Itaimbezinho Canyon
The biggest canyon in Brazil lurks near the border of the southern states of Santa Catarina and Rio Grande do Sul, inside the Parque Nacional dos Aparados da Serra. Nearly six miles long and a mile deep, the Itaimbezinho can be either spectacularly beautiful or treacherously deadly. Or both.
Most days, you walk along the lush banks of the Rio do Boi, marvelling at the countless waterfalls that plunge down from on high. Occasionally, however, an unexpected rain turns the gurgling Rio do Boi into a snarling torrent that chews its way through the canyon bottom, spitting out the corpse of anyone unlucky enough to have been caught in the chasm. Avoiding these days is a matter of timing. Hiking in the dry season (July-October) is generally safe, though it’s wise to keep an ear to the latest forecast. Even during the wet season the trip’s still possible, though the prudent may want to stick to the Cotovelo Trail, which follows along the canyon’s edge. It, too, is beautiful and spectacular, with the only real danger being a trip too close to the edge.
This national park is around 3.5 hours from Brasilia and is the geographical centre of Brazil. It is an area of fascinating rock formations carved over the years by the fast flowing rivers. Chapada dos Veadeiros is also a magnet for mystics who are attracted by what they claim are special powers within the crystal soil (there are also many rumored UFO appearances here). The gems can be found in much of the soil here and occasionally as you walk there will be a glint of light from a precious stone or crystal.
The best way to explore the park is on foot and there are many walks of differing lengths and levels of difficulty. You can enjoy day long walks among spectacular scenery far away from any town.
Chapada dos Veadeiros is known for its pristine water courses and its waterfalls. Also present are armadillos, giant anteaters, and wolves.But the chief attractions for rapellers are the waterfalls. Located in the eastern part of the park, the Cachoeira da Agua Fria is particularly popular. From the top, the views are stunning in all directions. Set your anchors, toss over the rope, and go for it. As you glide, jerk, or slowly creep your way down, you’ll have only the rush of water and the sparkle of countless quartz crystals for company.
This beautiful remote spot is around 6 hours by local bus from Salvador. Chapada Diamantina offers kayaking, horseback riding and excellent walking. Turquoise waters can be found weaving their way through pitch black caves which can be explored by snorkeling with a torch light. Stalagmites and stalagtites of enormous size can be found in hidden caves giving a cathedral like impression; venture further into the caves (with guide) by torch light and hear just the sound of water droplets and silence!
Chapada Diamantina is best explored from the small town of Lencois. Lencois is a tiny town built either side of a stepped waterfall that is wide enough to require a bridge and steep enough for the water to rush by in the wet season. The Hotel Canto das Aguas is built immediately alongside a stretch of the waterfall. Stay in a waterside room, and you’ll have the rushing water as a lullaby to send you to sleep each night. The town is very friendly and the local people still remain fascinated with visitors, enjoying the chance to talk and exchange stories.
If Mark Twain were still around he’d feel right at home on an all-wood triple-decker Amazon riverboat. For everyone else, it’s a sight to behold. Livestock and freight, loggers, ranchers, tourists, and Indians: Since the forest is too dense to walk or drive through, riverboats carry everyone. As on the ole Miss, voyagers pass the time talking, eating, drinking, singing, and gambling; in dull moments you can watch the world’s last great wilderness drift past. For accommodation there’s your own personal hammock, bought on the dock before departure and strung from a post or beam on the passenger deck. Journeys between Belem at the mouth of the river and Manaus in the heart of the forest take somewhere between four and seven days, depending on where and how often you pull in, and whether you’re heading upstream or down. Punctuality’s not a riverboat’s strong suit. Neither, it must be said, is luxury. An Amazon riverboat is pure frontier transportation; bring a hammock, water, some extra food for snacking and, and most important of all, some toilet paper.
Let Rawhide Travel and Tours help you with all your reservation needs. Call us at (602) 843-5100 or visit our website: rawhidetravel.com.
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6008 West Bell Rd # F105
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