Ola! Como vai? I'm David, an American planning on riding my motorcycle from Asuncion, Paraguay (where I am now) up the Brazilian coast. I already rode the bike down from the USA to Argentina. Anyway, I have a a bunch of questions for you folks. Would love your help with any of the following:

1) I have about 4-6 months budgeted for Brazil. I'm debating which month to enter. At a minimum, I'd like to be there for New Years, and Carnival. Would you recommend entering October/November? I'd like to head for Florianoplis but I want the weather to be awesome when I get there.
2) Any concerts/festivals I can look forward to over the months November ==> March?
3) Any awesome motorcycle routes I should catch?
4) If you have any sources of information/websites/etc for planning my trip thru Brazil? Is there an ADVRider equivalent in Portugese? I'd like to ask these same questions there (via Google Translate :P)
5) If you would be open to letting me throw up my tent or crash on your living room floor (I have a pad) as I'm travelling let me know. I have a pretty decent couchsurfing profile: https://www.couchsurfing.org/profile.html?id=41NQPPU
6) Can you recommend anything for picking up the Portugese language?
7) Is there a website for motorcycle rallies/clubs?
8) I'd like to explore perhaps selling the motorcycle in Brazil. Has anyone had any experience with this? Any useful websites for listing it?

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Hi I'm David; headed to South America via a Suzuki V-Strom 650.
http://www.davidparkinson.com

Brazil is my favorite country in South America. So much to see and the people I met were the incredibly friendly and happy.

What you won't like about Brazil is the great distances between places (it is a very big country) and the gas prices are high (they are also high is ethanol, which mean lower performance for the buck.) Take the cost of Brazilian gas and some other items as the price of adventure. Buck it up and enjoy the country. Because if the higher costs (similar to Argentina) your 4-6 month budget is probably a 4 month budget.

Couchsurfing worked very in Brazil. As always. plan to stay with a hot for at least two nights, so you don't treat them like a free hotel. Talk about your motorcycle trip in you Couchsurfing profile, it will make you stand out. Worked for me. There are plenty of auto/love hotels in Brazil. I stayed in two or three.

I stumbled into a motorcycle rally south of Porto Seguro. I recommend stopping in motorcycle shops and asking for dates. If you see "motorcycle gangs" then do approach them. Unless they look like they eat babies for breakfast, then chances are they are really nice people and will help you out. There are tons or motorcycle clubs in Brazil. Two riders and a sticker is all that is required. =)

Search Google for "annual weather in _______" and you'll see the rain fall by month. The annual weather patterns vary around Brazil. Where are you planning to go after Brazil?

Your spanish will be helpful when asking questions. Understanding the replies may be a challenge. Wish I had some tips for you.

Recife is reported to be the best place for Carnival. Rio is very commercial and expensive. Lodging prices will be high, so give it some thought before hand.

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Peter B
2008/09 - NJ to Costa Rica and back to NJ
2012/13 - NJ to Northern Argentina, Jamaica, Cuba and back to NJ
2023 - Peru, Brazil, Paraguay, Argentina, Chile, Bolivia...back to Peru.

Blogs: Peter's Ride

Oi David,

I´ll post here too for the benefit of others.

"Hello, it appears that you have time in your hands. From Florianopolis to Rio I would strongly suggest to avoid the main highways, to the extent possible, and pick instead secondary roads. Leaving Florianopolis, take 101 and turn right on Araguari (before Joinville) and go to Sao Francisco do Sul, a nice old town with a nice Museum of traditional Brazilian boats, most wooden made. From there, head up north to Guaratuba (you may take a ferry) and then Antonina/Morretes, and from there up Serra da Graciosa, a nice and scenic old brick road that will take you to BR 116. While in the region of Antonina/Morretes, you may want to visit Ilha do Mel (Google it to see the attractions -- no vehicles allowed).

On BR 116, head north until Pedro Barros and then turn right on SP 55 that will take you to Peruibe. From there proceed on 55 towards Cubatao (boring) and follow the signs to Guaruja and be alert to signs for Sao Sebastiao, so you will continue on 55 along the coast (very scenic) up to Sao Sebastiao. I live on Ilhabela, an island right in front of Sao Sebastiao. If you want to make a stop, you are more than welcome to stay here for a couple of days to recharge batteries. Then proceed on 55 along the coast (scenic) and stop in Paraty, a beautiful and well preserved town from the colonial era. From there, continue on 55 to Angra dos Reis (Ilha Grande is a nice stop for a day or two, no vehicles allowed, beautiful place) and then straight to Rio. At this point, you will need precise instructions on how to enter Rio as it may be a bit tricky and perhaps dangerous. Then you are in Rio, beaches and girls, and you will have a very good time there. Have a safe journey!"

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Fernando Costa
Ilhabela, SP BRAZIL

Hello David, my name is Leandro and i live in Brazil. I awnswerd some of your questions.

1) I have about 4-6 months budgeted for Brazil. I'm debating which month to enter. At a minimum, I'd like to be there for New Years, and Carnival. Would you recommend entering October/November? I'd like to head for Florianoplis but I want the weather to be awesome when I get there.



2) Any concerts/festivals I can look forward to over the months November ==> March?

I don't know

3) Any awesome motorcycle routes I should catch?

David, near Florianopolis we have Serra do Rio do Rastro and Corvo Branco, going west. This locals are a big concentration of brazilian motorcyclists and is a very beutiful place. Near Florianopolis we have Bombinhas Beach, a awesome place. See the photos below.







4) If you have any sources of information/websites/etc for planning my trip thru Brazil? Is there an ADVRider equivalent in Portugese? I'd like to ask these same questions there (via Google Translate :P)

Yes, see Forum BigTrails and register

5) If you would be open to letting me throw up my tent or crash on your living room floor (I have a pad) as I'm travelling let me know. I have a pretty decent couchsurfing profile: https://www.couchsurfing.org/profile.html?id=41NQPPU

Yes, no problem, big trail members website can you help in this too.
I live i'm Ponta Grossa, about 500 km of distance of florianopolis, if you wish, you can sleep in my home too

6) Can you recommend anything for picking up the Portugese language?

Register in Forum BigTrails and we can talk in portuguese and English to help you to learn

7) Is there a website for motorcycle rallies/clubs?

Forum BigTrails
Motonline | Referência em Motos


8) I'd like to explore perhaps selling the motorcycle in Brazil. Has anyone had
any experience with this? Any useful websites for listing it?

You can use Anúncios grátis em Brasil, anúncios classificados em Brasil (Compra em Brasil, Venda em Brasil, Motor em Brasil, Moradia - Locais Comunidade em Brasil,...) and Classificados bomnegócio.com - Anúncios Classificados Grátis no Brasil: Carros, Motos, Casas, Apartamentos e outros produtos. but outside brazil motorcycles can not have legal motorcycle documents to ride because of legislation.
I have some contacts and i can help you to sell your bike

David, it's very beautiful places too.

Fernando tudo bem?
Legal encontrar mais brasileiros aqui.

Great tips Leandro, Rio do Rastro is really awesome.

I've heard that the beautiful Corvo Branco is currently under construction, so it would be good to check conditions before going there. In any event, Urubici is worth going to and Pedra Furada, which is close to Urubici, is really nice. Corvo Branco used to be one of my top spots but unfortunately is now being paved.

Legal mesmo ver outros brasileiros aqui Leandro, belas dicas!

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Fernando Costa
Ilhabela, SP BRAZIL

David
Let me know if intend to reach Bahia, and when that would be. I may be able to help you around here.
Cheers
Gui

Hi David, ! Greetings from the most warm and cozy country in the world.

My name is BokoMoko and I´ll be glad to answer your questions.

1) Since you intend to spend some time in Floripa (Florianopolis) you can enter in october and go to the "octoberfest" in Blumenau, next to Floripa. It´s a german party with lots of free and beautiful women. Blumenau has one of the largest german colonies in south america. From october on, you will have spring and summer. THis is the best time to go to Floripa, very sunny and warm. The city is beatiful and is on a even more beatiful island with 42 gorgeous beaches and full of beautiful women. Carnival is good only if you go at least to Rio de Janeiro. If you go to Rio, book only one day at the Escolas de Samba and make sure you spend some time at the Carnaval De Rua in Rio which has experienced a revival and is very nice. Some other good Carnival stops are Salvador and Recife/Olinda (where I live).

2) There is the Dream Valley Festival in the second week of november, right in the Santa Catarina State coast. There are many others on scheduled. I guess you would rather watch some brazilian music. Bear in mind that Brazil is very big and thus very musically rich.

3) the guys already hinted you on Serra do Rio do Rastro road. It´s amazing and a must see.

4) unfortunately there isn´t any such as ADVrider. But you can give www.tripadvisor.com a shot and participate on the www.portalbigtrails.com.br. Most of the people can read/write english. If you need assistante with translation, don´t hesitate to call me.

5) I have a spare room in Recife, northeast of Brazil. This is a must see. You gotta visit the northeast region to get to know the real underdeveloped and exotic Brazil. I´ll be glad to show you around. You just need to make friends with my three dogs (one rotweiller included).

6) Yes. I recommend you to get a girlfriend to hitchhike with you. It won´t be difficult for you. Floripa girls are the best. Just promise the lucky girl that you will take her on a one way trip to Nordeste (norhteast) and you´re done.

7) There are plenty of motorcycle club websites, most of then in portuguese. But you won´t need anyone else but www.portalbigtrails.com.br

8) I´m very sorry but you won´t be able to sell your bike in Brazil. Private import of motorcycle is forbiden by brazilian law. It´s very unfortunate but your bike will be granted a 3 month only permission to travel around Brazil. If you intend to spend more time you have to get out of Brazil and back again to renew the permit. You can easily do it in the Paraguay border in the south. Things will be more complicated to do this if you go to Nordeste. If the temporary permit is expired your bike will be confiscated and you may face charges of contraband. Don´t do that man.

If you need any further assistance, don´t hesitate to mail me at bokomoko@gmail.com

Please bear in mind that brazilians are very welcoming, very warm and get intimate very quickly. Most of the people don´t speak english very well but believe me, this will not be a problem. We Brazilians will find a way to help you even when we don´t understand a word you´re saying. We´re very good at body language.

Hey ! Wait a minute ! I Just saw a picture of you next to a boy ! Geez man, how tall are you ?? Is the boy a pygmy or you a giant ??? I´m not sure I have a bed big enough !!!

I would love to stay with you in Recife.

Thanks for your feedback on this. My friend has sold several bikes in South America including in Argentina and Venezuala. They were all foreign plated bikes. I know officially you can't do this, but I heard sometimes you can list your bike much cheaper than the local bikes and someone would figure out the paper work nightmare.

I'm not dead set on selling my bike though. But what I am concerned is the 3 month limit. I read this link about how there is no temporary import requirement anymore. Is this still the case?

I'm very excited to see Brazil... I am working on my Portugese and my Spanish is near fluent... so I think I'll be OK. And yes I'm quite tall, 2 meters!

Best,
David

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Hi I'm David; headed to South America via a Suzuki V-Strom 650.
http://www.davidparkinson.com

I wanted to thank all of you for the great recommendations. I will respond to you all individually, and I'm definitely looking forward to catching up with you for a . I'm getting quite excited for this final push up through Brazil/Venezuela.

Right now I'm trying to figure out the best routing from Ciudad del Este to Florianopolis. I will be in Ciudad del Este the 13th-15th of this month, then I need to be in Florianopolis from the 26th of October for a wedding.

So I have two routes I'm playing with. One is a bit shorter; but trying to take advantage of this Serra do Rio do Rastro and Corvo Branco you folks mentioned:

Shorter route direct from CDE to Florianoplis with rio de rastro & corvo blanco

And the second route is a little longer:
Longer route that touches Puerto Allegro and then hugs the coast

Any feedback on the two routes? Is 11 days enough to do either? It only looks to be 1000km or so.

I don't want to miss anything on the way to Florianoplis from Paraguay.

Best,
David

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Hi I'm David; headed to South America via a Suzuki V-Strom 650.
http://www.davidparkinson.com

David,

Unless you have a specific reason to go to Porto Alegre I would skip it.

Your Route 1 does not take you to Corvo Branco and Rio do Rastro. To get there, at one point in your route you should head south to Lages (perhaps Treza Tilias, and then take 282 to Lages). From Lages go to Sao Joaquim and then Bom Jardim da Serra which will lead you to Serra do Rio do Rastro. Don´t miss the belvedere on top of Rio do Rastro. The serra itself is rather short, so I´d suggest you go down and then back up enjoying the scenery. Hopefully the weather will be clear.

From Bom Jardim da Serra I would head to Urubici. You have to go back towards Sao Joaquim and then make a right onto SC 110 heading to Urubici. This stretch of road is a motorcyclist´s paradise. Beautiful curves extremely well designed with good visibility, nice scenery, you´ll have a blast.

Unfortunately Serra do Corvo Branco will be closed for a year beginning this coming weekend for construction work. But I would go to Urubici and visit morro da Igreja and Morro da Pedra Furada. You must get an authorization to have access; the authorization is obtained at a station located off the main street in Urubici. When entering the city look out for a Banco do Brasil agency and then turn right and first left; the station is right there. No fees.

Once you have visited Morro da Igreja I would go to the top of Corvo Branco to enjoy the scenery. If you are into hiking, rafting, etc, Urubici offers a lot, just ask around.

From Urubici I would head North on SC110 and then turn East on 282 which will take you to Florianopolis and you would avoid BR101 which is a PIA.

Have a safe trip!

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Fernando Costa
Ilhabela, SP BRAZIL

Can anyone recommend the good towns for David to visit that will be celebrating Oktoberfest? There is a sizable German-Brazilian community in the south of Brazil. I understand there are some great Oktoberfest parties. I passed through southern Brazil in December and missed all of them...

<burp>

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Peter B
2008/09 - NJ to Costa Rica and back to NJ
2012/13 - NJ to Northern Argentina, Jamaica, Cuba and back to NJ
2023 - Peru, Brazil, Paraguay, Argentina, Chile, Bolivia...back to Peru.

Blogs: Peter's Ride

Blumenau and Promerode

Apparently the Oktoberfest in Blumenau is in full swing till the 26th

Is this worth a detour to the route above?

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Hi I'm David; headed to South America via a Suzuki V-Strom 650.
http://www.davidparkinson.com

David, if you like partyinghttp://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hubb/images/smilies/chug.gif, which seems to be the case, I would consider going to Blumenau for the oktoberfest. After all, it is not that far from Florianopolis. The only thing is that I would carefully check beforehand on where to stay, the town must be packed for the party. Mind you, I´ve never been to the oktoberfest myself, but have always read good reviews.

Enjoy!

Fernando

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Fernando Costa
Ilhabela, SP BRAZIL