One last adventure in Minas Gerais

The route takes us through picturesque colonial towns and charming villages that are hardly touristy. We drive over beautiful mountain passes and repeatedly discover wild campsites with breathtaking views across the wide-open landscape. It is the rainy season in Brazil, so we have to plan carefully. In return, we can expect pleasant temperatures between 20 and 30 degrees. We especially enjoy strolling through the villages and stopping in cosy cafés. However, we can’t drive into most town centres with our Axor because they are limited to 7 tonnes — our Axor weighs 13 tonnes. 

The end of this route is Diamantina, once the centre of diamond mining in Brazil and the seat of the Portuguese crown for the administration of gemstones. From here our route leads on to the Rio São Francisco – the longest river that runs entirely through Brazil. It rises in the Serra da Canastra, crosses several states and finally flows into the Atlantic.

In Pirapora, the historic Benjamim Guimarães awaits us, the world's last working paddle steamer from 1913, which is back on the river after an extensive restoration.

Another highlight is an old church reclaimed by nature. For Andrea as a photographer, an absolute must. 

One evening we are standing a little way off on a side road when we suddenly hear the unmistakable call of hyacinth macaws, the largest flying parrot species.

Of course we jump out straight away and try to catch a brief glimpse of these impressive birds.