Parque Nacional Caparaó in Brazil
This is one of the most popular parks in Minas, with good walking through strands of Atlantic rainforest, paramo and to the summits of three of Brazil's highest peaks, Pico da Bandeira (2890 m), Pico do Cruzeiro (2861 m) and the Pico do Cristal (2798 m). Wildlife is not as plentiful as it is in Caratinga as the park has lost much of its forest and its floral biodiversity. However, there are still a number of Atlantic coast primates here, such as the brown capuchins, together with a recovering bird population.
From the park entrance it is 6 km on a poorly maintained road to the car park at the base of the waterfall. From the hotel, jeeps run to the car park at 1970 m (2½ hours' walk), then it's a three- to four-hour walk to the summit of the Pico da Bandeira, marked by yellow arrows. There are plenty of camping possibilities all the way up, the highest being at
Terreirão
(2370 m). It is best to visit during the dry season (April to October), although it can be quite crowded in July and during Carnaval.
The park is 49 km by paved road from Manhuaçu on the Belo Horizonte-Vitória road (BR-262). If you have your own transport, drive from the BR-262, go through Manhumirim, Presidente Soares and Caparaó village, then 1 km further to the
Hotel Caparaó Parque
. There are bus services from Belo Horizonte (twice a day), Ouro Preto or Vitória, to Manhumirim, 15 km south of Manhuaçu. From Manhumirim, take a bus direct to Caparaó, or to Presidente Soares (7 km), then hitch 11 km to Caparaó.
To contact the park write to Caixa Postal 17, Alto Jequitibá, or telephone T255, via the operator on 101-PS 1, Alto do Caparaó.
Ibama
, www.ibama. com.br, also has information.
Situated 138 km north of Governador Valadares,
Teófilo Otoni
is popular with dealers of crystals and gemstones, and has the best prices in the state. There are various hotels . Regular buses arrive from Belo Horizonte and travel on to Porto Seguro via
Nanuque
, where it is possible to break the Belo Horizonte-Salvador journey, with accommodation near the
rodoviária
.
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This is edited copy from Footprint Handbooks. For comprehensive details (incl address, tel no, directions, opening times and prices) please refer to book or individual chapter PDF
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