German
Brazil: Salto del Guaira, Refúgio Canaã & trucks
June 2024
Border crossing Salto del Guaira, Paraquay to Brazil
Due to the return traffic on a public holiday, there was total chaos at the border. The vehicles were no longer separated or checked, but simply waved through. Nevertheless, there were still kilometers of traffic jam in front of the customs office. As we still had some wine with us, this situation didn't make us unhappy.
We were supposed to clear migration
and customs in the town Guaira. However, the offices were closed for a public holiday. So, we spent the night at the Centro Nautico.
The next day was Friday, and the officer at the closed gate at the migration office told us through the intercom that there was no work today and that we should come back on Monday. We didn't let up and after listing a few arguments, he made his way out to the gate to collect our passports. That's possible!
After a short time, he brought our stamped passports with 90-day visas. TIP, customs documents for the vehicle, we did not get any with the explanation that this was linked to the personal visa.
Claro SIM card for Brazil
To get a SIM card for Brazil in a Claro store, you need to have a personal Brazilian identification number from the tax office. As we didn't want to apply for one and wait days for it, we took the short detour via a cell phone and accessories store, where the seller sold us a SIM card using her identification number and immediately topped it up with a monthly package we wanted. The amount can then be topped up in any pharmacy.
Refugio Canaa
After about 20 km of well-maintained dirt road, we reached Refúgio Canaã. Camping, day and hotel guests have access to a huge site with bathing areas, bar and restaurant.
Fortunately, we were still in the low season there during the week. We came here for the parrots and other animals. Apart from a few day visitors, we were the only campers.
During the season, especially at weekends, the place is said to be flooded with Brazilians without the slightest fear of contact. We were lucky.
Trucks 30m long with up to nine axles
On the mostly very generously developed long-distance roads, the monsters are not much of a problem, as they usually drive 90 to 110 km, unless they are going uphill. The situation is different on kilometers of roadworks or on secondary roads.
When driving, it is too often noticeable that the length of the truck is out of proportion to the driver's brain.
Close, closer, too close
Around the world, we repeatedly experienced how other campers got as close as possible to us on large, empty overnight spots. No fear of contact. Very often people traveling by car and sleeping in them.
Another such situation recently. We are sitting in our vehicle having dinner. A car pulls up in front of us and an elderly couple set up a tent and a shower tent less than two meters away. They also set up an outdoor kitchen.
We waited until they had finished setting up and then kept a distance of 30 meters!
