The Caatinga is an ecozone found in the semi-arid northeastern region of Brazil. It is the only exclusively Brazilian biome, covering nearly 10% of the country’s territory. Recent studies show that the Caatinga is home to around 327 species of endemic animals as well as 323 endemic kinds of plants, including cacti, thick-stemmed plants, thorny brush, and arid-adapted grasses. During rainy seasons, the Caatinga bursts forth in beautiful green and colorful flowers. The highlights of hiking in the Caatinga are watching its wildlife: cavies, deers, armadillos, monkeys, and if you are lucky, little blue macaws in their native habitat. Not to mention the many spots to take a dip and refresh yourself, whether inland waterfalls and rivers in the Chapada Diamantina or the most impressive ocean colors of the Brazilian coast.