Natural Treasures
During our time in Brazil we were impacted by many aspects of this country, its people, music, cuisine, history, and nature. Nature continues to be one of the things we appreciate the most as we travel and Brazil is without question a bio-diverse treasure. Compared with all that the country has to offer we saw very little, but we hope our memories and pictures could inspire you to explore this wonderful land:
Iguaçu National Park
We visited Iguaçu Falls, one of the new Seven Wonders of the World. After seeing the falls from both sites, Brazil and Argentina, we must say Brazil offers a much better overall viewpoint. The Iguaçu Falls are simply spectacular, although the Parana forest has been significantly reduce in size, from 1,000,000 km2 to 60,000 km2, the falls and nature continue doing its best effort to stay alive.
Bonito
From Foz do Iguaçu we traveled to Bonito, a destination described by a Brazilian man we met in Nepal in 2013 as the most beautiful place in his country. Bonito is “muito bonito” and an exceptional example of well-done eco-tourism. Strict rules and regulations for visiting the natural wonders got us a sense of order and protection we have not perceived before in our travels. It was well thought out and focused on enjoying while preserving for the future. We visited the Municipal Balneario, Rio do Peixe, Rio do Prata, and left Bonito wanting more!
Zip Lining in Rio do Peixe
Water Spring in Rio do Prata
Around Paraty
From Paraty, on a day trips, we visited the fun Tarzan pool and Toboga waterfall where locals displayed their amazing rock surfing skills. We also explored the Parque Nacional da Serra da Bocaina to enjoy hiking in its tropical forest and swimming in the gorgeous beaches of turquoise waters: Praia Dos Ranchos, Praia do Meio, Praia do Cachadaço, and the natural pools of Piscina Natural do Cachadaço.
Ilha Grande
We also visited Ilha Grande and left speechless by its marvelous beaches and sea. We found Lopes Mendes beach to be particularly beautiful. Every day on the island was a fun hiking experience with a refreshing swim. Brazil has gorgeous coasts, not only in Ilha Grande, but all along the state of Rio de Janeiro where we were impressed with its thick forest and numerous waterfalls, which we could glance from the roads.
Chapada Diamantina National Park
From the tranquil and colonial town of Lençois, we visited Chapada Diamantina National Park. We enjoyed the two beautiful waterfalls of Sossego and Ribeirao do Meio, and two underground transparent blue lagoons: Poço Encantado and Poço Azul. Unfortunately, while we were there a major fire was consuming the north part of the park. We felt the pain of the locals who were on their own trying to mitigate the fires without the government’s help.
Around Jericoacoara
We visited Lago Paraiso, Lago Azul, and different beaches around Jericoacoara. Lago Paraiso is the perfect place to lie down on a hammock while the breeze and clear waters of the lake refresh you, what a paradise!
Lençois Marahenses National Park
From the mellow town of Atins, we visited the magical national park of Lençois Marahenses. If we had to pick one and only one place as a favorite in Brazil, it would have to be this one: gorgeous white sand dunes shaped by the strong Atlantic Ocean’s wind, separated by reflecting lagoons filled with rain water waiting in solitude for us. It was the best place to welcome Sal’s 37th birthday, birthday number four since we embarked in our world travels.
The Amazon
We did a lot in the amazon. From Belem, we embarked in a boat journey along the Amazon River until reaching Santarem: we slept in hammocks for 3 nights amongst many other Brazilians on the boat; saw the wood houses of locals at the edge of the river; local women and children getting closer to the ferry in their little canoes expecting any possible gift; and seeing the thick and impenetrable jungle, slowly, and sadly more deforested… It was overall an unforgettable experience!
Traveling by boat from Alter do Chao, we reached Floresta Nacional do Tapajos and hiked 4 hours in secondary and primary forest identifying different medicinal plants. Meeting with a samauma tree who has lived for over 1,000 years was the highlight of our day. If it could speak, how many stories would it be able to tell us? At the end of our day we enjoyed a refreshing swim and a mellow canoe trip. Alter do Chao also has Ilha do Amor, a beautiful fresh water beach on a river island to swim and relax.
From Manaus, we joined a 4-day-tour in the jungle. Stationed on the north edge of the Urubu River, we enjoyed several activities including a night sleeping in the forest, hiking and looking for animals in the jungle, piranha fishing, caiman spotting at night, dolphin viewing, watching the sunrise, visiting one of the caboclo local families, and a few swims in the river to cope with the humidity. We were able to see different animals including big tarantulas, a huge sloth, armadillo, colorful birds, and small caimans.
