various festivals and events in the towns along the Real Road, allowing you to personalize your travel itinerary.
• 😀 The route is well-signposted with totems, which help travelers navigate, especially in confusing areas or crossroads.
• 😀 Many sections of the Real Road require off-road vehicles, but most parts can be traveled with a regular car. Prepare for diverse terrains, including paved roads, cobblestone paths, and dirt roads.
• 😀 Mobile apps like 'Cachoeiras da Estrada Real' help you locate waterfalls along the route, while apps like 'MaxMe' offer offline maps for navigation in remote areas.
• 😀 Several apps, such as 'Uai Over Luanda' and 'Má Campi', provide information on camping spots, both wild and official, for travelers looking for outdoor experiences.

Q & A

What is the Caminho Real, and what is its historical significance?

The Caminho Real (Royal Road) is a historic route that was used in the 17th century to transport gold and diamonds from Minas Gerais to the ports of Paraty and Rio de Janeiro. The route played a crucial role in Brazil's colonial economy, facilitating the movement of precious resources to Portugal. Today, it is a major tourist attraction that highlights Brazil's history and natural beauty.

What states does the Caminho Real pass through?

The Caminho Real spans over 1,600 kilometers, passing through the states of Rio de Janeiro, São Paulo, and Minas Gerais.

What are the three main segments of the Caminho Real?

The Caminho Real is divided into three main sections: 1) the 'Diamantina' route connecting Diamantina to Ouro Preto, 2) the 'Caminho Velho' (Old Path) that goes to Paraty and Rio de Janeiro, and 3) the 'Novo Caminho' (New Path), which was designed to make the journey easier and faster.

What is the 'Caminho Religioso' of the Caminho Real?

The 'Caminho Religioso' is a religious path within the Caminho Real that links the Sanctuary of Our Lady Aparecida in São Paulo to the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Piety in Caeté. It offers pilgrims a spiritual journey and includes a special passport for those completing it.

When is the best time to visit the Caminho Real?

The best time to visit the Caminho Real is during the autumn and winter months, from April to September, as these seasons are drier and cooler, making it ideal for hiking and exploring. However, if you prefer waterfalls, visiting in the summer months (October to March) is better as they are more accessible during the rainy season.

What kind of terrain can travelers expect along the Caminho Real?

The terrain of the Caminho Real varies significantly, ranging from paved roads to cobblestone paths and dirt tracks. Some parts of the route can be challenging to access, especially for vehicles that are not equipped for rough terrain. However, most sections can be navigated with a regular car, although a 4x4 vehicle is recommended for certain parts.

How can travelers collect stamps along the Caminho Real?

Travelers can obtain a special 'Caminho Real' passport at tourist information points along the route. As they visit towns on the route, they can collect stamps in their passports, marking their progress through the journey.

What are some of the most notable places along the Caminho Real that the hosts recommend?

Some of the highlights along the Caminho Real mentioned by the hosts include Carrancas, Lavras Novas, Ouro Preto, Caraça, Serra do Cipó, Lapinha da Serra, Milho Verde, and Diamantina. These destinations are known for their natural beauty, historic significance, and local culture.

What mobile apps do the hosts recommend for traveling along the Caminho Real?

The hosts recommend several apps for travelers on the Caminho Real, including 'Cachoeiras da Estrada Real' for discovering waterfalls, 'Max Me' for offline maps and trails, 'Uai Over Luanda' for finding free and wild campsites, and 'Má Campi' for locating official campsites along the route.

Is it necessary to follow the Caminho Real strictly, or can travelers explore other areas?

While the Caminho Real is a well-marked route, travelers are encouraged to explore surrounding areas as well. The region is full of beautiful sights and hidden gems, and leaving the official path to visit nearby towns and attractions is perfectly fine.