CONFERENCE
Mid-conference field trip
August 24th, 2016
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We will have four options for the one-day excursion. For each field trip, up to 42 spots will be offered to attendants. Minimum of 30 people for each excursion. Please choose one option when registering.
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Option 1 Ouro Preto and Itacolomi State Park (SOLD OUT)
Click here to download the excursion guide
Ouro Preto, a former colonial mining town and capital of Minas Gerais, is located in the Serra do Espinhaço mountains and designated a World Heritage Site. The main vegetation types at the Itacolomi State Park are semi-deciduous Atlantic forest, Araucaria forest, quartzitic and ferruginous campo rupestre.
Bus departs at 7 AM and returns at 5 PM, arriving at the hotel approximately at 7:30 PM.
Conditions: The field trip to Itacolomi will occur during the winter. We expect to have a clear sky but conditions can rapidly change at mountain ranges. Conditions are expected to be windy and cold, but rain is unlikely. The highest elevation at Itacolomi is 1770m. Physical difficulty: moderate. Maximum walking distance: about 3 km. Sturdy footwear is recommended.
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Pictures of Itacolomi by Victor Diniz and of Ouro Preto by Pedro Maffia
Option 2 Santuário do Caraça and Serra da Piedade
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Click here to download the excursion guide
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Caraça is a center of spirituality and mission, culture and education, environmental conservation, leisure and tourism. The main vegetation types are semi-deciduous Atlanti forest, quartzitic and ferruginous campo rupestre, and cerrado.
Pictures of Lucas Perillo
The Serra da Piedade combines a catholic sanctuary, an observatory and a protected area that includes semi-deciduous Atlantic forest, quartzitic and ferruginous campo rupestre. Please click here and here for some pictures and videos.
Pictures by Cleber Cunha
Bus departs at 7 AM and returns at 6:00 PM, arriving at the hotel approximately at 6:50 PM.
Conditions: The field trip to Caraça and Serra da Piedade will occur during the winter. We expect to have a clear sky but conditions can rapidly change at mountain ranges. Conditions are expected to be windy and cold, but rain is unlikely. The highest elevation at Caraça mountain range is 2070m (Pico do Sol), but we will not go to the highest spots. There are waterfalls on the way, if you like to swim. You can also visit the santuary, where you will be able to visit the traditional church, buy souvenirs and artcrafts. Physical difficulty: moderate. Maximum walking distance: about 2 km.
The Serra da Piedade is the closest spot to the meeting venue, and offers a fantastic seesighting. Serra da Piedade is famous for its religious attractions. You can also buy some handcrafts there. Physical difficulty: low. Maximum walking distance: about 1 km. Sturdy footwear is recommended.
Option 3 Rio Doce State Park
Click here to download the excursion guide
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Rio Doce State Park is the largest Atlantic forest fragment in Minas Gerais. Also a Ramsar site. The main vegetation types are primary and secondary Atlantic forest and wetlands.
Bus departs at 7 AM and returns at 5 PM, arriving at the hotel approximately at 7:30 PM.
Conditions: We expect to have a clear sky. Conditions are expected to be mild, and rain is very unlikely. There are many lakes available for a nice bath. Physical difficulty: low. Maximum walking distance: about 2 km. Sturdy footwear and insect repellent are recommended.
Pictures by Marco Mello