Mystics, Hippies, and Rustic Places

We selected the most rustic places in Brazil, with landscapes that are beyond reproach, and communities that live in harmony with nature.• Hippie Village (Arembepe, BA): The Hippie Village by the beach has attracted famous tourists, such as Mick Jagger, Janis Joplin, Tim Maia, Raul Seixas, and Gilberto Gil. The beach has soft white sand, with warm and calm waters, perfect for those seeking peace and even a refuge to spend some time with family. There, the residents work with handicrafts and tourism to ensure the community runs smoothly, filled with rustic houses and cabins. Access is on foot from the dunes that mark the region.• São Tomé das Letras (MG): Some swear they have seen unidentified flying objects from the top of the Pyramid, the most famous lookout in São Tomé das Letras. A favorite destination for Brazilians in search of mysticism, São Tomé is filled with legends about the appearance of extraterrestrial creatures. The stones that made the place famous are laden with esoteric stories and are sold on a large scale even as food items. Those who park their car in neutral on the Ladeira do Amendoim feel the vehicle moving by itself. In the Valley of Butterflies, the local residents fly around visitors without ceremony.• Pousada Uacari (AM): Located in the middle of the Mamirauá reserve, in the heart of the Amazon, this floating wooden inn, named after an endemic species of monkey, includes some very peculiar activities. The region is surrounded by species of black caimans, which are endangered and can measure up to six meters long. At night, visitors can participate in counting the reptiles that, it is worth noting, roam freely in the river. Boat trips complement the stay, where it is possible to spot pink dolphins and other animals.• Varginha (MG): Who hasn’t heard of the ET from Varginha? The rumors began in 1996, with reports of UFO sightings and even the alleged capture of creatures from another world by local authorities. Whether true or not, this city in the south of the state, which was once an important coffee production center in the country, embraced its fame. The streets are decorated with statues of aliens and even replicas of spaceships – which delight tourists.• Chapada dos Veadeiros (GO): The tourism in the region remains strong thanks to the beautiful rivers, waterfalls, and rock cliffs that made it famous. Its mystical atmosphere also attracts visitors, who set out in search of the mysteries it promises. All this is due to its numerous quartz crystal mines, which many believe are a magnet for energy exchange. The Alto Paraíso region even has a UFO landing strip, which only enhances the strength of the legends. The beautiful trails and canyons, on the other hand, are ideal for those seeking adventure sports.• Devil’s Cave (Eldorado, SP): The name itself could not be more suggestive for this mysterious cave, officially discovered by German archaeologist Richard Krone in 1891. The legend says that residents of the ancient quilombos in the region nicknamed it this way after hearing mysterious voices coming from the cave and noticing that their harvests, placed at the entrance, were often disturbed by what they believed to be creatures from another world. Inside, unusual drawings reinforce the theory.• Visconde de Mauá (RJ): Located in a beautiful mountainous region, Visconde de Mauá has managed to preserve the tranquil aura that attracted hippies in the early 1970s, especially in the village of Maromba, where various artists and artisans concentrated. Beautiful waterfalls compete for the attention of tourists, along with charming inns that enchant couples.• Canoa Quebrada (CE): A hippie refuge for a long time, the beach of Canoa Quebrada still has hippies wandering around selling handicrafts. Surrounded by cliffs that define and give tone to its beautiful landscape, the beaches of Canoa Quebrada were once considered one of the best hideouts for the hippie community, especially in the early 1970s. Today, local tourism has strengthened, but the atmosphere remains the same. There are plenty of luaus and beach parties, accompanied by lots of reggae.For more information about tickets and packages, call BACC Travel at (212) 730-1010.By Camila Honorato and Ludmilla Balduino from the site: viagemeturismo.abril.com.br