Foto: Praia de Palmas (bron: Ronald van der Veer)
Brazil - On the east side of Abraão Beach, a hiking trail begins to one of the most beautiful beaches on Ilha Grande. Praia Lopes Mendes lies on the other side of the island, on the ocean side. Because of the surf, the beach is difficult to reach by water taxi. The only way there is a hiking trail from Pouso to Lopes Mendes. Many tourists take the boat to Pouso. Not me. I walk to the beach. A six-kilometer trail, but through mountains and beaches, a walk of at least three hours. At half past nine, I set off with a group. The first obstacle we encounter is on the beach. A creek flows into the sea. I estimate the water stream not too deep and decide not to take off my shoes. Mistake. The water is just a few centimeters too deep, and I arrive on the other side with two wet shoes. Annoying. I continue walking on the sand, hoping the sun will dry my shoes quickly. At the end of the sand, a path goes up into the forest. Several signs indicate the route to Lopes Mendes begins here. Some Chilean girls ahead of me probably want me to take a photo of them. Without any explanation or question, they push a mobile phone into my hands. I take the photo. The route steadily climbs. On the island's mountains, you always have to cross a ridge. The first climb of the day is also the highest. Over rocks, tree trunks, and sandy paths, I reach the top Vragen aan ChatGPT
Authentic Paraty
Brazil - Back in the city, Philippe takes us directly to the old town. The tide reaches its maximum height around three o’clock, and it’s already half past three. We walk briskly to the historic center. Although the water is already receding, I still see several ...
Christ the Redeemer, Rio de Janeiro
Brazil - Traffic is backed up in several places, but eventually, it starts to crawl forward. After leaving the main road, the driver heads into the mountains. With each bend, we climb higher. Eventually, I'm dropped off at the parking lot by the information center. ...
Iguazú Falls
Brazil - I get off the bus at the luxurious Belmond Hotel das Cataratas, right in the middle of the National Park. Why aren’t we staying here? I can already hear the river and waterfalls behind the trees. As I walk along the path toward the water, I see the ...
Rio de Janeiro
Brazil - In the afternoon, we go with the group to Pão de Açúcar, the Sugarloaf Mountain. From this characteristic rocky peak at the entrance of the bay, you have a beautiful view over Rio de Janeiro. We take five taxis to the cable car entrance. A cabin takes ...
The Pantanal wetlands
Brazil - As soon as the truck drives onto the dirt road, I see beautiful birds on both sides. With a tap on the cabin roof, the driver stops. It’s not easy to take good photos. The sound of the vehicle scares the animals. In the puddles where there is still ...