DO LADO DE LÁ, in Aiuruoca, Minas Gerais, is the highest pousada in Brazil.

Sunday, 14 February 2010

DO LADO DE LÁ, in Aiuruoca, Minas Gerais, is the highest pousada in Brazil.

By Antonella Kann

Located in the state of Minas Gerais, at 1900 meters above sea level, Do Lado de Lá is the highest pousada in Brazil. And a haven for nature lovers. But don´t expect luxury or pampering: there´ll be neither in-room massage nor personal 24hrs butler in this rustic pousada.

You feel like you are on top of the world, surrounded by the Atlantic forest, waterfalls and vegetation. And that´s all the luxurious atmosphere of the Serra do Papagaio, in Aiuruoca, a region located almost 270 kilometres from Rio de Janeiro. Even the name of the place is hard to pronounce - and even harder to remember.

With such a conspicuous name, Do Lado de Lá ( which means On the Other Side) has less than 10 accommodations and those range from standard rooms with shared bathroom up to bungalows with private Jacuzzi. As you have probably guessed, it’s an all-inclusive establishment (there´s nowhere else to eat, anyway!), with honest and simple home-made food cooked in the old fashioned way – on the woodstove.

You can´t help but be awed by the surrounding landscape and scenery, whatever your relationship with nature. If you are a hiker, there are plenty of trails to explore in the surrounding area, some leading to gorgeous waterfalls. If your trade is photography, then try to catch the subtle changes of light or even the sudden darkness of an approaching thunderstorm, which may reveal itself as an inspiration. Also, there´s a natural pool right beside the pousada for those who want a refreshing dip.

But, for those seeking a romantic refuge to relax, where cell phones and internet connections are to be forgotten, then obstacles must be faced to reach this place : the last steep climbs of the dirt road demands not only a 4x4 vehicle but your ability to manage the wheel in challenging conditions. Do Lado de Lá certainly deserves its name: remember that you will sleep at 1900 meters of altitude, in the highest pousada in Brazil.