Bom Jesus da Lapa (BA) – Wonder of Wilderness

Factsheet 4×1

Date: 09/06/2012 to 10/06/2012

Saímos of: Alto Paraíso-GO

Destination: Bom Jesus da Lapa, BA

Distance: 593 km

Travel time: 9 hours (including stops for bathroom, lunch and photos)

Path: Following the recommendation of an experienced truck driver in the region, High left-GO Paradise by the road towards New Rome-GO (90 km of dirt road with an average speed of 35 km / h e 20 km de asfalto). Before joining New Rome-GO, took a "shortcut" towards the city of Iaciara-GO and from there went to Posse GO, Goian last city before you arrive BR-020. This gives access to the BR-349, It is now in Bahia within, that cam à Direto Bom Jesus da Lapa, BA. The last stretches impressed by the quality of the road.

Where to sleep: Parking of the Fathers, where we could camp with Tanajura

Tire cheio: Grandeur and beauty in the Sanctuary of Bom Jesus da Lapa! it was about to say that, the feeling is indescribable look closely at the Shrine. A national treasury in the middle of Bahia.

Tire murcho: Eyes open! Despite not having anything happened to us, we were repeatedly advised to keep our cameras and other valuables, as petty theft are still quite common in the city.

Bom Jesus da Lapa (BA) – Wonder of Wilderness

Bom Jesus da Lapa came by chance in our roadmap, When looking for a rest stop between the Chapada Diamantina and Veadeiros. But, at first sight of the shrine town of Bahia harbors, just wonder how this was not a proper target of our trip. No wonder they say is one of 7 Wonders of Brazil.

We arrived at dusk in the city and far as we could appreciate its beauty, with a wonderful view of the River Sanctuary San Francisco giving us welcome. We could not wait and went straight to the site. Built in the midst of a magnificent caves of massive limestone 90 meters, the sanctuary is breathtaking.

The site was discovered in 1691 by the Portuguese Francisco Mendonça Sea, that after donating their goods and walk inland hinterland in penance with the image of Bom Jesus, found an ideal place to set up his cross and devote the rest of their lives to prayer and helping the needy. Since then, the city has developed along with the Sanctuary, which now receives millions of people in the pilgrimage that is one of the largest in the country.

We ran the city in search of a place to rest. Because camping was not an option there, look for hotels and hostels. There were several, but we had trouble finding a location that Tanajura to behave safely. After various indications, we come to what the Fathers called Parking, next to the city's bus, where the buses that brought the pilgrims usually stay parked. It was the perfect place to stay Tanajura. And if she would stay right there, we also would! We talked to the staff who worked in the parking lot and allowed us to camp there as well. We spent the night for an incredible $ 10 per day, nothing else. Benefits of having the tent with us automotive. All though the dance that inspired the bash in the city was not the best of things for our sleep, but until the night was not bad. Until we take a bath there. Better than it was dinner for less than $ 5 dollars per person (sandwich + beer), which made us remember how assail us in big cities like Sao Paulo.

Next day, early in the morning, back to the Shrine, where we would try to talk with Father Casimir, that lives long in the city and according to the staff parking, could share a valuable life experience with us. Unfortunately he was watching the celebration of masses, afinal was domingo. Then, decided to learn more about the Sanctuary before leaving the Chapada Diamantina, where he wanted to reach before dark. We climbed the tower of the Sanctuary to admire the view of the city and then, a local guide accompanied us for a visit to the caves. Pilgrims walk the caves in search of the "water of miracles", who believe they have divine powers. Or not believed, the site is actually surrounded by a mystique that enchants even those who do not follow the Catholic religion.

Will travel. Bom Jesus da Lapa was a pleasant discovery, those that are difficult in more traditional routes. Now we are finding traveling with freedom of choice gives us this kind of surprise.