A hike in the esoteric national park of the Chapada dos Veadeiros

A hike in the esoteric national park of the Chapada dos Veadeiros

Brasília Chapada dos Veadeiros crystals hikes national park São Jorge waterfalls

adword November 09, 2010 Add Comment

by Antonella Kann

The Chapada dos Veadeiros is one of those places where you can go several times and still feel as if you were in a brand new surrounding. Only 236 kilometers from capital Brasilia, this National Park has the most amazing hiking trails and waterfalls, framed by high peaks and stunning views.

The climate in the park differs a lot from Brasília. It´s more humid, the temperature is always agreeable and it´s sunny most of the year. In winter, you can get really cold. But now, during summer months, it´s hot during the day and cooler at night.

Long trails in the bush, amidst nature and wildlife...

It´s a haven for hikers and trekkers, but remember to be prepared for long walks, so water and sun screen are a must.

And I must warn you about a local inhabitant, the tiny bees, harmless but a nuisance, so a good idea is to have some kind of refreshing towel in your backpack to wipe the sweat off your face and body. It will help to keep them away. And make sure you are the first one to jump into the water when you reach the waterfalls.

To be precise, it´s home to 160 waterfalls, for which you´d need at least five days to really explore, plus get acquainted with the region and enjoy all of its natural wonders.

The most enigmatic sites are the Vale da Lua ( Valley of the Moon), with an incredible rock formation, Águas Quentes ( Warm Waters), which are warm natural pools for you to soak into, plus Janela and Abismo, locations from where you can have a panoramic view of the park, several canyons and other extraordinary secluded spots to have fun, swim, sunbathe and relax.

the view from the "janela", a reward to be reached after 3hrs hike

For esoteric fans, the whole region of the Chapada is known for its crystals and magnetic fields, so the locals assume that there is extraterrestrial power in every corner.
But besides the fact that you might have close encounters with another kind, the Chapada is well equipped with charming pousadas and restaurants where you´ll be served delicious meals.

the pousada Baguá:private luxurious bungalows and jacuzzi

The small town to go is called São Jorge, right at the entrance of the Park, and I´d recommend the Pousada Baguá (www.pousadabagua.com.br) for the best accommodations.

Lençóis: in Bahia state…with no beaches

Lençóis: in Bahia state…with no beaches

Bahia colonial town hikes Lençóis da Chapada Diamantina mountains trails waterfalls

adword August 04, 2010 Add Comment

by Antonella Kann

Can you imagine Bahia without a beach? I agree, it´s hard to make the (dis)association. But believe me, this state has more than sand and sea to offer to its visitors.

History tells us that Bahia is a melting pot of culture and arts and always emphasizes the magic of its pristine beaches, so not everyone is aware that its mountains, canyons, green meadows and spectacular waterfalls are as impressive as its coastline.

Lençóis (nothing related with the Lençóis Maranhenses I talked about a few weeks ago), doesn´t even appear on its own in most guide books. But this little gem town is a fantastic retreat-kind-of-place located in the Chapada Diamantina, a National Park in the heart of the state of Bahia.

Though it´s not an uncommon destination, Lençóis is the perfect choice for the adventurous traveler who wants to enjoy the great outdoors, as the luxurious twist lies in the environment, spectacular and unique.

Still, even if you are a city slicker and prefer to stay put, you´ll find in this charming colonial town a handful of comfy hotels and good restaurants, as well as a range of festivities and events year-round.

For instance, the Festival of Lençóis which takes place in September will offers a range of shows, dances and plays.

But the adventurous traveler will relish the opportunity for fantastic hikes, and challenging itineraries, some which can last for days.

You could explore the surrounding area of the Chapada and nature lovers would make it a trip of a lifetime. Photographers will also be able to spot incredible images.

Life still goes on as in the past, with colonial buildings preserved and local atmosphere calm and relaxed.

Although less mentioned, Lençóis is a special place, and easily connected through Salvador by plane. Check with Brazilian airlines Trip. (www.voetrip.com.br)

The pink cliffs of the Chapada dos Guimarães

The pink cliffs of the Chapada dos Guimarães

chapada dos guimarães cliffs ecotourism in Brazil mato grosso steep trails walks waterfalls

adword July 13, 2010 Add Comment

by Antonella Kann

The Chapada dos Guimarães National Park ( “chapada” means, in a funny sort of translation, the flat landscape on top of a chain of mountains and canyons) , located in the state of Mato Grosso, the heart of Brazil, is over 300 millions years old.

That´s when it was still covered by water. Now it´s an astonishing place, where rock formations change colour depending on the sun and the light.



Dozens of waterfalls and lagoons are the attractions of the park, where you can hike and enjoy refreshing dips in cool waters, all year-round. The rich fauna and flora also contribute to the fabulous scenery.


Away only 69 kilometers from capital Cuiabá, the nearest airport, and located 900m above sea level, the Chapada can easily be reached through a good and well signposted road. The journey only takes around one hour.

More than 4 thousand medicinal plants have been recorded in the park, in which the only way to explore is by foot, along narrow trails and sinuous paths.

The Chapada is a sanctuary for the fans of eco-tourism, as it is the habitat of many species of stunning birds such as toucans, parrots and araras – the latter makes its nest all against the cliffs and can be seen flying all the time.

It makes sense to hire a guide before adventuring yourself into the Park, as steep cliffs can be dangerous and while you may feel the impulse to go near the precipice, there are some spots that must reeeeeeeeeally be avoided. There has been some fatal accidents, so I must warn the most intrepid to be extra cautious. Specially if you have children with you.

Don´t miss the Cidade da Pedra ( City of Rock) at sunset. The view is amazing and the salmon- pink colour reflected on the cliffs is an unforgettable sight. Also, the Véu da Noiva waterfall is one of the most impressive natural wonders to be admired.

You should plan an overnight stay, if possible, to have time to visit at leisure every site and enjoy swimming in many natural pools and lagoons. There´s a couple of charming pousadas around town, where you´ll also find artcrafts made by local Indian and some souvenir shops to relax after your hikes.

Check the official site www.ibama.gov.br/parna_guimaraes for more infos about accommodations and guides.

DO LADO DE LÁ, in Aiuruoca, Minas Gerais, is the highest pousada in Brazil.

DO LADO DE LÁ, in Aiuruoca, Minas Gerais, is the highest pousada in Brazil.

Atlantic forest Brazilian country inns Minas Gerais relax rustic pousadas waterfalls

adword February 14, 2010 Add Comment

By Antonella Kann


Located in the state of Minas Gerais, at 1900 meters above sea level, Do Lado de Lá is the highest pousada in Brazil. And a haven for nature lovers. But don´t expect luxury or pampering: there´ll be neither in-room massage nor personal 24hrs butler in this rustic pousada.

You feel like you are on top of the world, surrounded by the Atlantic forest, waterfalls and vegetation. And that´s all the luxurious atmosphere of the Serra do Papagaio, in Aiuruoca, a region located almost 270 kilometres from Rio de Janeiro. Even the name of the place is hard to pronounce - and even harder to remember.

With such a conspicuous name, Do Lado de Lá ( which means On the Other Side)  has less than 10 accommodations and those range from standard rooms with shared bathroom up to bungalows with private Jacuzzi. As you have probably guessed, it’s an all-inclusive establishment (there´s nowhere else to eat, anyway!), with honest and simple home-made food cooked in the old fashioned way – on the woodstove.

You can´t help but be awed by the surrounding landscape and scenery, whatever your relationship with nature. If you are a hiker, there are plenty of trails to explore in the surrounding area, some leading to gorgeous waterfalls. If your trade is photography, then try to catch the subtle changes of light or even the sudden darkness of an approaching thunderstorm, which may reveal itself as an inspiration. Also, there´s a natural pool right beside the pousada for those who want a refreshing dip.


But, for those seeking a romantic refuge to relax, where cell phones and internet connections are to be forgotten, then obstacles must be faced to reach this place : the last steep climbs of the dirt road demands not only a 4x4 vehicle but your ability to manage the wheel in challenging conditions. Do Lado de Lá certainly deserves its name: remember that you will sleep at 1900 meters of altitude, in the highest pousada in Brazil.

Beautiful landscape of Aiuruoca, Minas Gerais

The highest pousada in Brazil, at 1900 meters from sea level.