Route suggestions needed: Brazil and Venezuela
 

I will be riding from Buenos Aires, through Brazil and Venezuela, to Colombia beginning in July and am looking for route suggestions. I just came down the Pacific side of South America (Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Chile) so don't want to return that way.

Also, anyone with current information about security issues going through Venezuela, especially Venezuela to Colombia, please let me know. According to the US Dept of State, this part is very dangerous. But they aren't always to be believed, and I prefer info from people who have recently done it. Thanks

Check my blog out (link in Sig). Lots about that route there...

Venezuala is fine. Just be prepared for road blocks, security checks etc.

I suggest crossing into Brazil at Iguazu then head east to the coast. Just take the coast roads up the east coast up to Sau Paula, Curitiba then to Rio de Janeiro.. It would be a crime to miss Rio on the way up..

I take it you will be taking the Amazon Ferry from Belem to Manaus ?

Thanks Ted. Yes, planning on taking a boat from Belem to Manaus. Aside from Iguasu and Rio, any other "don't miss" places along the coastal route? I have been to Sao Paulo twice on business and will miss it if at all possible.

I'll dig out my map tongiht and have a look.

We found some simply stunning places. Brazil is BEAUTIFUL up the coast..

Ted, I enjoyed your blog. Mine is at South At Sixty if you're interested in seeing what the other side of the continent was like. I look forward to some Brazil suggestions.

Another Route
 

There is another route, "up the middle". Take beautiful back roads from Iguacu north across the Parana (at Guaira 24-03-30 S and 54-15-26 W). then find your way north and west to Bonito (21-07-52 S and 56-28-50 W) There you will find incredible clear mineral waters where you can scuba dive in caves among the fish! From there it is just a "hop-skip-and-a-jump" to see the Gran Pantanal (just north of there).

Then head east to Campo Grande, and turn north towards Rondonopolis. Before you get to Coxim, stop for a few days at "Rio Verde de Mato Grosso", a neat hostal, campground and restaurant, right beside 7 waterfalls and pools at 18-56-22 S and 54-54-05 W. (See my blog for details).

From Rodonopolis, turn nortwest to Cuiaba, a modern city right in the middle of the jungle! 45 min north of there are the famous Chapada dos "Guimaraes". Continuing northwest and north to Porto Velho (don't miss Vila Bela (15-00-15 S and 59-56-52 W) beside the infamous "Lost World" plateau ( 14-57-51 S and 60-03-32 W) just 2 hours off the main highway!

From Porto Velho you can take a boat to Manaus down the Madeira River, or continue to Humaita and catch the boat there. This whole way from Iguacu is paved and extreemly beautiful.

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Best of Luck, Toby :mchappy: :mchappy: :mchappy: