Travel information
There is not much to see in Caravelas itself (the continental part) and people normally go to Caravelas to visit and dive in Abrolhos an archipelago off Caravelas coast.
While in Caravelas you must see:
- Abrolhos - It is an archipelago off the coast of Caravelas. The best time to visit is between July and November when whales arrive from Antarctica to breed in its warm coastal waters…
- Parcel das Paredes - If you are going to Parcel das Paredes be ready to spend the night. If a rocking boat is a problem, you're better off not going or you should take something for sea sickness. A good choice of guide is Sérginho (also, go with him to the Mangue, see below). His contact is as follows: Sérgio Freire, phone (073) 8808 9987
- Mangue - Mangue stands for mangrove in Portuguese.
There are many different types of fish, shrimp, crabs, oyster (which can be harvested in the mangrove and eaten on the spot). Alongside the river there are the people locally known as ribeirinhas.
These people live pretty much an unspoiled way of life in the quietness of the river. If you have the opportunity, you should visit them. They are very welcoming and humble people who enjoy talking to outsiders.
If you plan to visit the mangrove and swim among the mangrove trees, make sure you have a T-shirt on you. There are loads of tiny fish around looking for food and they tend to bite. It does not hurt, but for those not used to it may be an odd and uncomfortable experience.
Also do not step on the mangrove ground. You should float at all times! The main reason for not stepping on the ground is that it after the low tide the oysters end up hidden in the water and if you step on them you can cut yourself pretty bad.
If you plan to visit the mangue, you will go on a small fishing boat and spend the day out. You can contact Sérginho who is a great guide and will show the place. He also owns a nice restaurant where he is the chef... He's a great cook! The contact details are: Sérgio Freire, phone (073) 8808 9987.- Caribê River
It is one of the arms of the main river and its banks are covered mainly in mangroves. The forest around the river is intact and keeps its natural untouched beauty.
Photos from Caravelas, Brazil
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By car
- From the north, continue on BR101 until you reach Teixeira de Freitas. From here you will drive for about 90km before you reach Caravelas.
- From the south, turn right and head towards Juerana village. This is the quickest way of coming from the south if you're driving a good four-wheel drive. In total it is a stretch of 80km of really bad road until you reach Caravelas.
- If your car is not four-wheel drive, carry on BR101 continue on BR101 until you reach Juerana). From here you will drive for about 90km before you reach Caravelas.
NOTE: These roads are pretty good and you can develop some good speed, but you should be aware of pedestrians and animals crossing the road. There are many people cycling between towns and they do not pay much attention when crossing the road. Animals are also a problems due to the farms surrounding the road. "Blind bends" are extremely dangerous, so do not enter them on full speed. Always reduce your speed. If driving at night you MUST DOUBLE YOUR ATTENTION and run-overs of humans and animals are frequent in this road.
By Bus
Simply take any bus going to Caravelas. The bus station is in the heart of town, but the town is very small, so no need to despair thinking you're lost. In five minutes you find your way around.
Photos from Caravelas, Brazil
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On foot
It is the best way to get around town. It is very small town and you can basically reach anywhere on foot.
By car
Not much need for a car. Once you arrive with your car and park it at the hotel, you probably won't need it until you're leaving town. Unless, of course, you're too lazy to walk... :o)
By boat
It is not for getting around town, but is a good way to know Viçosa and Caribê rivers and their beautiful mangroves.
Photos from Caravelas, Brazil
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- Carenagem restaurant
Photos from Caravelas, Brazil
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Not many places to go, but there are some nice local bars where you can mingle with the locals. A nice restaurant (with good food) is Carenagem at the end of the main road next to the gas station.
Photos from Caravelas, Brazil
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