Want to know what Motor Home is? They are increasing every season in Brazil! What about you? Have you planned yours yet? Come with us and explore Brazil with a house on wheels!
When the urge to travel strikes, a lot of information is processed in your head: destination, accommodation, time, money, suitcases… oh, suitcases! How many to take? What to take? Will it be too heavy? Is the trunk of the car spacious enough? What if I forget something important? There are so many questions, but there is a solution: take your house on wheels! That’s right! How about getting ready for a motorhome trip in Brazil? Fasten your seat belts! Or better still: lock the doors and let’s get to know some destinations!
Traveling by motorhome is already a very common practice abroad, but experts guarantee that traveling in Brazil is safe, despite the terrible conditions of many roads, and a lot of fun, as well as comfortable, economical and with the facility to stop and continue whenever you wish. This trend has increased during the Covid-19 pandemic. Many tourists have kept traveling and, in the motorhome, they have isolated themselves socially, without distancing themselves from nature and the roads.
Getting to know places off the beaten track, camping, not being in a hurry to leave, not having to queue at airports and admiring the scenery are just some of the advantages of traveling with a “house on wheels”. This vehicle can take the form of a very comfortable and well-equipped house, with a fridge, hot shower, microwave, air conditioning, power generator and a nice, cozy bed to rest in!
To begin with, you need to know a little more about how to prepare for this type of trip. Partiu ser Nômade interviewed one of the owners of motorhome rental company Pura Vida, Paulo Roberto Uler Zanim. Check out the article and his tips!
Off to be a Nomad: How did Pura Vida come about?
Paulo Zanin: After a motorhome trip to the east coast of Australia in 2012, I, my brother Ricardo Zanim and my cousin Thiago Zanim returned to Brazil with the intention of offering what we saw there in this category. We were struck by how eye-catching the cars were, decorated with plots. And when you rented one of these vehicles, it was as if you were joining a community. There was constant communication on the road with other tourists traveling in the motorhome. We wanted to bring this to Brazil. It took five years of research to put together our business model, to make this type of rental viable here in the country.
Off to be a Nomad: What should tourists look out for when renting a motorhome?
Paulo Zanin: We instruct our clients to always plan their stops in detail. Research and prioritize campsites that accept motorhomes, because there they will be able to get support or clarify doubts if they need it, as well as safety.
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Off to be a Nomad: What categories of motorhome and how to choose?
Paulo Zanin: There are various models and sizes, depending on how many passengers and luggage you are willing to take. You have to choose the cars according to the profile of the group you are traveling with.
Going Nomad: Which driver’s license do I need?
Paulo Zanin: Generally, a B license is required to drive vans. What will decide the license is the weight of the vehicle and the passenger capacity. Up to 6,000 kilos and capacity for 8 people, the license is B.
Going Nomad: What are the essential items for this type of trip?
Paulo Zanin: Our rentals come with full kitchen facilities, which are essential for this type of trip. We also draw attention to the external items that will connect passengers to this type of travel, such as barbecues, camping tables and camping chairs. It’s important to take advantage of the external structure when traveling by motorhome. Of course, you can’t travel without car insurance. Items such as first aid and tools are also indispensable.
Going Nomad: How do you deal with the unexpected?
Paulo Zanin: It’s worth remembering that it’s a house on the move and in a constant state of “earthquake” due to the shaking of the roads. That’s why first aid items and a toolbox are essential. It happens that an awning slips or an internal door needs maintenance. It’s normal to have to make small repairs during your trip. These unforeseen events will later become stories and memories.
Going Nomad: How much does a motorhome cost per day?
Paulo Zanin: The daily rate has a variation, depending on the number of days, number of passengers, from R$500.00 to R$1000.00.
Off to be a Nomad: When traveling, what are your tips for sleeping?
Paulo Zanin: If you don’t have a campsite, opt for gas stations where truckers are driving. Look for places where there is some movement of people, that aren’t completely deserted. Some people park their motorhomes on the edge of beaches, for example. But make sure you respect traffic laws and don’t park in prohibited places.
Off to be a Nomad: There’s a lot of prejudice about Brazilian roads. Are they safe?
Paulo Zanin: Brazil’s roads have improved a lot in recent years with tolls. We have very good roads. You can do the same style of trip here as in Europe and the United States. Here, it requires a bit more planning, but that’s part of the trip.
Going Nomad: Suggest an itinerary for a beginner
Paulo Zanin: Places with camping facilities: from the coast of São Paulo to the northern coast of Rio Grande do Sul.
Going Nomad: Suggest an advanced itinerary
Paulo Zanin: Down from the coast of Santa Catarina to Gramado and Canela in Rio Grande do Sul and up through the Serra Catarinense.
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SUGGESTED ITINERARIES
Coast of Santa Catarina
Bombinhas
Guarda do Embaú
Praia do Rosa
Praia da Ferrugem
Praia de Itapema e Meia Praia
Florianópolis
Lagoa da Conceição
Balneário Camboriú
São Paulo coast
São Vicente Island
Bertioga
Guarujá
Santos
São Sebastião
Ilha Bela
Caraguatatuba
Ubatuba
South coast of Bahia
Abrolhos
Trancoso
Arraial D’Ajuda
Porto Seguro
Royal Road (Minas Gerais)
Caraça
Ouro Preto
Mariana
Lavras Novas
Tiradentes
São João del Rei
Carrancas
Serra Gaúcha
Lages
Bento Gonçalves
Cambará do Sul
Gramado
Canela
Caracol State Park
Fortaleza Canyon
Aparados da Serra National Park
Serra Catarinense
Urubici
Urupema
São Joaquim
Paraná – East to West
Vila Velha State Park
Carambeí Historical Park
Guartelá State Park
Iguaçu National Park
Entre Rios
Prudentópolis
Great Atlantic Forest Reserve
Ilha do Mel
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