Altitude and Elevation in Brazil

My Carioca spouse still gets migraines here in YYC after 20 years, as we are at 3,800' ASL....   

It's a real thing.

Many, many moons ago I flew into La Paz, Bolivia and it took about a week to get used to the 14,000 (?) Feet atmosphere. A young girl that flew in with us had to be put on oxygen. We flew in while living in Panama City, Panama (right at about 50 feet above sea level, or so.

I lived in Utah the last 7 years or so at 4,500 feet and visits to higher altitudes. Seeing people come visit and try to get acclimated was interesting.

Speaking as a nurse, people need to be aware of the effects of high altitudes especially if they have never been accustomed to them anywhere in their life.

Ha! Thanks for sharing that Abthree. We're going back to Brasilia for the next three months. Fortunately we don't suffer from the altitude, but it is good to know for cooking at higher altitude.

12/13/23    Ha! Thanks for sharing that Abthree. We're going back to Brasilia for the next three months. Fortunately we don't suffer from the altitude, but it is good to know for cooking at higher altitude.
   

    -@EricPau

I'd never noticed being affected by altitude, either, and this was our second trip to Brasília this year.  Sometimes, it can just sneak up on you.  We were sleep deprived and anxious this time, and that probably made us more susceptible.

If you have the patience, here's a video on Brazil's  high altitude region on the borders of Sao Paulo, Rio de Janeiro, and Minas Gerais.  It's the Mantiqueira Mountain Range.   

https://youtu.be/o29VxS91sTo?si=QRlzOxi71jhxbnnU

The most notable point is Campos do Jordao, but there are far more affordable locales, as they are outlined on the documentary. I can think of Agulhas Negras, Serra Negra, Visconde de Maua,...

The narrative is in Portuguese, but you could care less to it.  The shots on the mountain, water falls, and the small hamlets are worth the time spent watching it. 

If anyone wants to be off the reservation, off the grid, this vaste region is worth exploring. 

Colder winters, given the elevation, no snow falls, btw. 

And look at those plantation houses. They are gorgeous and command one's attention.  If you are into rock climbing, bike trail riding, or simply watch time go by, these are unheralded locations worth a visit.

@sprealestatebroker

Thank you for the video link. My wife and I had fun watching it as we love that area. Her brother lives in Resende and we looked for land in and around Maria de Fe in Minas. Being born and raised in Pennsylvania, I especially loved the area. Moving to Brazil because I can't stand the cold any more though, it was difficult being in Maria when it dipped below 0 C (better than 0 F though)!

Outside Campos do Jordao, which is pricey to rent or buy, anything else is fair game. Specially around Minas Gerais. 

Everyone staking a flag in Campos do Jordao wants to setup a B&B or lodging of some sort.  it's a getaway for Paulistanos during the winter months. Kind of Tanglewood/Berkshires, with Open Classic Music Concerts, trails, Swiss lookalike Chalets.

So, moving into Minas, it's a lot less heralded, and unspoiled, and possibly less expensive.

Those plantation houses are as old as 300 years. 

Spacious homes

@sprealestatebroker

Thanks for the link to that beautiful area! Our home is up the mountains from Campos but I really don't notice altitude problems. It is pricy and getting more so though!

About the Mantiqueira mountain range....

To get you on the mood, here a son composed on the eighties that brings the region as the main theme for this song.  I heard on the radio way back on mid eighties, and recently had it back on my mind.

https://youtu.be/XoKRTWp9Pu4?si=w1RODq6fGXKksH_D

It was composed by Nelson Ayres, who is at the piano on this vids, and sang by Renato Braz, also present.  The music starts at 1:39, so you can skip the introductions. 

I'm going to guess the Mountain ranges in Santa Catarina and Rio Grande Do Sul hit some high elevations as well?

    I'm going to guess the Mountain ranges in Santa Catarina and Rio Grande Do Sul hit some high elevations as well?
   

    -@john8670

To my knowledge, yes. Santa Catarina has the municipality of Sao Joaquim, sometimes it has snow falls in the winter. No blizzards, though.