There’s more to Brazil than meets the eye

We’ve all heard of Rio Carnival and the mighty Iguacu falls, some of us may have even been lucky enough to search for Jaguar in the Pantanal, but Brazil has much more to offer those travellers venturing off the tourist trail – especially those in search of great, unspoilt hiking trails.

Brazil is home to some of the most impressive and isolated National Parks in the world. There are nearly 70 national parks, with intriguing grottoes and caverns, mountains, vast savannahs and mighty forests and vast bird and wildlife.

Among my favourite national parks are the Chapada Diamantina and the Chapada dos Veadeiros, few people have even heard of these parks, let alone visited them, but they are well worth the journey. Perhaps one of the biggest draws to walking the trails in these parks is the quantity of inviting pools and rivers, perfectly placed for a refreshing dip. This region of Brazil enjoys a great climate, and it’s a fantastic place to camp, to enjoy a camp fire and star gaze.

The Chapada Diamantina has got to be one of the most stunning parks in the world; below the surface it contains large underground cave systems and rock formations, crystal clear pools and grottoes; perfect for a morning exploration. Above ground you can kayak, hike, bike and ride your way around the mountains. The gateway town of Lencois is a beautifully colourful town, full of great places to eat and wander.

Chapada dos Veadeiros sharing the same parallel as Machu Picchu and rumoured to have mystic powers, perhaps endorsed by the huge amount of quartz rock formations. The park hosts a huge number of waterfalls and plentiful wildlife.

If you’re in the area, a few things we think you shouldn’t miss out on:

1. Try the acarajé- Bahia’s signature street food; a fried fritter of black eyed beans and shrimp. 2. Catch a Capoeira show on in the cultural capital of Salvador 3. Wander the colonial streets of Ouro Preto and treat yourself to a real Brazilian coffee or hot chocolate in the town square.