I was already expecting paradise like beaches in Ilha Grande, and it all came true when I saw that emerald green sea, exquisite vegetation and pleasant temperature. The best is to go trekking heading for fantastic hidden beaches, or full of tourists who came by boat. This is not a big problem, for whoever comes by boat does not stay long and it will be a desert beach again.
Imagine a huge garden designed by a landscaper, around lakes and groves. Add work of art from renowned artists interacting with this view and in harmony with the environment. Now insert constructions, completely integrated with nature, with art galleries, pubs and restaurants full of art from contemporary artists. And last but not least, imagine land or rock trails in the middle of the groves and gardens, connecting the spaces. This is INHOTIM, the coolest museum I have ever been to in Brazil and perhaps the most pleasant in the world.
Pictures from backpacking in Peru. May 2006.
The famous circuit, which attracts adventurers from all over the world, consists of tracks that when plotted on a map, resemble the letter W. It was 76 km in four days – of all the trekking I have done in Patagonia, this one had the most beautiful view. You should pay attention to everything: flowers, lakes, rocks, mountains, ground and people who always run into you with a friendly ¡Hola! Most hikers are not young (aged between 30 and 60) and are able to carry the heavy backpack, besides walking for hours with a smile on their faces.
Morro de São Paulo is among the most beautiful islands I have ever been to. There are coral reefs with colorful fish, palm trees, white sand, warm water and trails. What most caught my attention was the sudden change of the tides. It happens several times a day, changing the view.
A simple but charming place, with very rich biodiversity. The paths beneath your feet seem to have been built by landscape gardeners, and it is all done by the wind, water and fire. Millions of years ago it used to be an ocean, but today is the headwaters of many Brazilian rivers, especially in Amazonia.
I went trekking in CERRO COCODRILO in POTRERILLOS and ACONCAGUA PARK. Up there you can see some eagles and let your mind wonder, while you admire the view. I also went “radical” rafting in the Mendoza river(almost had my teeth broken with the paddle during a violent wave), but it was amazing to face those waters and the view in The Andes. The river is brown because of the desert and has a lot of rocks that you do not see, you only feel them scratching the bottom of the boat.
About 25 km, 5 different trails in 3 days in Urubici. If we had more time we would have done more, the city has 82 waterfalls and is investing on tourism. Lots of water, fresh air, plantations, hills, rocks, ups and downs. The group was great, fun people of different ages and professions sharing the passion for nature and hiking.
Whoever goes to Foz do Iguaçu has the opportunity to visit 3 countries in one day or in three – like I did. When the rivers Iguaçu and Paraná meet it is possible to see the Brazilian, Argentinean and Paraguayan flags, each one in its own country. My main reason for going there was to see the waterfalls and the nature. As we had little time, we chose for a package tour. We set off at PARQUE DAS AVES – really interesting, you can get inside the huge cages, close enough to the animals. And, with (good or bad) luck, they can land on your arms. Most pictures I took from inside the cages.
Salkantay Inca Trail – Diary of the trail to Machu Picchu on the mountain tops.