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POCO ENCANTADO AND POCO AZUL
from Magazine COMM 4332
by Julia Abramo
Poço Azul and Poço Encantado are one of the most important attractions of Chapada Diamantina in Bahia.
Poco Encantado aka the Enchanted Well is a sunken pool nestled in a cave with crystal clear water and visibility unlike any other. From April to September the sun is at the perfect angle to shine through the natural window and hit the water; create a stunning blue effect. The unbelievably clear water allows visitors to view the ancient rocks and tree trunks that line the bottom. Visiting this fragile eco-system is a favorite experience amongst visitors to the Chapada Diamantina National Park region.
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Encontro Das Aguas
Poco Azul is very similar to the Enchanted Well with one defining difference. Poco Azul offers visitors the chance to swim in its startling blue waters amongst ancient trees that have sunken into the pool. The contrast of golden rocks with the crystal blue waters will delight you.
This regions offers two of Brazil’s most spectacular caves and these natural wonders are a must visit.
The ‘Meeting of Waters’ is one of the main tourist attractions in Manaus, Brazil. For a total of six kilometers the Rio Negro and the Solimoes River run side by side without mixing. The Rio Negro boasts dark black colored water that runs at 2km an hour with a temperature of 28 degrees Celsius. Whereas the Solimoes River is a lighter sandy color and flows between 4-6km an hour and has a temperature of 22 degrees Celsius. The difference in speed, temperature and water density is how this unbelievable phenomenon is explained. You will have to travel almost four miles downstream to see where these two rivers actually meet to form the Amazon River. A full day cruise down the Rio Negro will take you to where the rivers meet and provide you with the most spectacular views as well as a fun-filled day on the river.
Fernando De Noronha
If you don’t live in South America you likely haven’t heard of Fernando de Noronha, and even if you do live here; the chance to visit this island is likely just a pipe dream. If you happen to be one of the few lucky visitors here get ready to explore a breathtaking eco-wonderland.
Fernando de Noronha is actually an archipelago of 21 islands and islets in the Atlantic Ocean located 354 km off the Brazilian coast and has a maximum capacity of 460 visitors at one time. The top two beaches in Brazil reside here; Praia do Leão and Baía do Sancho which offer excellent swimming and snorkeling. Divers will delight in the crystal clear waters which house over 200 species of fish, five species of sharks, sea turtles and the incredible spinner dolphins. Snorkeling at Praia da Atalaia is a special experience if you have the chance. This unique tidal pool only allows 100 visitors a day to its shallow pool. The breathtaking scenery, beautiful landscapes and the exclusivity of this natural wonders catapults Fernando de Noronha to the top of our must see list.
The Amazon
The very life spring of the planet; larger than the next eight largest rivers combined, responsible for the air we breathe, the water we drink, the Amazon River is truly a natural wonder. With so many options of starting points, length of trip, and method of travel; there is an experience for everyone. Towering trees sunk into the water, monkeys swinging from branch to branch and an abundance of activities; The Amazon begs to be explored.
Whether you visit it in the rainy season and silently glide through the flooded forests in a canoe or you visit in the dry season with sunny skies and the opportunity to take long hikes; there really is no bad time to come. The Amazon offers experiences such as tree climbing, piranha fishing, caiman spotting and experiences with local rubber-tapper communities. Jungle lodges offer visitors a chance to sleep in the jungle, explore the area on survival trips. The river boat excursions offer the chance to chug along the waters and experience the river from a different point of view.