On the trail of giant mines

Hey Roadstars, today our adventure on the Serra Branca begins.

The off-road route is part of the Serra da Canastra in Minas Gerais and rewards us at about 1,340 metres above sea level with a beautiful panoramic view. For our Axor, the climb is no problem: with all-wheel drive and low-range gearing we go uphill slowly but comfortably. We also master the washed-out sections easily thanks to the large tyres.

In the valley, however, it's a different story. There the cattle gates suddenly become narrow, and the vegetation hangs low and thick over the road. That makes the drive considerably more challenging. Especially for me, Mike. I have to be careful not to slide into the ditch and not to scratch the Axor on the branches. But it's worth it: the small villages are beautiful, and the cheese tastings are excellent. 

The name "Minas Gerais" derives from the large number and variety of mines. They have been in operation since the 17th century and continue to shape the state's economy to this day. We follow the Estrada Real, Brazil's largest historic route, which stretches for over 1,630 kilometres. In the 18th century it was developed by the Portuguese crown for the transport of gold and diamonds, and it links historic towns from the coast deep into the interior. As we travel through mountain landscapes and historic villages, we experience a fascinating mix of history, culture, nature and gastronomy.

After that we continue to Belo Horizonte. We drive along the motorway, past huge mines – so large that we drive alongside them for kilometres. Once in the city, the camping idyll is over and we mainly look for a safe, well-located parking spot. Not so easy. In the end we are between a railway line and the bypass, but right in the centre.