The list of good reasons to look for an environment with plenty of nature for a few days off is endless. However, the amount of care required when venturing into immersion tourism in more rustic environments is also extensive.
“Nature is not a playground”, warns tourism agent Diego Lopes de Abreu, a trail specialist in Ceará. Accidents such as the collapse of rocks in a canyon in Lake Furnas, in Capitólio (MG), signal a series of necessary warnings so that the dream of a connection with nature does not become a tragic story.
“First and foremost, it must be the responsibility of local governments or the private entity responsible for [caso haja concessão], monitor the risk for tourist activity constantly, and not transfer all responsibility to the guides or the tourist themselves”, reinforces the biologist and paleontologist Aline Marcele Ghilardi, professor and researcher at the Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte (UFRN).
In any case, it is essential that the visitor knows the means to minimize the possibilities of an accident, as well as not to harm the dynamics of the fauna and flora of the place where he goes for a walk.
Experienced in itineraries through more challenging trails and trips, professor Fabrício Leomar Lima from Ceará came to be known as “little list” for the lists he made before starting “a trip” so as not to forget anything.
Among the essential items you take with you on any endeavor are a first-aid kit, medication, a flashlight, pocket knife, a five-meter rope and a match or lighter.
In addition, with the experience of those who have ventured since 2004, the professor reinforces the need to “research the climatic conditions and analyze day by day to see if it is safer to make changes”.
rainy season
Leomar’s concern is in line with the guidelines of geologist Tito Aureliano Neto, a doctoral researcher at Unicamp. “If tourists notice rainy weather for many days, they should avoid walking along rivers, slopes, rocks and waterfalls”, advises Neto, who is also a paleontologist.
The rainy season is usually the favorite for those looking to find waterfalls with a large volume of water, as they provide a natural spectacle. But it is also the time of most attention for tourists and guides, as the consequences of heavy clouds in the sky can impact even when the rain does not fall directly on the place to be visited.
“It is enough to rain heavily in some region upstream or upstream of the river for, unexpectedly, a large volume of water to reach the waterfall. This can drag tourists and also bring a large amount of debris such as trunks, branches, rocks etc., which can injure them when they are thrown from the waterfalls”, guides teacher Aline.
Travel agent and 12-year resident of Chapada Diamantina (BA), famous for its lush waterfalls, Marcelo Cabral reinforces the guidelines given by Aline.
“There are risks that are inherent to any human factor. Due to the erosion process itself, any stone in the Chapada Diamantina or in any plateau of this one may collapse without warning. Therefore, following experienced guides who know the region well is essential” , reinforces.
With the experience of survival courses in the jungle before becoming a guide on the Ceará trails, Diego recommends teamwork.
“In addition to a guide, it’s important to have a rescuer in the group and a support person, positioning someone higher up who can get in touch via radio to warn of any eventuality.”
collective responsibility
The conduct, however, is not just for the guide, it needs to be collective. And that includes environmental awareness. “The guide always needs to do awareness-raising work so that the groups do not consume alcoholic beverages, cigarettes and narcotics. Even very loud parallel conversations can harm the progress of the trail”, comments Cabral.
Choosing to listen to your favorite music while enjoying nature can even hinder contemplation. “When tourists seek outings in nature, it is to be expected that they want to see birds, fish and other wild animals. But they end up pushing everything away with all the noise, often due to lack of information”, says geologist Tito.
Even if you are the most conscious type of traveler and are looking for a total connection to the land and a lot of down to earth, you also need to pay attention to the ideal equipment before setting out to explore uncharted terrain. And that mainly includes what you’re stepping on.
“Running shoes, for example, usually have a smoother sole, the complete opposite of what is recommended for rough terrain”, warns guide Diego. A simple slip can cause a twist capable of generating a rescue even with a makeshift stretcher.
Suitable equipment: check! Speaker off: check! Attention to weather conditions: check! All you need is the courage to brave the unknown.
But beware: just as important as bravery is caution. Being the bravest of the bunch is not always an advantage when it comes to adventure tourism.
“For tourists, if something seems risky, it probably is”, says researcher Aline Ghilardi. “Fear adds prudence and prudence also helps to avoid accidents.”
The conduct is reinforced by Professor Leomar’s experience. “You don’t have to do something just because someone else did and challenged you.”
Therefore, before stepping into any environmental area and thus achieving an experience with the maximum possible safety, it is worth remembering the traveller’s motto: respect the spaces of nature that he is entering and respect his own limits.
Attention points
Name:
- Always pay attention to the weather forecast. Blizzards can take a tourist by surprise and simply island him. Avoid the thaw period.
- Bring second skin and appropriate clothing, such as warm coats and windbreaks, and wear waterproof boots.
- Natural pitfalls, such as holes, crevices or even abysses, can be hidden under the snow. Use supports or even branches to probe the place where you intend to step.
Mountains:
- In some specific contexts, attention should also be paid to volcanism in the mountains, as well as the history of earthquakes and avalanches in the region.
- Pay attention to areas at risk of slipping or collapsing.
- Avoid walking in mountainous and steep regions when it is raining.
Mar:
- Watch out for warnings of dangerous seas, rip currents, rocks at the bottom, etc., as not every beach that is beautiful is suitable for swimming.
- Attention should also be paid to warnings of marine predators in the area.
waterfalls
- If the tourist notices rainy weather for many days, he should avoid walking along rivers, slopes, rocks, and waterfalls.
- Also try to find out if there has been a waterspout in that location.
- There is a risk of debris, such as logs, branches, etc., being naturally dragged by the river current and thrown into the waterfalls.
- Trails or walks carried out on or near cliffs, rock walls or the like deserve constant attention.
Tips by Tito Aureliano Neto and Aline Marcele Ghilardi, paleontologists
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