Kukenán means Valley of the Dead and, for the local people, the neighbour tepui of Mount Roraima is called Matawi (the killer). That is where sacrifices took place; the Indians offered themselves when something was not well and jumped off the highest point to calm Makunaima (their God) down or keep a promise. Halfway across the sacrifice spot in Kukenán, there was a skull made of rocks with a carved face and leaves indicating hanging. I noticed that it surprised the Indians behind me; they laughed, but when I got closer and asked, they frowned and just said it was something new, made by some carrier. I had never know the meaning, but it was curious to see before starting to climb. Someone have seen it or know the explanation?
When we talk about Iguassu Falls, it is not possible to know it all in one weekend: one half is in Brazil and the other half is in Argentina, each one run by different companies and with different attractions. Both deserve a visit for being completely different. One day on each side is enough to know the basic, four days is perfect for a complete experience in the two countries.
According to Boi Bumbá legend, Catirina (farm’s servant) was pregnant and had the desire of eat the tongue of the bull, but not any ox, had to be the most beautiful in the farm. However it was the farmer’s favorite ox. Her husband Francisco killed the bull to realize his wife’s desire and they got away from the farm… That’s how the story began and this is the Catirina’s image I registered on Parintins Folklore Festival this year.
One of the most beautiful tours in this historical city is a schooner ride on Paraty Bay. Turtles, colored fish, exuberating green areas, warm and clear water are part of the package. Some say the water temperature is usually colder, but for me it was perfect. We took the opportunity to take many pictures and go scuba diving.
The second destination that receives foreign tourists in Brazil is also thought to be one of the most multicultural cities in the country, with over seventy-two ethnic groups from all around the globe. There, everyone either came from somewhere else or is a descendant.
One of the tours I most enjoyed on the Brazilian side of the Falls was “Poço Preto Trail”, an ecologist-guided safari with river bathing included. Spirit of adventure is a basic requirement, and you should not be afraid of water so you can make the most of it.
A jeep ride through the rainforest, in the National Park of Serra da Bocaina, is a great option if you do not have your own car in Paraty. You can spend a whole day in waterfalls, stills and forests. After being on a high from tasting cachaças and liqueurs, a swim in cold waters and another still and more waterfalls. Pure adrenalin!
I guess I was in withdrawal symptoms when I took this picture. It was my fourth day free from internet when I remembered Twitter looking at this rock’s bird format. At that time I really wanted to tweet and then I forgot. Probably it was the positive effect of 7 days offline. Anyway it is certain that rock’s formats from Roraima Mount incite our imagination since the first explorers.
Sinhazinha da fazenda is a traditional character from Parintins Folklore Festival which is a popular party about the two bulls Caprichoso and Garantido.
Trindade is a small fishing village between the Rainforest and the ocean. There are five heaven-like beaches, one natural pool and a waterfall, which can be seen within a day or you may stay longer to enjoy everything in no hurry. In the city centre there are shops, inns and restaurants. It belongs to Paraty (27 km away) and borders the state of São Paulo on one edge.