Category: Stories

  • Vale do Pati trekking is for all ages?

    Vale do Pati trekking is for all ages?

    This was for sure the greatest adventure of our lives!

    Germano

    The weather was rainy and the forecast was for even more rain. The group of 7 friends from Paraíba considered giving up the trip, but the call for a new adventure spoke louder. And so, fearful but determined, they went to meet the PlanetaEXO team at the starting point for Vale do Pati, the city of Guiné.Adventurers gathering in the village of Guiné before starting the Vale do Pati trek

    Ana Karla, Roberto, Germano, Ana Claudia, Jória, Robertinho e Adriana.

    Introduced to Saulo and Gil, the guides who would lead them during the next 4 days trekking in Vale do Pati, the group felt the necessary security to surrender to this challenge. And with their walking sticks, they started the first 300 meters of elevation amid the rain, fog, mud and slippery rocks to reach the first stopping point and postcard of the Valley: the Mirante do Pati.

    With open hearts and already thrilled to see such greatness of nature, they were able to experience the first impression of the transformation that awaited them. Their knees were already complaining and tiredness was asking them to go back to the comfort of home, but they didn’t give up. The experience conceived by the group’s leader, Germano, 59, was just beginning… And this is a journey of winners! 

    Our Guides made the difference! Technique, patience, tranquility, always attentive and with encouragement!

    Ana Cláudia

    Already in the house of the native Mr. Wilson, the group were able to rest and be well received by the family who, during their stay, offered tasty and reinforced meals and the best of the comfort of their home, which, by the way, does not include a hot shower, nor wi-fi, but the necessary to wake up excited for the next day.

    The 5-hour walk to reach Cachoeirão from above was challenging, but the return trip would be even more challenging. This is a privilege for those who hike in the rain, the waterfalls are radiant! A shower and a snack renewed their spirits to face a return of heavy rain, slips and trust in each other and in the hands of their guides. It was almost nine o’clock when they returned to the house, exhausted but vibrant. “Open the beer session to celebrate” – said Germano.

    At this point in the trip, they were already feeling strong, confident and transformed. The days that followed were a celebration in the waterfalls and natural pools, with the taste of someone who has just discovered a little more about themselves. On the last day, the ‘grand finale’ of the challenges: going up the Rampa do Pati to leave. A mix of emotion and exhaustion, but the certainty of an unforgettable experience.

    Surely, a new way of traveling is now part of the lives of this brave group! And YES, Vale do Pati trekking is for all ages! 

    Welcome to our family, PlanetaEXO adventurers!

    Thank you for the experience that EXO has given us. A fraternal hug, in particular, to our guides Saulo and Gil, very efficient and attentive to us.

    Roberto

    “Thank you for the care, technical knowledge, and even more for the patience, power to stimulate and vibrate together! I congratulate you for the education and care given individually, the power to add, the mental and physical strength of Saulo and Gil. In addition to the affection and kindness, always gracing us with words, conversations and smiles!“

    Ana Karla

    Well done guys!

    View Map

    PlanetaEXO badge marking the completion of the Vale do Pati trekking adventure

    This adventure supports the local communities and sustainable travel at Chapada Diamantina, Brazil
  • Chapada Diamantina Solo? Read Fernanda’s story

    Chapada Diamantina Solo? Read Fernanda’s story

    Fernanda is an adventure junkie and wants to travel the world, which is inspiring.

    But is it safe for women to travel alone? Of course, the choice of destination is the first step of the adventure. In Brazil, one of the most sought after destinations by adventurous women to travel is Chapada Diamantina.

    Fernanda’s challenge began long before the 3-day trek in Vale do Pati. Facing many difficulties to get to Chapada Diamantina, this determined young woman from southern Brazil, living in Guatemala, found a way to get there. After all, visiting the most beautiful trail in Brazil was at the top of her bucket list. She arrived at the starting point in Guiné, where she met her guide Lucas, who briefed her on the hike and checked her equipment before starting the adventure. Fernanda didn’t know it yet, but it would be 3 beautiful days with lots of sun and absurdly starry nights.

    The mountains and the landscape impressed Fernanda right away and excited her about the adventure of traveling solo in Chapada Diamantina that was about to begin. Walking through the Gerais do Rio Preto plateau she quickly reached the Vale do Pati Lookout and headed towards the Funis waterfall, the perfect time for a break, cooling off and enjoying a lactose-free picnic carefully prepared by her guide. Recharged, Fernanda continued the hike while enjoying a beautiful sunset. What a great way to end the first day!

    Waking up to the sound of birds is priceless! The adventure continued towards Morro do Castelo. This trail is considered one of the most beautiful and difficult in Vale do Pati, but not for Fernanda, who reached the top in about 1 hour – usually done in 2 hours. The ascent was quick for Fernanda, but she took the time to explore the caves and contemplate their 360° panoramic view. Guided by Lucas, Fernanda went to Poço da Árvore, another charming place where she enjoyed its natural pools and waterfalls surrounded by the valley’s canyons. Relaxed, Fernanda headed for the night’s stay, City Hall, where she felt at home, pampered as a member of Jailson and Maria’s family.

    After a hearty breakfast, it’s time to say goodbye to the host family and start the ascent through the Prefeitura’s slit. This trail can be difficult and is not for everyone, due to its rough and rocky terrain and which can be very slippery and dangerous during rainy days. After enjoying a unique view of Morro do Castelo, Fernanda head to Cachoeirão Waterfall lookout a breathtaking scenery 260m high. Out of this world!

    “Fernanda really walks fast and was very interested in the stories of the region, so we stayed longer at the last stop to synchronize the descent with the sunset”. So reported the guide Lucas, who was impressed by Fernanda’s excellent physical preparation. Being able to close the adventure with the sunset seen from above Aleixo in the Sincorá mountain range is priceless.Fernanda watching the sunset over the Sincorá mountain range in Chapada Diamantina

    Gosh! I am speechless to describe how crazy this track was! PlanetaEXO gave me a lot of support from the beginning to make everything work and was super helpful the whole time about any need I might have. And Lucas, my host, REALLY, I've never had a better host. Super sweet, very connected with all the history and biodiversity of the park, super attentive and flexible! We arrived 'early' at the end of the trail and still had the chance to chat and watch the last sunset in the Chapada, awesome!

    Fernanda Jung

    What a challenge guys ??

    View Map

    Undoubtedly, Fernanda does not regret all the efforts she made to travel solo in Chapada Diamantina and explore the Pati Valley! In 3 days she explored all the main attractions of this beautiful valley. After this wonderful experience, we look forward to joining her again on a new adventure in another paradise on our planet!


    Plant a tree badge marking PlanetaEXO support for sustainable tourism in Chapada Diamantina
    Esta aventura apoiou a comunidade local e o turismo sustentável na Chapada Diamantina, Bahia, Brasil