Categories
Stories From The Field

What surprised me at the Bird Park in Iguazu Falls. Unmissable!

I’m someone who loves the “outdoors” and cherishes “freedom.” I’m a fan of outdoor activities—excursions that involve visiting local communities, experiencing great cuisine, and providing opportunities for more active and less passive participation. I enjoy being a part of the action rather than just a spectator.

With that in mind, during my first visit to Iguazu Falls in Paraná, I created a list of places I wanted to explore. It was a dream trip for me. To experience the vastness of Iguazu Falls was something I had dreamed of for many years. Even today, when I close my eyes and start thinking about that place, I remember the excitement of being there.

I included the Bird Park (PA) in the itinerary out of habit, assuming it was a well-known attraction, and I planned to visit just to see what it was like. To be honest, I didn’t have high expectations for it to be a remarkable experience. Although I had read the description and understood that the Park was not a traditional zoo, I still had a lingering impression that it might be somewhat similar to one.

Bird Park: Amazing Surprise in Iguazu Falls!

On the scheduled day, it was me and my colleagues. To my absolute surprise, it turned out to be one of the outings I enjoyed the most! First, because it was nothing like the zoo I had imagined. Second, because of the vital work conducted there. This place saves lives and conserves numerous endangered bird species.

The birds there are survivors of mistreatment: animals that were seized due to trafficking or illegal breeding. They have found an incredible place to live at the Bird Park (PA).

The park spans 16 hectares of Atlantic Forest, where they receive daily care and supervision from biologists and other professionals who oversee everything from environmental cleanliness to feeding. Those requiring special care, including medication and treatment, also have the opportunity for a fresh start after the traumas they’ve endured.

It was an emotional moment when I finally saw a King Vulture, a bird I had longed to see. I had always searched for it during my bird-watching trips, and at the Bird Park, I was fortunate to witness it in person. This enormous, beautiful, and imposing bird evoked treasured childhood memories and created experiences that I will carry with me for a lifetime.

In conclusion, a heartfelt salute to the Bird Park and to all those dedicated to saving and caring for animals!

Today, after having such a wonderful experience at the Bird Park and being pleasantly surprised, I can confidently say that, after visiting the Falls, this excursion is among the most significant and enjoyable activities in Iguazu Falls. It has nearly become a must-visit attraction (at the very least, I highly recommend it to anyone visiting the city).


Writen by: Luzimar Del Rei
Reviewed by: Barbara Ataide
Translation: Jessie Rolim

Categories
Stories From The Field

Ponta Negra: A place to feel part of

I love the Brazilian coast and whenever I can I stay close to the sea. I have been to many beaches – including some that are considered the most beautiful in Brazil. But none of them made me feel like Ponta Negra did.

To get there you must take a transport to Laranjeiras (40 min from Paraty) from where we start the trail. It is 3km to the beautiful Praia do Sono and, after an invigorating swim in the sea, another 4km with ups and downs to Ponta Negra.

You can go by boat from Laranjeiras. But, for those who enjoy a long walk, I highly recommend the trail. The path is a spectacle in itself: preserved forest, centennial trees, deserted beaches and viewpoints of the turquoise sea.

When I got there, it was a surprise to me: the place was so small!
A small fishing village, a little river that cuts it in half and flows into a splendid little beach. But the most important thing of all, you can feel life pulsating and happening there.

There are 35 families in this community. They live off tourism and fishing. They use a sustainable technique of floating seine and we had the privilege to see fishermen work in removing the seine.
Among conversations about soccer and about the turtle that might be trapped in the net and would be released, we followed the canoes feeling the sea breeze.

We watched, in an amazed silence, the art of artisanal fishing. The fish were thrown into the canoes.

Children were helping and eager to learn. The atobahs circling, waiting to share. And all this in such a natural way, that something awakens inside us.

Ponta Negra is a little speck of dust, a small thing. How can something like this leave such a strong feeling?

There I felt part of it. Of the village, of the beach, of life. The delicately caught fish, the turquoise sea…

The grains of sand and every piece of trail I stepped on on the way there.
Categories
Stories From The Field

A symbolic adventure
with my mom in Paraty

My mother doesn’t know how to swim. This was the only thing that worried me when we decided to take a Kayak tour around the gorgeous Paraty Bay.

It was certain I would take the tour. But, even when the day arrived, my mother did not have an answer to it.

Our guide, Rodrigo, met us at the inn. We walked together to the beach and we got the kayaks and put on the safety equipment. My mother then decided: she would not do the tour.

Despite her fear and denial, it was noticeable she wanted to take the tour with us. Our guide used a simple technique to convince her: he promised he would go with her in the kayak and it was guaranteed she would enjoy it. He talked about all of his expertises, said the waters were calm that day and so on. Also he told us about his son who loved this tour. In short, Rodrigo confirmed she has nothing to worry about.

All of those words of encouragement helped my mom to gather all her courage up and, in the end, she agreed to join.

My mother doesn’t know how to swim. This was the only thing that worried me when we decided to take a Kayak tour around the gorgeous Paraty Bay.

It was certain I would take the tour. But, even when the day arrived, my mother did not have an answer to it.

Our guide, Rodrigo, met us at the inn. We walked together to the beach and we got the kayaks and put on the safety equipment. My mother then decided: she would not do the tour.

In the middle of the bay her joy was such that it overshadowed even the turquoise sea of Paraty: “I can’t believe I’m here! It’s wonderful! I feel like I’m in a dream!” She smiled the whole time. One of those smiles that at the end of the day your face even gets sore. And I laughed with her, bubbling over with pride while trying to take pictures and not drop the camera in the water.

I fell in love a little more with the sea that day. I fell in love with Paraty, with my brave mom and with experiences that allow us to overcome our fears.