"If you think adventure is dangerous, try routine. It's lethal".

This wonderful quote by Paulo Coelho was shared with me recently and pretty much sums up Brazil where life is all about going with the flow.

I will be forever grateful for the flow that took me to Chapada Diamantina National Park, seven hours west of Salvador, to enjoy Brazilian outdoors at its best. To truly experience the best of its mountains, waterfalls and incredible rock formations, you have to work for it and the four day hike I did through the Vale do Pati (Pati Valley) was unforgettable.

It wasn't just about the scenery - it was about the energy and fun that Brazilians bring to any experience and hiking was no different. It was about the sweat, the uphills, the downhills, the snakebite (not me), the endless banter between groups on the trail, the swimming, the fresh sugarcane juice, the local family we stayed with, the laughter and the party. Yes, the party. Of course. It is Brazil and even in the middle of a huge national park, there is always a party and music.

Similar in parts to the Blue Mountains near Sydney, Chapada is also home to plateaus, swimming holes, cactus and caves filled with the clearest water imaginable.

Thank you Brazil - I have only seen a very small part of your beauty but will leave filled with memories of sunshine, the warmth of the people, caipirinhas and joie de vivre.

Perhaps the flow will bring me back again one day