September 2023
After a wonderful few days in Rio, we flew to the heart of Brazil—the capital, Brasília. From the moment we landed, I could see how different it was from Rio. The airport was modern, airy, and impressively well-organised. My friend Priscila's partner, Sergio, kindly picked us up, and we hit the road toward Chapada dos Veadeiros.
From Rio to the Capital: First Impressions of Brasília
The first thing I noticed on the road was how orderly everything felt—wide, smooth roads, clean streets, and a lack of tinted car windows that were so common in Rio. Brasília didn’t feel like a city steeped in centuries of history; it felt young, designed, and deliberate.
We made a snack stop at Vó Belmira, an iconic little shop with eye-catching pink walls. Just outside the city, life already seemed to slow down. We tried some local treats: pamonha (corn dumplings) and empada (a kind of potato pie). They were delicious. The pamonha reminded me of the dumplings we eat in Hong Kong during the Dragon Boat Festival. I also had my first taste of Guaraná Antarctica soda—sweet, fizzy, and far less syrupy than expected. Definitely worth a try if you have a sweet tooth.
Dine: Vó Belmira(Google Maps)
A Peaceful Arrival with Unsettling News
After lunch, we continued toward our stay in Alto Paraíso de Goiás, where we checked into a cozy, family-run B&B. The moment we arrived, layers upon layers of mountain greeted us—it felt like a scene from a postcard. I could feel the stress melt away as a sense of calm washed over me.
But then came an unexpected message: my dad had fallen seriously ill. I was on the other side of the world, unable to do much, and it also meant my parents’ upcoming journey through Italy and the UK would have to be cancelled. Amid a mix of worry and sadness, I spent the evening rearranging travel plans—rebooking, cancelling, messaging. Once everything was sorted, I joined my friends for dinner at La Parrilla, a steakhouse with a beautiful deck by a shimmering blue pool. The steak was delicious, and the setting offered a bit of solace. As they say, good food heals the soul.
Stay: Pousada Casa de Shiva(Official/Qantas Hotels)
Into the Wild: Hiking Trilha dos Saltos, Carrossel e Corredeiras
The next day began early with a made-to-order breakfast at the B&B. Why the early start? Because we were about to tackle the Trilha dos Saltos, Carrossel e Corredeiras—a 10.9km trail. It might not sound intimidating to some, but for a city dweller like me, it was a big challenge.
The trail involved plenty of ups and downs, with stairs carved into the landscape making it a full cardio workout. But it was worth every drop of sweat. Along the way, we passed incredible sights—waterfalls like Salto 80, deep canyons, and vast, jaw-dropping views. The scenery was so breathtaking that it actually helped ease the physical strain.
That said, I underestimated how much water I’d need. I downed my 2-litre bottle faster than expected and had to take frequent breaks. One moment that really stuck with me? Getting outpaced by a middle-aged Israeli man—in flip-flops. Talk about motivation to get fit!
After the hike, I treated myself to an ice-cold can of Coke. I’m not a soda fan, but at that moment, it was like a gift from the heavens. Cold, sweet, fizzy—pure refreshment. We followed that with a hearty meal at Rústico Premium Grill, where the steak was perfectly grilled and incredibly juicy. Full, content, and finally rested, we returned to the B&B, had a few drinks, and called it a night.
Dine: Rústico Premium Grill(Google Maps)
A Lunar Landscape on Earth: Vale da Lua
The next day, we set out to visit Vale da Lua, or Moon Valley. True to its name, this place feels like something out of another world. The valley is made up of giant, smooth, almost flat rocks, sculpted over time by flowing water. Some of the surfaces are ripple-like, creating an otherworldly texture that truly resembles the moon—if the moon had lush jungle as a backdrop.
Walking across those rocks was surreal. If you ignored the greenery, it really felt like you were on a rocky lunar plain. This trail was much easier than the previous day’s hike—more like a relaxing stroll, and a welcome one. Peaceful and visually striking, Vale da Lua offered a totally different kind of nature experience.
One Last Taste of Chapada
For our final evening in Chapada, we took a leisurely stroll through the city centre to soak in the relaxed vibe one last time. Our first stop? Ice cream.
And not just any ice cream—this shop had over 30 different flavours. The best part? You scoop it yourself and pay by weight. Fun… and dangerous. Pro tip: if you’re bringing kids, keep an eye on them—they might just scoop their way through your bank account.
Later that night, we had dinner at Jambalaya, an African American restaurant that came highly recommended by my friends. And they were absolutely right.
This was my first time trying jambalaya, a rice-based dish rooted in African American and Creole cuisine. It was just spicy enough to wake up the taste buds—addictive, warm, and comforting. Maybe it’s my Asian stomach talking, but a good rice dish will always have my heart.
The evening was the perfect send-off—flavourful, relaxing, and full of good vibes.
Dine: Jambalaya(Google Maps)
Final Thoughts
Chapada dos Veadeiros wasn’t just a destination—it was a reset. Between the hikes, waterfalls, rock formations, and soul-healing meals, I rediscovered the beauty of disconnecting and immersing in nature. Though the trip came with its emotional ups and downs, I left feeling lighter and more grateful. Brazil never stops surprising me, and Chapada will always hold a wild, peaceful corner in my memory.
- How I Traveled the World in 50 Days on Points: A Luxury Journey Made Affordable
- Rio in Full Colour: A Journey Through Brazil’s Most Iconic City
- Into the Wild Heart of Brazil: A Journey Through Chapada dos Veadeiros
- Brasília: The Sophistically-Planned Oasis Capital of Brazil
- 2 Days In São Paulo: Immersed in the City's Vibrant Heart!
- Solo in Italy: A Journey Through Art, Architecture, and Flavors
2 Comments
Wanna try pamonha!
ReplyDeleteDefinitely worth a try!
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