Founded toward the end of the 17th century, Ouro Preto became home to a number of very rich Portuguese colonials as a result of the Brazilian Gold Rush. The fortunes of the town went from strength to strength as more and more gold was pulled from the earth by the area’s mines.

Significant investment was made into improving the town, which grew over time to become a prosperous and beautiful city. Its popularity and importance saw the construction of a large number of lovingly designed buildings in the years that followed, including several opulent churches and a dedicated mining school.

While the city’s economic and political importance waned in the centuries that followed – it lost its position as state capital of Minas Gerais shortly before the turn of the 20th century – it has lost none of its beauty. As such, its Old Town was recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1980.

Good friends take a day trip to Pirenopolis, Brazil. Photo courtesy of Renan Rigo

You see, Goiania sits on the Cerrado, the vast tropical savannah that is one of the biggest and most diverse of Brazil’s ecosystems. And not far from Goiania lies the special jewel of the Cerrado: the historic city of Pirenópolis. It’s the right place to go when you want to escape the hectic big city and it was the destination we had chosen for a brief holiday among friends.

A Stroll Through the Centre

We left Goiania early, so that it would still be morning when we arrived at Pirenópolis. The roads had been very quiet as we moved away from the city; the presence of the Cerrado grew stronger until we got to Pirenópolis at the foot of the Serra dos Pirineus (Pirineus Mountains).

On the road to Pirenopolis (barely visible in the distance) and the surrounding Pirineus Mountains, twisted trees are typical of the Cerrado in Brazil. Photo courtesy of Renan Rigo

We parked our car, so that we could walk to and through the historic town centre. Pleasant ladies immortalised as statues above the wooden windows of colonial houses watched passersby as we made our way to the Igreja de Nossa Senhora do Rosario (Church of Our Lady of the Rosary), a traditional architectural landmark in Pirenópolis that hosts folk religious festivals such as the world-famous Festa do Divino Espírito Santo (Divine Spirit Festival). The street was full of cheap craft shops being admired by a few people sporting hippie-style clothing. The easy rhythm of the town made minutes pass quite slowly.

The famous Igreja de Nossa Senhora do Rosario (Church of Our Lady of the Rosary) is one of the most beautiful places in Pirenopolis, Brazil. Photo courtesy of Renan Rigo

For visitors like us from the capital of the state, the surroundings provided many opportunities for us to renew our Facebook photo galleries, and we began snapping pictures of the church, the colourful colonial houses and even the ‘Mascarados.’ These masked characters, typical of the local folklore, are often seen during the Cavalhadas festival, which reenacts the epic victory in the Middle Ages of Charlemagne over the Moors.

Next we enjoyed a typical lunch in one of the local restaurants, where you can savour foods like galinhada, one of my favourite dishes of rice and chicken prepared with saffron in a special way; or feijão tropeiro, a full-bodied bean stew made with flour, sausage and bacon. Delicious!

Tourists enjoying the very cold waters of the Cachoeira do Abade (Abbot Waterfall) outside the city of Pirenopolis, Brazil. Photo courtesy of Renan Rigo

The Waterfalls of the Highlands

After a quick rest, we went off again, choosing as our destination one of the dozens of spectacular waterfalls embedded in the surrounding Brazilian Central Plateau.

We chose the Cachoeira do Abade (Abbot Waterfall), which was a little far from the city, yet our efforts were rewarded since contact with nature is all part of the charm. The Cerrado’s twisted native trees and exotic flowers filled small canyons along the route to the lush little waterfall. Once arrived, we found only a few tourists and water so cold that it made even the sea where the Titanic sank feel warm. OK, it wasn’t so extreme, but the waterfall is really cool! Here we enjoyed time just to rest and think things over.

To replenish our energies, we had bought some homemade chocolate-chip cookies in the tourist office near the waterfall – the perfect boost with which to return to the city. After another walk in the town centre, we stopped for a cold beer at an outdoor café where we could enjoy this typical late afternoon. The cobblestone street was crowded with tables, chairs and tourists. Some boys with scary masks reminiscent of the masked bullies commonly seen during Cavalhadas were asking visitors for money.

We ended with a late snack of empadão goiano, a regional delicacy similar to a salt pie filled with meats and spices.

As our plan had been to escape the frantic pace of the capital, we headed back to Goiania feeling rejuvenated, even after a such short time. Pirenópolis is such an amazing place! It truly has a different energy, which inspired the good memories in this story!

Although he had planned to inherit the book store owned by his dad, Renan Rigo graduated with a degree in journalism and began writing about anything and everything. His favourite stories are those where he plunges headlong into his subject. Travelling, in this sense, is inspirational and he enjoys writing about his experiences on the road. Rigo is a regular contributor to the pocketvillage blog series called Inside-Out Latin America.

Nestled into the southeastern coast of Brazil, the island of Vitória promises visitors immersion in the quiet beauty of the Atlantic coastline while simultaneously experiencing the electrifying buzz of contemporary and cosmopolitan Brazil. The capital of the island, Vitória City – which includes as part of its greater metropolitan area the smaller mainland city of Vila Velha – is also the capital of the Brazilian state of Espírito Santo. Anchored around three large ports, Vitória is a central fixture of the Brazilian economy, propelling the export of Brazilian coffee, oil and steel.

In the city of Vitória, Brazil, Camburi Beach is a six-mile stretch of coast that has been urbanised and integrated into the city. The boardwalk has tracks for running, biking and other activities, while the water is great for sailing, windsurfing and kitesurfing. Photo courtesy of the City of Vitória

In addition to its industrial and economic importance, the island of Vitória abounds in natural beauty. The city and environs are integrated into jagged green hills, rocky waterfronts and rich mysterious mangroves. The best place to take in the scenery is from one of the six sleek bridges linking Vitória Island to mainland Brazil. Peaking at over 70 metres above the waterline, the Darcy Castelo de Mendonca Bridge, also known as the Third Bridge, offers particularly excellent panoramic views of this scenic coastal city.

With a city-wide emphasis on green space, ecological conservation and recycling, Vitória has been ranked by the United Nations as the fourth best state capital in Brazil. It also has some of the highest living standards in the country, a measure that often comes with great opportunities for a Brazil holiday, something for which Vitória is well renowned.

Inaugurated in 2009, the Passagem Bridge is a milestone in the development of Vitória, Brazil. It combines modern design and functionality, greatly improving the flow of traffic in the city. Photo courtesy of the City of Vitória

For example, hiking in the mountains, walking along the coast or simply relaxing in a Vitória park are all qualities of a perfect Vitória vacation. Visitors can even appreciate the island from the direction of the sea via boat tours through the abundant mangroves or night tours that take in the lights of the city illuminating the rocky cliffs.

Of course, sustaining peace and rest between Vitóra tours and adventures is an abundance of Vitória accommodations, many of which strive to meet the same high standards of green living and conservation that the city promotes. Hotels like Comfort Hotel Vitória Praia and Champagnat Praia Hotel have developed extensive recycling and reuse programs to minimise waste, including plans to collect and reuse old kitchen oil.

With some of the best bars and restaurants in the city, Praia do Canto is one of the cutest neighbourhoods of Vitória, Brazil, an area central to its nightlife. Outdoor sport enthusiasts will love the area too as it is close to Praca dos Namorados, the perfect place to get some exercise. Photo courtesy of the City of Vitória

BWT Operadora is pleased to be joining forces again with whl.travel – it already operates the whl.travel local travel portal in Pantanal Sul – in presenting www.vitoria-vilavelha-hotel.com as the latest whl.travel destination in Brazil. Company president Adonai Aires de Arruda commented that “We like the idea of joining whl.travel because it is one of the most well-known Internet sites offering local tourism services. We are glad to give more tourists the chance to meet the beauties of our region of Brazil, and to give them the comfort of reserving tours and accommodation with just one click.”

As part of the larger Higi Serv Group, the team at BWT Operadora operates the Serra Verde Express, the centenary railroad running between Curitiba and Paranaguá. The historical train line is a top tourist attraction in the Paraná State, transporting nearly 150,000 people each year through one of the world’s most important coastal ecosystems. Higi Serv and its affiliates are one of Brazil’s largest partnerships devoted to such projects of preservation and conservation; it brings great strength to the extensive network of whl.travel destinations in Brazil.

Initially begun in 1928 as a ground procession to honour the Feast of St. Peter, the parade took to the water with the arrival of 200 Azorean fishermen and, since the 1970s, shifted from rowboats to motorboats. One highlight is the blessing of the hooks, which takes place on the high seas. Photo courtesy of the City of Vitória

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EM PORTUGUÊS / IN PORTUGUESE:

As cidades de Vitória e Vila Velha agora presentes na rede whl.travel no Brasil

Situada na costa sudeste do Brasil, a ilha de Vitória promete imersão aos visitantes na beleza tranquila da costa atlântica e ao mesmo tempo na eletrizante agitação do Brasil contemporâneo e cosmopolita. A capital da ilha, Vitória – que inclui como parte de sua área metropolitana a cidade de Vila Velha – é também a capital do estado brasileiro do Espírito Santo. Ancorada em torno de três grandes portos, Vitória é um dispositivo elétrico central da economia brasileira, impulsionando a exportação de café brasileiro, petróleo e aço.

Além de sua importância industrial e económica, a ilha de Vitória está cheia de belezas naturais. A cidade e seus arredores são cercados por montes verdes e manguezais. O melhor lugar para apreciar a paisagem é de qualquer uma das seis pontes que ligam Vitória ao continente. Atingindo um máximo de mais de 70 metros acima da linha d’água, a ponte Darcy Castelo de Mendonça, também conhecida como a Terceira Ponte, oferece particularmente excelentes vistas panorâmicas sobre a cidade costeira.

Handmade clay pots are some of the greatest expressions of culture in the state of Espírito Santo, Brazil. Artisans are linked to the Association of Paneleiras, located in the District of Goiabeiras. Two typical meals, the moqueca capixaba and toria capixaha, are traditionally served in clay pots. Photo courtesy of the City of Vitória

Com ênfase em espaços verdes, conservação ecológica e reciclagem, Vitória foi classificada pelas Nações Unidas como a quarta melhor capital de estado no Brasil. Ela também tem alguns dos mais altos padrões de vida no país, uma medida que muitas vezes vem com grandes oportunidades para umas férias no Brasil, algo para o qual Vitória é bem conhecida.

Por exemplo, passeio pelas montanhas capixabas, caminhar ao longo da costa ou simplesmente relaxar em um dos parques da cidade. Os visitantes podem ainda apreciar a ilha vista do mar através de passeios de barco pelos manguezais ou passeios noturnos que levam nas luzes da cidade iluminando os paredões rochosos.

E para manter a paz e descanso entre passeios e aventuras ha uma abundância de hoteis em Vitória, muitos dos quais se esforçam para atender os altos padrões de vida que a cidade promove. Hotéis como Comfort Hotel Vitória Praia e Champagnat Praia Hotel desenvolveram reciclagem extensa e programas de reutilização de resíduos, incluindo planos para coletar e reutilizar óleo de cozinha.

Vitória, the second-oldest capital of Brazil, is formed by an archipelago of 33 islands and a mainland port. The city is unique for its natural beauty, traditional cultural groups and remarkable economic growth. During the summer high season, the city’s landscape is altered by docked luxury ocean liners. Photo courtesy of the City of Vitória

A BWT Operadora ) tem o prazer de juntar forças novamente com a whl.travel – que já opera o portal de viagens no Pantanal Sul – para apresentar www.vitoria-vilavelha-hotel.com como o destino mais recente whl.travel no Brasil. Presidente da empresa, Adonai Aires de Arruda, comentou que “Gostamos da idéia da whl.travel e estamos contentes em oferecer aos turistas a oportunidade de conhecer as belezas da nossa região, e dar-lhes o conforto de reservar passeios e hotéis com apenas um clique.”

Como parte do maior Grupo Higi Serv, a equipe da BWT Operadora opera a Serra Verde Express, a ferrovia centenária que funciona entre Curitiba e Paranaguá. A linha de trem histórica é uma atração turística no Estado do Paraná, transportando cerca de 150 mil pessoas a cada ano através de um dos mais importantes ecossistemas costeiros do mundo. Higi Serv e suas afiliadas são uma das maiores parcerias do Brasil dedicado a projetos de preservação e conservação; traz, portanto, uma grande força à extensa rede de destinos whl.travel no Brasil.

At Oktoberfest in Munich, Germany, the inside of the biertzelt (beer tent) is packed and lively. Photo courtesy of wikimedia/Gutsul

But only Munich, Germany, is the home of the original Oktoberfest, where festival-goers begin gathering in front of immense beer-branded tents in the early hours of the morning, eagerly awaiting their turns in packed communal drinking areas. It’s the Mecca of brew, imitations of which have sprouted all over the globe, even in places as far away as Canada, Vietnam, Australia and Argentina.

In a tribute to Oktoberfest, The Travel Word brings you a selection of seven special brews from different parts of the world. Although beer is the world’s most widely consumed alcoholic beverage, finding hidden gems requires a bit of digging, so we asked some of our WHL Group local partners across the globe to bring forth their beers of choice. Here are seven of the more surprising ones.

(For more just-as-surprising information about local drinks – and lots about local eats, check out our Culinary World Tour of Local Food.)

Baja Blond is the local's favourite beer in Los Cabos, Mexico

Mexico’s Cerveza of Choice

According to Karem Matamoros, the WHL Group local partner in Los Cabos, Baja Blond is the Mexican beer locals love. The fledgling brewery opened in 2007 in the Mexican state of California Sur and has already made its marks in the highly competitive world of brewing. Their hallmark is the Baja Blond “Cream Ale,” described as having a light golden colour, a whole-bodied flavour and a good balance of sweet and bitter. Locals abide by it and take great pride in promoting the only brewery in their state.

Travel to Los Cabos, Mexico, the home of Baja Blond, with Karem.

A local enjoys a fresh brew of artisanal 'pito' from a calabash shell in Ghana. Photo courtesy of Marian Thompson

Ghana’s Ethnic Beer

Marian Thompson, the whl.travel local partner in northern Ghana, gave us the scoop on pito, which is Ghana’s artisanal, village beer. It is brewed from fermented sorghum (also known as guinea corn) in the northern parts of the country, where it is very popular and widely consumed. Its production methods have remained traditional and are therefore quite labour-intensive, providing a number of people with a local livelihood. Traditionally, a calabash bowl is used to share pito, the ultimate refreshment under the scorching Ghanaian sun.

Travel to Northern Ghana with Marian, who can introduce you to pito, as well as other qualities of village life.

Cisk lager is a best-selling brew on the island of Malta. Photo courtesy of Marco Attard

Malta’s Favourite Malt Beverage

If you’re wandering through Malta’s history-imbued villages, do stop at a bar to try some brew. Simonds Farsons Cisk PLC is the Maltese beer company that Marco Attard, the WHL Group local partner in Malta, swears by. The veteran brewery opened in 1928 and has never changed the recipe or production process of its best-selling Cisk Lager, a golden-coloured, bottom-fermented beer with a distinctive and well-balanced character.

Travel to Malta with Marco for a taste of Cisk Lager.

Birra Tirana has a billboard display in downtown Tirana, Albania. Photo courtesy of wikimedia/Rainchill

Albania’s Best Brew

When in Albania, do as the Albanians do, which is drink lots of local brew. Albania’s Birra Tirana is the beer that the WHL Group’s local travel expert, Laura Payne, prefers. Only the freshwater sources of Tirana’s surrounding mountains are drawn upon to manufacture this prized drink. Critics seem to agree it has a nice colour with moderate carbonation. The aroma is smooth and richly malty.

Travel to Albania with Laura, who also knows the Albanian Alps from which Birra Tirana’s waters flow.

Itaipava is a big hit in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, especially when served ice-cold in the summer. Photo courtesy of Luiz Renato Malcher

Brazil’s Carioca Beer

Luiz Renato Malcher, the WHL Group local expert in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, says that Cariocas (people from Rio) love their pints of Itaipava beer. Why? For starters, it is lighter than the others and can be drunk in larger quantities on a hot sunny day without making you feel full. It is best served trincando, as locals say, which means near-frozen. Known to be a light-bodied, soft and rounded beer, it is distinctively sweet and grainy on the palate. To enjoy a chilled Itaipava on Rio’s beach strip with a nice view of the sea is a classic Rio moment.

Travel to Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, with Luiz and learn where to get the best Itaipava.

Pilsener, one of two very popular beers in Quito, Ecuador, competes with Club for #1 status. Photo courtesy of Maria Fernanda Cabascango

Ecuador’s Draft Duo

A palpable rivalry reigns between Ecuador’s two best lager beers. Even Maria Fernanda Cabascango and Sebastian Sierra, the WHL Group local partners in Quito, Ecuador can’t come to a consensus. Maria vouches for Pilsener, whereas Sebastian is a staunch defender of Club. Pilsener pours with a pale yellow colour and a creamy white head. It is brilliantly clear and has a distinct corn edge to its flavour. Club beer, while also a clear lager, picks up a noticeable earthy and peppery flavour from the hops. Guess you’ll have to visit Quito to decide for yourself!

Travel to Quito, Ecuador, with Maria and Sebastian, and plan for Pilsener-or-Club blind taste test.

A window display of craft beers at Oktoberfest in Villa General Belgrano, Argentina. Photo courtesy of Cynthia Ord

The Argentinean Oktoberfest

Oktoberfest in Argentina – a country known more for its fine wines than its beers – is one of the largest outside of Germany. At this time of year especially, the village of Villa General Belgrado (in the province of Cordoba in the Argentine Pampas) draws large crowds interested in its cervezas artesanales (craft beers). Wandering the streets of Villa General Belgrado with giant beer steins (or mass as the Germans call them) in hand, Oktoberfest-goers are transported into a little piece of Germany in the southern hemisphere. The town was founded by two Germans in 1930 and their influence is obvious; buildings have characteristically Bavarian facades, shops sell handmade strudel and chocolate, and microbreweries supply craft beer.

Cynthia Ord, the manager at WHL Assist, is currently headquartered in Argentina and reports that the variety and quality of local craft beers is impressive; you can find lagers, stouts and all sorts of creative brews. During the two-week Oktoberfest celebration, when hordes of people enjoy spring weather and asado (barbecue), the goal is to keep your stein full of something until the small hours of the morning, reminding you that you are in Argentina after all.

Spread across south-central Brazil and covering an area larger than the island of Great Britain, the Pantanal is the world’s largest wetland. Running through the state of Mato Grosso, North Pantanal comprises a delicate ecosystem that benefits from dual seasons of flooding and droughts. The intense rains that deluge the region annually give way to a dry season during which grasslands thrive and support over 70 species of mammals.

Seasonal floods of the North Pantanal region of Brazil make for lush, green vegetation that supports over 70 species of mammals and hundreds of different kinds of birds and fish. Photo courtesy of Luiz Peixoto

The local human residents of the region fit into the all-embracing ecosystem as well. Cattle ranchers graze their stock on the abundance of green grass that shoots up during the dry season and the annual floods support one of the largest fishing areas in the world. In fact, in addition to nature appreciation, fishing is a big draw for visitors interested in several types of ‘big game’ fish amongst the 262 species inhabiting the region’s freshwater basins.

But fishing is just one of many outdoor activities in North Pantanal. Numerous tours through the wetlands provide a chance to observe native species, such as cayman alligators, jaguars and parrots, in the wild, while resource centres like the Refugio Ecolologico Caiman guide guests to a better understanding of the preservation and conservation processes underway to bolster and protect the region’s incredible biodiversity. The distinctly blue hyacinth macaw and famous jaguar are just two species that the centre has made great strides in helping to sustain.

A wide variety of hotels and lodgings in North Pantanal facilitate overnighting in the midst of one of Brazil’s foremost ecological wonders. The hosts at many lodges understand the potential impact that increased tourism can have in the region and have endeavoured to structure their hotels around sustainable practices. Pousada Rio Claro, for example, partners with local craftsmen and artisans, and bridges the divide between local residents and guests by developing events, lectures and workshops centred on Pantanal culture.

José Namen, the whl.travel local connection in North Pantanal, is no stranger to the process of integrating tourist infrastructure into nature’s delicate balance in North Pantanal. A Pantanal-born native, Namen understands the complexity of the interwoven systems – both those within the wetlands themselves and those astride the wetlands and the people who live there.

In North Pantanal, Brazil, a group of horseback riders moves through an area of blossoming Ipê trees during their short, seasonal blooming. Photo courtesy of Luiz Peixoto

As Namen states, “Lucas, my business partner, and I come from a family of traditional farmers in the Pantanal. Therefore, we learned to respect and love the impressive fauna and the astonishing landscapes of this amazing ecosystem, as well as the people who live here and their strong culture.”

For instance, on the one hand, he has advocated for regulating angling practices to protect certain species from overfishing and extinction; on the other hand, he understands that fishing is a central way of life for many local residents and that making changes to one part of the system can have unintended effects on another. Armed with this nuanced approach, he advocates for educational programs and the development of alternative sources of income for families that rely on the Pantanal for survival.

“We are excited about our partnership with whl.travel because we share the same view that tourism should help to protect the environment and promote the local people and their culture through the creation of jobs and the injection of resources into the local economy,” continues Namen. “We are sure that whl.travel will help us in marketing the Pantanal to the global market as an important touristic destination, and that we’ll succeed in achieving our goals.”

Pantanal Norte joins an ever-growing list of successful whl.travel destinations in Brazil, including South Pantanal.

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EM PORTUGUÊS / IN PORTUGUESE:

Localizado no centro-oeste brasileiro, cobrindo uma área maior que a Inglaterra, o pantanal é a maior área de terras alagadas do mundo. Percorrendo o estado do Mato Grosso, o Pantanal Norte compreende um delicado ecossistema que se modifica em função de duas temporadas ou estações, a época da cheia e alagamentos e a época de seca ou estiagem. A chuva intensa que cai anualmente e inunda sua vasta área, abre caminho para a temporada seca onde as áreas verdes prosperam e dão suporte para mais de 70 espécies de mamíferos.

A group of caymen alligators, native to the North Pantanal region of Brazil, gather at the water's edge. Photo courtesy of Luiz Peixoto

As pessoas que moram na região adaptam suas vidas da maneira que o ecossistema da região exige e levam a vida de acordo com o que ele proporciona. Criadores de gado criam seus rebanhos na abundancia de pastagens que crescem durante a temporada seca que sucede a cheia anual devida a época das chuvas intensas. Chuvas que dão suporte para uma das áreas de maior ocorrência de peixes do mundo, adicionando a apreciação da natureza, a pesca, um grande atrativo para visitantes interessados nas várias espécies de grandes peixes dentre as 262 espécies que ocorrem na região.

A pesca de peixes grandes é somente uma das varias atividades no Pantanal Norte. Diferentes passeios pelas terras alagadas proporcionam a chance de conhecer espécies nativas como os jacarés, onças pintadas, araras azuis e outros animais em seu habitat natural. Ao mesmo tempo, centros de recursos como o Refugio Ecológico Caiman mostram aos turistas um melhor entendimento do processo de preservação e conservação em andamento para proteção da incrível biodiversidade da região. A Rara Arara Azul e a famosa Onça Pintada são apenas duas das espécies que o centro trabalha para preservar e, neste sentido, já fez grandes avanços.

A ampla variedade de hotéis e alojamentos no Pantanal Norte facilita o pernoite em meio a uma das maiores maravilhas ecológicas brasileiras. Os anfitriões de muitas hospedagens sabem do grande impacto que o turismo tem na região e vem se esforçando para estruturar seus hotéis baseados em praticas sustentáveis. A Pousada Rio Claro, por exemplo, parceiros de artesões locais estreitam o relacionamento entre nativos da região e turistas, desenvolvendo eventos, palestras e oficinas centrados na cultura Pantaneira.

José Namen, a conexão da WHL no Pantanal Norte não é estranho no processo de integração da infraestrutura turística com a delicada natureza do Pantanal Norte. Um nativo pantaneiro, Namen entende a complexidade dos sistemas interligados, tanto os das áreas alagáveis, quanto os montados pelas pessoas que ali vivem.

The Ipê tree is iconic of the Pantanal of Brazil. Blossoms may be bright pink, yellow or white. Flourishing in September, the colours only last for about week, seeming to explode rather than blossom. Photo courtesy of Luiz Peixoto

Como Namen fala, “Lucas, meu parceiro neste negocio e eu viemos de uma tradicional família de fazendeiros do Pantanal. Com isso, nós aprendemos a respeitar e a amar a fauna e as impressionantes paisagens deste surpreendente ecossistema, juntamente com seu povo nativo e sua forte cultura.”

Como exemplo, por um lado ele defende a regulamentação da pratica da pesca esportiva para a proteção de certas espécies da pesca excessiva. Por outro lado, ele entende que a pesca é o principal meio de vida para muitos dos moradores locais e que, intercedendo em uma parte do sistema, pode causar importantes consequências não intencionais em outra. Armado com essa diferenciada abordagem, ele defende programas educacionais para desenvolvimento de meios alternativos de fontes de renda para as famílias que dependem do pantanal para sobreviver.

“Estamos animados com a parceria com a whl.travel pois compartilhamos a mesma crença de que o turismo deve ajudar a preservar o meio ambiente e promover os moradores da região e sua cultura através da criação de empregos e da injeção de recursos na economia local,” completa Namen. “ Temos certeza de que a whl.travel nos ajudará a promover o Pantanal para o mercado mundial como um importante destino turístico e que com isso vamos conseguir alcançar nossos objetivos.”

O Pantanal Norte se junta a uma crescente lista de destinos brasileiros bem sucedidos da whl.travel, incluindo Pantanal Sul.

The Monte Toboggan on Portugal's Madeira Island is just one of many ways locals have created to get from one place to another, ways that we believe are a vital part of a local travel experience

We believe that the different forms of local transport are unique qualities of a place that, when experienced, are a vital part of a local travel experience. To know a place is to get around it the way local people do: cramming yourself into a chicken bus in South America, throwing caution to the wind in a tuk-tuk in Southeast Asia or boarding a ferry in Africa. We dare you to give them a try! We’re sure you will find these rides to be a brilliant bonding experience with locals.

To inspire you… and in honour of our recent focus on local transport, we asked our network of local travel professionals all over the world to give us a glimpse of the best local conveyances in their destinations. Their responses are as varied as they are colourful – everything from trains and boats and buses to animal power and bicycles and three-wheeled wonders.

We’re pleased to present this gallery of the best of local transport inside the whl.travel network.To make it work:
+ Click on a thumbnail to open a preview.
+ Click the name of the photo to be taken to the full written entry supporting it.
+ Click the photo itself to close the preview.
+ Use the arrows to navigate through previews.

Trains on the Right Track

(click here to read more)

Bicycles Worldwide

(click here to read more)

Buses Not to Miss

(click here to read more)

Muscle Power

(click here to read more)

Transport on the Water

(click here to read more)

Three-Wheeled Wonders

(click here to read more)

Projects in Kenya, Peru, Sri Lanka and Brazil have been announced as the winners of the first travel2change idea challenge. Over 500 members joined the travel2change online community since its launch in late April 2011, and submitted around 60 innovative project proposals. The submitted ideas were evaluated based on creativity, effectiveness, impact, feasibility and sustainability.

The children participating in the travel2change project in Oyugis, Kenya, were shown and then practiced how to wash hands properly with soap in order to prevent the spread of germs and diseases. The children were trained as role models, who will then replicate the idea in the wider community, starting in their own homes. Photo courtesy of travel2Change

The four winning projects were named on July 17, 2011, by a jury of experts and will be realized in the coming months, thanks to the support of the travel partner Kuoni. Each winning project receives financial support as well as the help of volunteer travelers, who will collaborate with the local communities to bring the projects to life.

Travel2change First Challenge Winners

SEP – Soccer, Education and Prevention (Oyugis, Kenya)

In Oyugis, Kenya, travel2change, together with the Society Empowerment Project (SEP), hosted a four-day football event for around 300 children. Along with teaching life skills, teamwork and football skills, volunteer travelers will now train the children in proper hand washing techniques and the importance of basic hygiene. The production of soap from locally sourced materials will also be part of the program.

300 children from all over Kenya participated in the SEP Football Tournament in Oyugis where they learned about life skills, teamwork and the importance of basic hygiene and hand washing with soap. Photo courtesy of travel2change

Getting Kids Pumped for School (Horana, Sri Lanka)

The aim of Getting Kids Pumped for School is to connect a local school to its well so the children have access to running water for drinking and sanitation, which will help improve the children’s health, thus reducing the risk of dengue and other communicable diseases. This will be achieved by installing pumps, water tanks and pipes, as well as expanding the depth of the well. Visiting travelers will contribute to the project by assisting with the installation of pumps and water tanks.

AmazonArt at the Combu Education Centre (Combu Island, Brazil)

AmazonArt aims to employ music and the arts to inspire the children and local community. Its goal is to create awareness and understanding of the importance of protecting the rainforest, river and its local communities. Together with the staff of AmazonArt, travelers will assist with music and art classes and provide English lessons along with a cultural exchange to local children. Travelers will have a chance to improve the infrastructure of the school through basic construction projects and educate the children on the importance of safe drinking water and hygiene.

Travel2change will assist local staff from WAVES for Development in running a number of activities to create life-enriching experiences in the coastal community of Lobitos, Peru. This will be done through education programs that help develop youth into healthy and empowered adults, and of course surfing and swimming lessons. Photo courtesy of travel2Change

WAVES for Development (Lobitos, Peru)

WAVES for Development aims to create life-enriching experiences through education programs to develop healthy and empowered adults. The traveler will join local staff to teach local children water safety, beach management and environmental conservation among other things, and of course, surfing classes. Cultural exchange through activities to increase healthy living and teaching skills for life is another great benefit of the program.

All travelers will provide frequent updates to give all community members the opportunity to monitor the realization of the projects.

Are You Ready to Travel2change?

Travel2change is now offering the chance for you to participate in the Sri Lanka project and the Peru project this fall (September-October 2011). Travelers will play an active part in carrying out the activities to help successfully implement the goals of these projects. To learn more about the Travel2change Join This Trip Contest and to apply, please go to review the contest details here.

Lençóis Maranhenses, the national park located in the northeastern Brazilian state of Maranhão, is an area of outstanding natural beauty and wonder created by a balance of extremes. A six-month dry season, during which strong winds shape miles and miles of sand dunes, is counterbalanced by a six-month rainy season that fills aqua-tinged lagoons and nourishes lush green vegetation set amidst the sand. The result is a desert-like environment with over 70 kilometres of beaches, but one that still provides enough fresh clear water and rich vegetation to support a wide variety of birds, animals and fish.

Local residents of Brazil's Lençóis Maranhenses National Park boat down the Alegre River in Santo Amaro. Photo courtesy of Marcio Vasconcelos

A trip to this delightful and delicate corner of Brazil appeals both to the traveller on a quest for adventure and to the vacationer in search of peace, quiet and balance. Either way, there is plenty to see and do in Lençóis Maranhenses.

Adventure seekers will find tours in Lençóis Maranhenses that include excursions in 4X4s specially equipped to handle the remote dunes, which reach heights of up to 10 metres. For less extreme interaction, travellers can stroll the long stretches of clear beaches around the town of Barreirinhas, dive into the crystal-clear waters of the Blue Lagoon or birdwatch on a riverboat cruise.

Two other highly-recommended activities in Lençóis Maranhnses are just looking up and looking down: up at dusk to watch a vibrant sunset fade into a clear, starry sky; down onto the wind-swept dunes from the window of a scenic flight.

Never miss a sunset in Lençóis Maranhenses, Brazil, just before the night explodes with stars. Photo courtesy of Marcio Vasconcelos

Though there is a relatively low number of visitors to Lençóis Maranhenses National Park (Parque Nacional dos Lençóis Maranhenses) and the tourism infrastructure is still developing, the area is by no means desolate. A number of cosy and rustic Lençóis Maranhenses hotels are well integrated into their surroundings, including in the nearby fishing villages of Mandacaru and Cabure, which thrive during the rainy season, and the towns of Atins and Cabure, which offer beautiful beach walks. Pousada do Rio, for example, prides itself on the small but mindful steps it takes toward achieving balance with the dunes that surround it. By redirecting waste away from the river, the hotel contributes to the sustainability of the enveloping ecosystem.

whl.travel is thrilled to introduce Sandra Rodrigues and her team at Sacada Turismo as the local expert connection to Lençóis Maranhenses. The Sacada team prides itself on understanding the fragile and nuanced balance underlying the incredible beauty of Lençóis Maranhenses; their aim is to build a tourism structure which reflects that balance. They want visitors to come away with a deeper understanding of the region and its ecological importance. They also practice the sustainable tourism they preach by supporting eco-friendly recycling organisations and endorsing partners who share similar values.

The daughter of locally known chef and owner of the Restaurant da Luzia in Lençóis Maranhenses, Brazil, feeds a baby goat in the village of Akins. Photo courtesy of Marcio Vasconcelos

“We are very happy to use the whl.travel site, firstly for a positive exchange with tourists from around the world, and secondly to help small and medium-sized entrepreneurs in Maranhão,” commented Rodrigues. “Our goal is to meet a significant number of tourists with speed and friendliness, meeting all their needs and desires. Above all, we want to keep a good relationship with the community. We hope that our destination, Lençóis Maranhenses, will soon have an economic growth of sustainable and equitable manner, and that the local community will experience significant social development, with new opportunities for the vast majority of its population.”

Travel in Lençóis Maranhenses is now possible through www.lencois-maranhenses.travel, which joins a long list of established and successful whl.travel portals in Brazil.

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EM PORTUGUÊS / IN PORTUGUESE:

O Parque Nacional dos Lençóis Maranhenses está localizado no nordeste do Brasil, mais precisamente no estado do Maranhão. O parque ocupa uma área de grande beleza natural, uma maravilha criada pelo equilíbrio das extremidades. A temporada de seis meses de seca, durante o qual os ventos fortes formam quilômetros e quilômetros de dunas de areia, é contrabalanceada por uma temporada de seis meses de chuva, cujas águas provocam o surgimento das admiráveis lagoas, regando também a vegetação rasteira situada entre as dunas. O resultado disso tudo é uma combinação única de desertos e lagoas,  a imensidão de um oásis, de mais de 70 quilômetros de praias e uma grande biodiversidade.

Uma viagem a este agradável e delicado canto do Brasil contagia tanto viajantes em busca de aventura quanto turistas em busca de paz, tranquilidade e equilíbrio. De qualquer maneira, há muito que ver e fazer em Lençóis Maranhenses.

Visitors cross the Negro River of Lençóis Maranhenses, Brazil, in order to reach Queimada village. Photo courtesy of Marcio Vasconcelos

Turistas em busca de aventuras em Lençóis Maranhenses vão encontrar opções de passeio que incluem excursões em jipes 4×4 especialmente equipados para percorrer as diversas duas que podem chegar a 10 metros de altura. Os turistas menos aventureiros podem passear pelas longas e extensas praias de aguas claras ao redor da cidade de Barreirinhas, mergulhar nas águas cristalinas da Lagoa Azul ou apreciar a paisagem através de um passeio de barco.

Outras duas atividades altamente recomendáveis nos Lençóis Maranhenses são esperar pelo entardecer para ver um por do sol desaparecer vibrante e claro, seguido de um estrelado céu; a outra é se aventurar e ver a grande obra que o vento faz nas dunas através da janela de um voo panorâmico.

Embora haja um número relativamente baixo de visitantes nos Parque Nacional dos Lençóis Maranhenses e a infraestrutura turística ainda não seja bem desenvolvida, a área não é totalmente desolada. Existe uma série de rústicas e acolhedoras pousadas nos Lençóis Maranhenses, que são bem integradas com seus arredores, incluindo as aldeias de pescadores nas proximidades de Mandacaru e Caburé, que prosperam durante a estação chuvosa, e as cidades de Atins e Caburé, que oferecem passeios por belas praias.  A Pousada do Rio, por exemplo, orgulha-se de pequenos passos tomados, mas que são conscientes para atingir o equilíbrio com as dunas que a rodeiam. Redirecionando os resíduos para longe do rio, a pousada contribui para a sustentabilidade do ecossistema que a envolve.

A whl.travel está contente em apresentar Sandra Rodrigues e sua equipe da Sacada Turismo como a conexão de especialistas locais em Lençóis Maranhenses. A equipe Sacada orgulha-se de entender o equilíbrio frágil e sutil que esta incrível beleza dos Lençóis Maranhenses esconde, seu objetivo é construir uma estrutura de turismo, que reflita esse equilíbrio. A agência quer visitantes que visem um entendimento mais profundo da região e da sua importância ecológica. Eles também praticam e pregam o turismo sustentável através do apoio a organizações amigavelmente ecológicas de reciclagem, contribuindo com parceiros que partilham valores semelhantes.

“Estamos muito felizes em usar a whl.travel, em primeiro lugar devido a possibilidade de ter uma troca positiva com turistas de todo o mundo, e em segundo lugar por poder ajudar os pequenos e médios empreendedores do Maranhão”, comentou Sandra. “Nosso objetivo é atender um número significativo de turistas com rapidez e cordialidade, atendendo todas as suas necessidades e desejos. Acima de tudo, queremos manter um bom relacionamento com a comunidade. Esperamos que o nosso destino, Lençóis Maranhenses, em breve tenha um crescimento econômico de forma sustentável e equitativo, e que a comunidade local experimente um desenvolvimento social significativo, com novas oportunidades para a grande maioria de sua população.”

Lençóis Maranhenses se junta a uma longa lista de destinos da whl.travel no Brasil.

This year (2011) will to be the second annual Festival da Primavera, following the smashing success of last year’s first annual event. The island attracted international and Brazilian visitors alike, and Morro de São Paulo hotels filled to capactiy! The festival was launched in 2010 to commemorate the municipality of Cairu’s 400th anniversary. September is the month of Cairu’s patron saint, Nossa Senhora da Luz.

In other words, the community of Morro de São Paulo found the perfect excuse for a mega-celebration. The municipality invested 500,000 Brazilian reals in the festival last year. Around 10,000 people were estimated to have attended the concerts each night. This year, an even bigger count of tourists is expected.

Folk art, costume and performances add local colour to the spectacular Festival da Primavera in Morro de São Paulo, Brazil. Photo courtesy of Rota Tropical

Anticipating the 2011 Festival Sensations

The Spring Festival takes place on the public beaches of Morro de São Paulo, and admission is free for everyone. Can you imagine great live music on a Brazilian beach setting? It’s espetacular! The festival combines the best of local artists with important national performers. On the main stage, several major music artists perform each night over the course of five nights. In addition to the headlining bands, locals perform capoeira and roda de samba in the streets, converting the whole village into an outdoor theatre of local culture and live performance.

For the 2011 edition of the Festival da Primavera, Vanessa da Matta, Capital Inicial and Jau Peri are the confirmed headliners, each notable for a distinct music style. Vanessa da Mata became famous in 2002, when she released her first CD, the self-titled Vanessa da Mata. To date, she has produced an additional three studio albums, one live album, and an EP (extended play), all of which have met with huge success. As she is a gifted songwriter, she usually sings her own material, like one of her biggest hits, “Boa Sorte,” a breezy duet she recorded with American singer-songwriter Ben Harper. Most of her songs combine the romance of a ballad with the danceable beat of a Top-40 pop song.

Capital Inicial broke into the Brazilian rock-and-roll spotlight in the 1980s. The band’s members received formal training as musicians before launching their rock careers, giving their music and lyrics a notable touch of sophistication and literacy.

The 2011 festival’s third major headliner is Jau Peri, also known simply as Jau, a brilliant Afro-Brazilian composer from Bahia, where many local singers have covered his songs. Jau’s music career began with the Olodum group, a band that has featured American legends such as Michael Jackson and Paul Simon as guests. Jau always wrote the lyrics, earning himself a number of awards. His music expresses influences of Afro-Brazilian culture and Afro-style drums.

More than 20 years into his musical career, Nando Reis captivates Brazilian audiences more than ever with his mature songwriting and wistful lyrics. Photo courtesy of Rota Tropical

Highlights of the 2010 Festival da Primavera

In 2010, the Spring Festival showcased some high-profile Brazilians singers. One of them was Nando Reis. He first became famous with Titãs, a rock group of the 1980s that is still rocking today. Reis was in the group for 20 years, until 2002, at which time he decided to focus on his solo career. Today, his style is best described as soft rock and ballad. His brilliance shines through in the soulful lyrics of his songs, which other Brazilian musicians often choose to cover.

The other nationally recognised singer that came to the Festival da Primavera in 2010 was Maria Gadú. She first reached the national music spotlight in 2009. Ever since, her sweet voice has been a familiar one on Brazilian radio all over the country.

Morro de São Paulo’s very own Vivendo do Ocio, a rock group that has achieved widespread fame, came home to Morro to play at the first festival. For the local residents and the musicians themselves, it was exciting to share their music in the place they grew up. The band’s name, Vivendo do Ocio, means ‘living in idleness’. They chose this because band-members Luca and Jajá, now 23 and 24 years old, spent long leisurely afternoons playing at home as a hobby. It was from these afternoons that the idea to form a band was born. Although they have moved on, the guys still call Morro de São Paulo home and return on vacation.

Nowadays the members of the band are Luca (bass and voice), Davide (guitar), Jajá (voice and guitar) and Diego (drums). The guys were influenced by international bands like The Strokes, Arctic Monkeys, and The Clash, as well as Brazilian bands like Barão Vermelho, Raul Seixas and Los Hermanos. They play rock and roll dotted with the occasional sweet ballad. Davide defines their style as a mix of rock with influences of dance and punk, so its  not surprising when they experiment with fusing elements of Brit Rock with classic Brazilian rhythms from Bahia. The lyrics cover the usual boy-band themes of love, alcohol and girls, appealing especially to an adolescent audience.

Jajá, vocalist and guitarist for rock band Vivendo do Ocio, remembers a time when he and Luca would just jam for fun at home in Morro de São Paolo, Brazil. Now, the band has toured nationally and even in Europe. Photo courtesy of vivendodoocio.com

Vivendo do Ocio achieved international stardom on tour in Europe in August 2010. They played in London on national Brazilian Day and the Netherlands during the Festival International de la Music. In 2011, they returned to Europe, where they performed in the Italia Wave Love Festival.

To see the guys in their native habitat, though, watch the video clip of the song “Terra virar mente”, which was produced in Morro de São Paulo on a beach called Quinta Praia (Fifth beach).

This year’s Festival da Primavera will be held from September 3 to 7, 2011. Don’t miss out! The city fills up, so be sure to book your hotel in advance with Rota Tropical, the whl.travel local connection in Morro de São Paulo, Brazil.

Always full of events year-round, Ouro Preto’s calendar for 2011 is a special one, which makes it worth yet another visit. Having celebrated its tricentennial (300 years!) this past Friday, July 8, Ouro Preto has organised a series of celebrations that started exactly a year ago. Beyond the traditional events, like the Carnival and Holy Week (Semana Santa), the town will boast a host of musical and cultural events.

Opening this weekend, the celebrated Festival de Inverno or Winter Festival of Ouro Preto promises to be a special one. The rock band Paralamas do Sucesso, the multi-instrumentalist Hermeto Pascoal and the symbol of Minas Gerais music, Milton Nascimento, promise to warm-up the arctic nights of Ouro Preto.

Another event that enhances the musical appeal of Ouro Preto will take place next month, from 25 to 27 of August. This year, the Festival Tudo é Jazz (Ouro Preto Jazz Festival) will pay homages to Tom Jobim, the great master of Brazilian music. In its 10th year, the festival usually brings jazz fans from all over Brazil, who gather around a few stages erected around the town.

I’ve been to a few of the past festivals and I can tell you that the most fun part, as shown in the photo above, is the train ride from Ouro Preto to Mariana. In 2008 I had the pleasure this musical journey in the company of the Russo Jazz Band (pictured), already a highlight of the festival.

This year, as the it couldn’t be any less fun, the Ouro Preto Festival Tudo é Jazz is already marked on my calendar.

Home to the Pantanal, the largest wetland in the world, South Pantanal, in the Brazilian state of Mato Grosso do Sul, is an outstanding ecological wonder. In fact, the name ‘Pantanal’ is derived from the Portuguese word pântano, which means wetland. This incredible wilderness area is an explorer’s feast of forested hills and seasonally affected but perennial waterfalls, rivers, lagoons and meadows. Visitors additionally have the opportunity to observe exotic wildlife; South Pantanal is said to have more animals than the famous Amazon, including one of the largest and healthiest jaguar populations on the earth.

South Pantanal is home to the largest wetland in the world. It supports over 1,000 bird species, 400 different types of fish, 900 subspecies of invertebrates, 480 reptiles and 300 mammal species. It is home to more wildlife than the famous Amazon. Photo courtesy of Fundação de Turismo de Mato Grosso do Sul

Perhaps the biggest challenge to be encountered during a visit is deciding between the many exciting things to see and do in South Pantanal. From strolling through a beautiful city like Aquidauana or spelunking in the deep stalagmite- and stalactite-filled caverns in Bonito to climbing the ancient Fort Coimbra built to protect the country against a Spanish invasion, travellers find no shortage of sights in this remarkably scenic and bio diverse region.

Active travellers and outdoors enthusiasts looking for outstanding tours and activities also have plenty of inspiration in this area renowned for its wildlife viewing, hiking and piranha fishing. There’s exploring the nocturnal habits of ocelots, owls and alligators on a nighttime safari; saddling up for a ride by horseback; or experiencing the unparalleled beauty of the landscape by train.

In the midst of all this activity, it’s easy to make South Pantanal your home away from home, There are many different types of accommodation in South Pantanal, including beautiful rural fazendas (large cattle farms), sustainable ecolodges and boat hotels. Anglers might consider checking in at Hotel Gold Fish, which offers a range of boats for use by guests, while anyone interested in learning more about the lifestyles of local farmers should book a stay at the Fazenda 23 de Março.

whl.travel is very excited to introduce the BWT Operadora team as the expert local connection in South Pantanal. With a strong commitment to environmental preservation, BTW Operadora is the largest travel company working toward the conservation of southern Brazil. Each tour is designed to be conscious of ensuring visitors the best experience possible while maintaining the utmost respect for the local environment so that it will be protected for generations to come.

“We are very glad to join one of the biggest worldwide sites of tourist services,” said Adonai Arruda Filho, the company’s director and president. “It is thrilling that more tourists now will get to know the beauties of this Brazilian region with much more comfort, reserving tours and accommodation with only one click.”

www.hotel-pantanal.com is the latest addition to the ever-growing whl.travel network in Brazil.

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EM PORTUGUÊS / IN PORTUGUESE:

Bem-vindo ao Pantanal Sul, a maior planície alagada do mundo, uma maravilha ecológica no estado brasileiro de Mato Grosso do Sul. A incrível área é um prato cheio para os exploradores da região, com morros florestados, cachoeiras sazonalmente afetadas, rios, lagos e prados e na qual os visitantes ainda têm a oportunidade de observar animais selvagens exóticos. Dizem que o Pantanal Sul tem mais animais do que a famosa Amazônia, incluindo uma das maiores e mais saudáveis populações de onça do planeta.

Aboard the Trem do Pantanal (Pantanal Train), passengers feast their eyes on continuous views of the largest wetland in the world, seen through large glass windowpanes. Lucky passengers may catch a glimpse of South Pantanal’s famous wildlife, including macaws and jaguars. Photo courtesy of Fundação de Turismo de Mato Grosso do Sul

Talvez o maior desafio encontrado durante uma visita ao Pantanal Sul é o de decidir o que fazer e ver entre os muitos atrativos emocionantes que a região oferece. Dar uma volta na bela cidade de Aquidauana, explorar as belas cavernas de estalagmite e estalactite de Bonito ou até escalar o antigo Forte Coimbra, construído para proteger o país contra a invasão dos espanhóis. Os viajantes não sentem falta alguma de belas paisagens nesta região notável por sua biodiversidade.

Viajantes ativos e entusiastas que procuram excursões e atividades extraordinárias têm total inspiração nesta região renomada por sua vida selvagem, por caminhadas e pela pesca da piranha. É possível também explorar os hábitos noturnos das jaguatiricas, das corujas e dos jacarés em um safari noturno, montar em um cavalo para incríveis passeios ou conhecer a beleza incomparável da paisagem com o Trem do Pantanal.

No meio de todas estas atividades, é fácil com que o Pantanal Sul torne-se sua segunda casa. Há vários tipos diferentes de acomodação no Pantanal Sul que incluem belas fazendas rurais (grandes propriedades criadoras de gado) e alojamentos ecológicos sustentáveis. Os pescadores podem considerar a opção de hospedagem no Hotel Gold Fish, que disponibiliza alguns barcos para uso dos hóspedes. Já os interessados em aprender mais sobre o estilo de vida dos fazendeiros locais devem escolher a Fazenda 23 de Março.

A whl.travel tem o prazer de apresentar a equipe da BWT Operadora como a conexão local especializada no Pantanal Sul. Com um forte comprometimento com a preservação ambiental, a BWT Operadora é a maior empresa de turismo que trabalha voltada para a conservação da parte Sul do Brasil. Cada passeio é projetado para garantir aos visitantes a melhor experiência possível e para ao mesmo tempo manter o máximo respeito em relação ao ambiente local, de modo que seja protegido para as gerações futuras.

“Estamos muito contentes e animados em ingressar em um dos maiores sites mundiais de reservas de serviços turísticos”, diz Adonai Arruda Filho, diretor comercial da empresa. “A expectativa é que mais turistas conheçam as belezas das regiões brasileiras com muito mais comodidade e conforto para a reserva dos passeios com apenas um clique”.

www.hotel-pantanal.com é o último destino a ingressar na crescente rede whl.travel no Brasil.

Once a quaint fishing village, Porto de Galinhas, Brazil, has watched as traces of its sleepy origins fade into yesteryear. Although the pace of life is still welcomingly calm on off days, easy village rhythms have been replaced by the modern buzz of vacationing crowds that flood in on holidays and weekends. This should come as no surprise for a place unanimously declared the country’s best beach for 10 years running. After all, where else is there such an incredible combination of a near-equatorial coastal location, natural pools a stone’s throw from the beach and ecological trails all within close proximity to the major state capital of Recife.

During low tide, natural swimming pools are easily reached on foot from Brazil's Porto de Galinhas village. Photo courtesy of the Secretary of Porto de Galinhas

In an effort to maintain its reputation as THE best beach in Brazil, the area’s infrastructure has been strategically developed to keep pace with the influx of holidaymakers. There is a plethora of Porto de Galinhas hotels, plus plenty of resorts ready to accommodate suntanned and beach-beaten guests looking to relax indoors. One option with a good reputation is Ecoporto, which is run by a welcoming couple from Southern Brazil. This pousada (Brazilian guesthouse) is located far enough outside the bustling town centre to escape the noise, but still within strolling distance of its restaurants and shops.

There are tons of things to see and do in Porto de Galinhas. Top of the list for most visitors is lazing on the idyllic white sands as waves break over the surrounding reefs, although gazing at beautiful fish in natural pools and diving to explore lost shipwrecks are both available as options. One truly amazing experience is observing seahorses in their natural habitat on a kayaking trip through the Maracaípe mangroves before paddling out to where the Maracaípe River meets the ocean.

Alternatively for those who like to feel the wind in their hair and the sand beneath their feet, jumping on a three-hour or full-day Buggy Tour is a wonderful way to explore the beaches in the area, while allowing the freedom to stop at will for a stroll on the shoreline.

Porto de Galinhas, Brazil, means 'Port of Chickens'. In the 18th century, when the slave trade was outlawed in Brazil, the traffic continued in this port town. The code for explaining that a shipment had arrived was 'new chickens were in town.' Courtesy of Pedro Paulo Capelossi

No matter what you do, most days are finished off in the same way – with caipirinha drinks at a local watering hole.

The whl.travel local connection in Porto de Galinhas is Pedro Paulo Capelossi and his team at Trip Noronha, who also cover the Brazilian island paradise of Fernando de Noronha. “I am pleased to finally bring the local community and small inns of Porto de Galinhas the technological tools to reach a market they never could before,” said Capelossi. “Our mission, in addition to bringing quality information to travellers, is to encourage sustainable tourism in this region where it is still not a common focus for many tourism providers and accommodations.”

As with any booming tourist destination, many suppliers in Porto de Galinhas are driven by the ever-mighty bottom line. However, in the name of truly responsible tourism, Pedro seeks out tour providers and accommodation operators working toward improving the sustainability of this gorgeous beach destination by hiring local people, recycling, utilising green energy systems and improving awareness of the local culture.

As an avid diver, Pedro’s responsible practices extend to his concern for Brazil’s oceans. Over the years he has completed over 5,000 dives and accompanied over 20,000 divers. Trip Noronha has also been involved with noteworthy projects like the Spinner Dolphin Project and conservation efforts for rehabilitating overused dive sites in Fernando de Noronha.

www.portodegalinhas.travel is the latest addition to the ever-growing network of destinations covered by whl.travel partners all over Brazil.

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EM PORTUGUÊS / IN PORTUGUESE:

Outrora uma exótica aldeia de pescadores, Porto de Galinhas assistiu com o tempo os traços das suas origens singulares desaparecerem no passado. Embora o ritmo de vida ainda seja tranquilamente convidativo em certos dias, a aldeia teve os compassos substituídos pelo buzz moderno das férias e multidões que a inundam em feriados e fins de semana. Isso não deve ter sido nenhuma surpresa para um lugar que por unanimidade foi escolhido como a melhor praia do país por 10 anos seguidos. Afinal, aonde mais existe esta combinação incrível de um local paradisíaco, com piscinas naturais a poucos passos da praia e várias trilhas ecológicas? E tudo nas proximidades de uma capital de estado.

Em um esforço contínuo para manter a sua reputação como a melhor praia do Brasil a infraestrutura da região foi desenvolvida para manter o ritmo com o fluxo de turistas. Existe uma infinidade de hotéis em Porto de Galinhas, além de resorts prontos para acomodar os que procuram relaxamento. Uma opção com boa reputação é Ecoporto, que é gerido por um casal do sul do Brasil. Esta pousada está localizada distante o suficiente do centro da cidade para escapar da agitação, mas ainda assim a curta distância dos seus restaurantes e lojas.

The locals have capitalised on the town's catchy name and craft chickens can be found all over the village, even though the name is rooted in a time of slavery. Courtesy of Pedro Paulo Capelossi

Há várias coisas para ver e fazer em Porto de Galinhas. No topo da lista para a maioria dos visitantes é espreguiçar nas areias brancas enquanto as ondas quebram sobre os recifes ao redor, contemplar belos peixes nas piscinas naturais ou mergulhar para explorar nasvios naufragados são passeios disponíveis. Uma experiência verdadeiramente surpreendente é observar os cavalos-marinhos em seu habitat natural em uma viagem de caiaque pelo mangue de Maracaípe antes de remar para fora, onde o Rio Maracaípe encontra o oceano.

Alternativamente, para aqueles que gostam de sentir o vento em seus cabelos e a areia sob seus pés, um passeio de buggy de três horas ou um passeio de Buggy o dia todo é uma maneira maravilhosa de explorar as praias da região.

Não importa o que você faça, pois na maioria das vezes os dias terminam da mesma forma – com caipirinha em um bar!

Agora, além do portal WHL de Fernando de Noronha, Pedro Paulo Capelossi, da Trip Noronha compartilhou conosco como ele está “satisfeito de finalmente trazer ás comunidades locais e pequenas pousadas de Porto de Galinhas, as ferramentas tecnológicas para alcançar um mercado nunca antes explorado. A nossa missão, além de trazer informações de qualidade aos viajantes, é promover o turismo sustentável na região, pois ainda não é uma prática comum de muitas pousadas e prestadores de turismo locais”.

Com o crescimento do turismo em Porto de Galinhas, as grandes operadoras turísticas começaram a comercializar o destino de forma desordenada, e é aonde a verdadeira essência do turismo sustentável entra em jogo. Pedro procura trabalhar com fornecedores que tenham a preocupação em desenvolver um turismo sustentável a fim de preservar o destino, contratando mão de obra local, reciclagem de lixo, utilizando energia solar, evidenciando os aspectos da cultura local. Pedro é um instrutor de mergulho experiente, com mais de 5000 mergulhos e já acompanhou mais de 20.000 mergulhadores de todo o mundo. A Trip Noronha apóia e já auxiliou projetos como o Projeto Golfinho Rotador, e também participou da exploração de novos pontos de mergulho para reabilitar pontos de mergulho já saturados em Fernando de Noronha.

www.portodegalinhas.travel tem muito orgulho de participar de uma extensa rede de destinos já lançados no Brasil.

Ecotourism for people in wheelchairs? You may wonder what that looks like, how it’s done. You’d be pleasantly surprised to learn that in many destinations there are efforts in place to improve tourism infrastructure to better serve people with disabilities. Brazil is one such example.

Accessible Tourism

Travel and Tourism is recognized as the largest service sector industry, and as such it is imperative that people of all ages and abilities are allowed access to its activities. Accessible Tourism is a movement that has evolved to represent this important concept, as well as to represent a group that is too often denied desired travel experiences due to inaccessibility and a lack of knowledge at many destinations worldwide. Groups such as the European Network for Accessible Tourism (ENAT) promote extended travel opportunities for people with disabilities by establishing partnerships, networks, educational material and certifications/guidelines pertaining to the accessibility of service sector facilities and operations.

Accessible Tourism recognizes the universal right to participate in tourism by having access to “independent travel, accessible facilities, trained staff, reliable information and inclusive marketing,” and notes its wide-spread benefits. “Accessible tourism benefits everyone. More individuals enjoy the opportunity to travel; the tourism industry gets more visitors, longer seasons and new incomes. Society as a whole benefits from new job opportunities, more tax revenue and an accessible environment for both inhabitants and visitors.” (ENAT, 2011)

Virtual Accessible Tourism Project

Thankfully, these days one can find many accommodations and operators in Brazil that have adapted their facilities to receive individuals with decreased or limited mobility. Recently the Brazilian company Acessivel – Turismo Adaptado (Accessible – Adapted Tourism) has developed a new project featuring an online tour guide for travelers with reduced mobility.

This unique guide, only in Portuguese for now, is posted online through oviajanteespecial.blogspot.com and will soon become a website with information about Brazilian accessible tourism destinations. The aim of this guide is to enable people with disability and reduced mobility to travel throughout Brazil. Adriana Braun, who uses a wheelchair herself, is responsible for coordinating this project.

Adriana Braun: Active Adventurer on a Wheelchair

In 2001, Adriana was the first person in a wheelchair to travel to the Fernando de Noronha islands, a popular ecotourism destination in Brazil. Adriana realized that with a little guidance and specific training for local guides and service sector employees, accommodations could improve their offerings so that people in wheelchairs may travel more. Thus began her instrumental work in accessible ecotourism. For Adriana, ecotourism and responsible travel experiences represent an excellent tool for rehabilitation to people in wheelchairs.

Accessible Ecotourism in Brazil

Fortunately there are many ecotourism destinations in Brazil that can be visited by people in wheelchairs, yet there is one that deserves special mention: the beach settlement of Itacaré, in the region of Bahia on the eastern coast of Brazil.

Itacaré is revered as one of the most beautiful places on the coast of Bahia. It is synonymous with beautiful beaches and relatively few people, protected Atlantic forests, pristine rivers, amazing waterfalls, and a very lively town during the summer. Nowadays this small town of Bahia is very popular with visitors, and especially surfers, who are attracted to the local beaches and their famously rough waves.

If you are a traveler in a wheelchair and want to visit Itacaré, you can be assured that there are many opportunities for accessible tourism and recreation in the area. Many local service operators have met with trained ecotourism guides and consultants in order to enable them to better cater to the needs of travelers with special needs. Because of this, it is possible for people in wheelchairs to go hiking in the local forests, to visit the beautiful beaches, to walk in the mangroves, to visit stunning waterfalls and even to enjoy adventure sports such as rafting.

The bars and cafés that line the edges of the square provide liquid refreshment to visitors and locals alike, and taking the time to relax in the shade of their parasols is an ideal escape from the warmth of the Brazilian sun, which can get a little too much when wandering.

Diamantina is a well-preserved colonial town located in the heartland of Brazil, some 300 kilometres from the state capital of Belo Horizonte. The surrounding territory is rugged, beautiful mountain ranges. The town shares it’s name with the Chapada Diamantina, or Diamond Highlands, which are located some distance to the North and offer incredible views over sprawling valleys and tepuis (rocky outcrops), and provide the perfect territory for those with a love for exploration and adventure.

Diamantina itself delivers heaps of old-world charm and has a character all its own. Its picturesque streets lined with white buildings are dotted with patches of vibrant colour and cater to visitors who prefer a more relaxed style of sightseeing. It’s also home to a great range of friendly and welcoming bars and restaurants, all of which will be more than happy to serve you a cool beer to enjoy in the sun.

Regardless of the mystique about this massive cascade, however, and not unlike places like Manaus and the Amazon, the Iguassu Falls are much more cherished by international travellers than by locals; like me, many Brazilians often prefer travel abroad to exploring destinations closer to home.

Although I had once planned a trip to Foz do Iguassu, the city on the Brazilian side of the falls, it never actually happened because I lost my flight. It was also never really a priority destination for me. I’ve been to the Niagara Falls in the USA already, I thought, so why should I bother? Silly me…

From a high platform, a 55-metre rappel is enhanced by the lush vegetation and beautiful views on the Brazilian side of the Iguassu Falls. Photo courtesy of Wallace Faria

Then, when my close friend Wallace, who also works in tourism, said he was planning to visit the Iguassu Falls, I thought it was a good chance to take a few days off, as well as work on a project with Fabio Wandscheer, the whl.travel local partner in Foz do Iguassu. It was even a great opportunity to buy some cheap goods, since Foz do Iguassu borders Ciudad del Este, a Paraguayan shopping paradise for Brazilians.

Foz do Iguassu, Our Adventure Base

On our arrival at the Foz do Iguassu International Airport, Wallace and I were welcomed by Fabio, our local expert. After a good evening with him during which we caught up on business-related topics, we had a noble night of sleep at the Green House Hostel, one of the new businesses Fabio runs in Foz.

For the next two days, we went shopping in Paraguay. Although this adventure alone could justify a trip to Foz do Iguassu, I could not say the trip was complete at that point.

View The Iguassu Falls and vicinity in Brazil and Argentina in a larger map

After all, we were still looking forward to the next two days, which would include visits the falls – one to the Brazilian side and the other to the Argentinean side. Since the falls are right on the border of Brazil and Argentina, there is access to the falls from both sides.

The Brazilian Side: Adventure in Iguaçu National Park

Our guide, Fabio, had warned us that it was going to be a long and action-packed day. That was a thought that flashed through my mind mind when I reached the lofty platform from which I would go rappelling, or abseiling. I had goose bumps as a rush of adrenalin girpped me. From up there, I could barely see Wallace on the ground 55 metres below, trying to take some photos. The views of the falls, however, were incredible.

After the thrilling descent, as we headed straight to the rafting area, I was sorry I hadn’t eaten more at breakfast. It was a short-lived thought, though, as there and ready were the team of Macuco Safari, waiting to coach us about the ride ahead.

The author (centre) with his colleagues, Wallace and Fabio, take a moment out of the raft to pose with the Iguassu Falls in the background. Photo courtesy of Wallace Faria

Due to the high water level, the Paraná River was calm. So, after bouncing on a few rapids at the beginning of our trip, we took care of the fun ourselves. Everyone plunged into the water, where we stayed for most of the remaining trip.

At the end, our finish was also the staging point for the Great Adventure Boat Ride, the most famous tour of the park. Now in a larger and tougher boat, Fabio, Wallace and I took seats right at the front. We were already soaked, so we didn’t care that we could get even more wet. We zoomed up the river all the way to the cataract known as the Three Musketeers falls. Innocently, I thought we were just going to get really close; what a surprise when the boat’s captain drove us right into the falls. An explosion of water hit me and I was completely reinvigorated.

Next on our activity-packed itinerary was a nine-kilometre forest hike. As it was already a little past noon when we reached the start of the Poço Preto Trail, we grabbed a few snacks and bottles of water, met the guide and got ready. During the long hike I could feel the nature around us with all of my senses.

The trail culminated at the upper part of the Iguassu River, where we did a quick kayak run through calm surroundings that reminded us more of Pantanal than of the turbulent falls further downriver. It was a relaxing way to finish our day!

The Argentinean Side: Iguazú National Park

Due to the rivalry between Brazil and Argentina experienced mainly through football, I was a bit sceptical that the Argentinean side of the Falls could compare with what we had seen during our incredible first day in Brazil. We nevertheless took a morning ride, this time with a group of people that included Colombians and Americans.

Argentina's Iguazú National Park was created in 1934 and contains one of the world's greatest natural wonders: the Iguazu Falls. Surrounded by lively fauna and flora, it is a perfect place for nature lovers. Photo courtesy of Wallace Faria

As we crossed the border and headed toward Puerto Iguazú and its national park, our guide ran through the itinerary and the driver put us at ease by entertaining us with some Argentine anecdotes.

From the bus we transferred to a train – the fastest way to get to the falls – that took us to the base point from which to see the Devil’s Throat, the most powerful and famous cataract of the park. Even as we crossed a long suspended footbridge that connects visitors to the observation point, we were clueless about what lay ahead. Then, the calm river below started to become rougher, a dazzling spray of water appeared above the tree tops and the mass of people suddenly became denser. We sped up to keep pace with our anxiety.

The fame of these waters was entirely justified; the power of the falls in front of us made us breathless. As I turned my camera on to shoot some photos and videos, I realised that the impressive volume and massive sound was practically impossible to capture.

For the rest of the day, we wandered across the long and characteristic footbridges of the park, getting really close to other impressive falls, one after another. I started to understand why people from the other side of the planet travel to have this same experience. And now I can guarantee: a journey to the Iguassu Falls is not complete if you don’t visit both sides.

Thinking about a visit to the Iguassu Falls, from the Brazilian side or the Argentinian side? Check out Falls Vision Receptivo’s careful selection of Iguassu Falls hotels and let their local experts take you to the falls and surrounding nature with their special Iguassu Falls tours.