The humidity is at 90%, the heat around 37, and we’re lost in the middle of a jungle, but the spirit is high, we have torches, but no mosquito spray. Just a few hours ago, we where sleeping in a hammock facing the Caribbean sea on tree sides. Eating chocolate filled bread and chasing miniature frogs with a camera. But now we’ve gone and got ourselves lost, and boy it is hot.

When we signed up to the Inka Trail we had wronging assumed it would be easy. It took four days and three nights and proved to be challenging enough to be for filling. Hot rainy days soaked our ponchos inside and out. The views were spectacular as we walked through tree covered ancient paths. At points we were so high up it felt like we were in the clouds. Due to altitude the hush assents of dead woman’s path were easier for those who do little exercise (like me.

Deep inland in Bahia lies Chapada Diamantina a national reserve that the Brazilian government has forgotten about, here we meet local wildlife protector and guide Puma. Puma takes us for a small hike through the wonders of Diamantina, the suns scorching heat beating at our backs as we hiked through razor sharp canyons and rocky hills. The occasional stop at a waterfall cools our sun scorched skin and fills our water bottles.

Before leaving we dive into the calm black logoon, the falling water makes delicate music. New arrivals scrabble over the rocks, these shouting strangers jump into the cold water. A small black puppy whimpers left cold and wet, only to stop when his owner returns. After absorbing the stunning falls for another moment, we turn away starting our decent as the rain starts to pour. The following day we hear that floods occurred, the owner fell and the puppy was washed away.

Food poisoning, camping and rain was not an ideal combination. However, the nature and beauty of Ilha Grande made the trip so worthwhile. Fernando introduced us to barefoot hiking. Initially unsure after ten minutes it felt intuitive making us feel more connected with our surroundings. The roughness of leaves and twigs prevented us from slipping. the coolness of a stream soothing our raw soles, a poor giant ant crushed underfoot and the sands softness as it nests between our toes.