Category: Stories

Samantha Sage shares her experience of solo exploring through Brazil to inspire female travelers in honor of Women’s Month

When the cold, rainy winter of Seattle became too much for Samantha Sage (@sage_gonewild), a 34-year-old tech consultant from the United States, she realized she wasn’t just looking for a vacation—she was looking for an adventure.

With the freedom to work from anywhere, she packed her bags for a six-week solo trek across Brazil, a journey that would take her from the iconic beaches of Rio to the remote, almost mystical landscapes of the Amazon Rainforest and Jalapão.

To explore these particular destinations, she trusted PlanetaEXO, an ecotourism platform specializing in adventure tours in Brazil, to ensure she had a safe, fulfilling trip. In honor of Women’s Month, we tell her story right below.

Discovering the scale of the Amazon

For Samantha, the Amazon was a revelation. While she had seen rainforests before, nothing prepared her for the sheer magnitude of the rivers. “You hear about the rivers in the Amazon being really big, but you don’t really conceptualize it until you’re there.”

Staying at an Amazon jungle lodge, she enjoyed a uniquely intimate experience. As the only guest, she received personalized attention from guides who were born and raised in the region.

Her trip was filled with sightings of many Amazon animals, including a humorous moment when she mistook a sleek head in the water for something else.

“I freaked out. My brain immediately thought it was an anaconda, but my guide looked at me like I was crazy, and he was like, ‘It’s an otter’” she laughs, saying how excited she was with the possibility of seeing the star of the Anaconda franchise in its natural habitat—though she was still happy to see the giant otter.

👉 Read more:

• 5 adventure trips for women: safety, nature, and freedom
• Women over 50 break stereotypes and prove that adventure knows no age

The spontaneous magic of Jalapão

Samantha’s decision to visit Jalapão was sparked by a single, captivating photo of the Japanese Lagoon she saw online.

Despite her admitted lack of planning, the impulsive choice paid off. She found herself mesmerized by the diversity of the scenery, from the golden dunes to the “fervedouros” (natural springs where the water’s pressure prevents you from sinking.)

She credits much of the trip’s success to the professionals who guided her. “The guides can really make or break a trip,” she noted. “My guide was just amazing and made it so that the experience was even better than I expected.”

👉 Read more: Women in ecotourism: female presence that makes things happen

Empowerment through solo travel

Beyond the stunning vistas, this trip was a deeply personal one. Samantha found that traveling solo in Brazil was important for her to grow into a stronger, more confident version of herself. “It really helped me overcome insecurities, like fostering comfort with my own unique personality” she explained.

Despite receiving cautionary advice from others before her departure, Samantha felt safe and welcomed by the “lively and patient” Brazilian people. She now encourages other women to take the leap and explore the world on their own terms. Her biggest piece of advice is to avoid overthinking; she believes that if you spend too much time dwelling on potential fears, you’ll never leave home.

For Samantha, a bit of impulsivity, when balanced with safety, can be a wonderful thing. She urges future adventurers to stay flexible and be okay with plans changing, as some of her best experiences happened when things didn’t go according to script.

👉 Read more:

• Ecotourism in Brazil boosts solo travel for women through planning and support networks
• Why Brazil’s remote outdoors are becoming a haven for foreign female travelers

Booking your trip with PlanetaEXO

Though Samantha is all for flexibility, PlanetaEXO helped her to structure a safe, enjoyable trip in two different destinations. After all, even spontaneity needs some organizing.

We are an ecotourism platform specializing in adventure tours in Brazil that helps travelers from all over the world to plan their trips according to their preferences and needs. From booking accommodations to choosing the best itineraries, our team is ready to assist you with the vacation of your dreams. Contact us now!

From Roraima to Jalapão, six travelers from Brazil and around the world show how exploring nature alone can be a life-changing experience

“The feeling can be a bit daunting, but it’s liberating. I know myself better because I allowed myself to meet other people,” said Mariana Sampaio (26), an electrical engineer from Bahia who traveled on her own to Chapada Diamantina and the Amazon. The initial fear existed, but facing it was precisely what turned the journey into a personal milestone.

For many women, the idea of traveling alone raises concerns about loneliness and safety. However, a growing movement within national ecotourism has been showing—with planning, careful selection of itineraries, and the support of qualified professionals, it is possible to transform solo travel for women into a structured and welcoming experience.

For Women’s Month, PlanetaEXO, an ecotourism platform specializing in adventure tours in Brazil, gathered the stories of six national and international travelers who chose to explore Brazilian nature on their own. Read more below!

Traveling alone doesn’t mean being lonely

One of the myths of traveling alone is loneliness. In practice, many women report the opposite, stating they became more open to making new connections.

When New Zealand ecologist Olivia Bird (24) decided to climb Mount Roraima, she feared she would be the only foreigner in the group. This fear quickly dissipated as she was welcomed by Brazilian female solo travelers and interacted with Indigenous women working on the expedition. “There are other women doing the same. You don’t need to feel alone,” she states.

Besides Olivia, the travelers report how the experiences of hiking, camping, and cultural connection deep within Roraima help create bonds between visitors, guides, and local communities.

👉 Read more: Why Brazil’s remote outdoors are becoming a haven for foreign female travelers

Structure makes a difference for those concerned about safety

The concern with safety in Brazil is real, but the reality of nature destinations is surprising. Biologist Kristina Wagner (44), from Germany, outlined a complete plan before exploring the Amazon and the Pantanal.

“I felt safe the entire time. People were always trying to help me,” she reports. She also highlights that peace of mind came from the decision to travel with experienced operators and local guides who know the routes, protocols, and regional dynamics.

This is also reinforced by Samantha Sage (34), from the US, who visited Jalapão and the Amazon. “The guides can really make or break the trip, and mine made all the difference. Besides that, traveling alone helped me have even more confidence in my own personality.”

👉 Read more: Women in ecotourism: female presence that makes things happen

Nature as a well-deserved break, with no age limits

For marketing manager Andreia Yamasaki (35), from São Paulo, immersing herself in nature is a necessity for self-care and mental health amidst the stress of her daily routine. “It’s a breath of fresh air, and I won’t deprive myself from going somewhere I want just because I don’t have company,” she asserts.

The search for this break knows no age limit. Dutch psychotherapist Katharina Bongaertz (60) is PlanetaEXO’s most frequent traveler. After raising her children and building a successful career, she found a new chapter for her passion for traveling in Brazil. Alongside the Yanomami people, she climbed Pico da Neblina, the highest peak in the country. “It’s important to challenge yourself, find new borders on all levels, and pass them.”

👉 Read more: Women over 50 break stereotypes and prove that adventure knows no age

Advice from solo adventurers

1. “The 10-Minute Rule” (Andreia): Allow yourself to complain for 10 minutes when facing an unforeseen event. After that, move forward and keep in mind that the unexpected is also part of the experience.
2. Move on even if you’re afraid (Mariana): Fear is natural, but it cannot take over. What matters is knowing the difference between real fear and mental paralysis.
3. Prioritize structure and local guides (Kristina and Olivia): Choosing operators committed to responsible tourism increases safety and strengthens the local economy. Trust qualified professionals.
4. Be open to improvisation (Samantha): The unexpected is part of the experience and often becomes the best stories. Planning is important, but it shouldn’t be an obstacle to experiencing the extraordinary.

👉 Read more: 5 adventure trips for women: safety, nature, and freedom

Solo travel for women at PlanetaEXO

Women traveling alone only worry about enjoying every second of their vacation when exploring nature with PlanetaEXO, an ecotourism platform specializing in adventure tours in Brazil.

Working with the best local operators in different Brazilian destinations, we consider the preferences and needs of each traveler to guarantee their safety, comfort, and authentic experiences. Contact us now!

Trading fear for freedom, solo female adventurers are discovering deep human connection and breathtaking scale in nature destinations

When planning a trip to South America’s largest country, the biggest hurdle many foreign women face isn’t the language barrier—it’s overcoming international misconceptions and alarming headlines about safety. Yet, those who push past this initial apprehension are rewarded with an entirely different reality once they step into Brazil’s natural wonders.

Away from the big cities, a standard vacation quickly transforms into a deeply personal journey of human warmth and self-discovery. Immersed in the great outdoors, these adventurers are met with a welcoming spirit that travel guides simply can’t capture, creating experiences that fundamentally shift how they view the world.

In honor of Women’s Month, PlanetaEXO, an ecotourism platform specializing in adventure tours in Brazil, gathered stories from foreign female travelers who ventured into some of the country’s most impressive natural scenarios to champion how women can and should occupy all spaces.

Endless horizons: Freedom for international adventurers

For foreign female travelers, the sheer scale of Brazil’s natural landscapes is awe-inspiring. From the United States, Samantha Sage (34), who traded Seattle’s rainy winter for a six-week deep dive into Brazil, felt it immediately.

“You hear about the rivers in the Amazon being really big, but you don’t really conceptualize it until you’re there,” she says. She was also completely enchanted by the fervedouros, the crystal-clear natural springs of Jalapão (Tocantins).

British freelance writer Emma Phillips (30) found a similar sense of peace while navigating a five-day river cruise along the Rio Negro in the Amazon. She describes the river as offering a sense of “enormous openness and tranquility,” which contrasted beautifully with the intense and encompassing forest.

Katharina Bongaertz (60), from the Netherlands, was similarly captivated by this greatness. She originally planned a one-month trip, but Brazil drew her in for five. Proving that adventure has no age limit, she hiked Pico da Neblina and explored Chapada Diamantina. “I prefer vast, open spaces without fences, where I can hike freely. It’s empowering, and I take that strength home with me every time,” she says.

👉 Read more: Women over 50 break stereotypes and prove that adventure knows no age

Indigenous women and matriarchy

While the wildlife and landscapes are stunning, it was the local women who left the deepest impact. Olivia Bird (24), an ecologist from New Zealand, traveled across the globe to see the natural wonders of Mount Roraima up close.

Along the trek, she was blown away by the resilience of the Indigenous support team, particularly the women. “I saw women half my size, wearing flip-flops, effortlessly carrying heavy supplies and breezing past us hikers who were struggling despite our high-tech gear,” she recalls.

In the Amazon Rainforest, German biologist Kristina Wagner (44) had a similar experience. While visiting a riverside community that farmed manioc, she was deeply moved to see women acting as the central figures of their community.

“It was incredible to see families led by women. I saw the grandmother, the daughter, and the granddaughter, multiple generations all working together,” she noted, pointing out the stark contrast to family dynamics back in Germany, where relatives often live more separate lives.

Emma also noted the profound impact of connecting with local roots. Accompanied by local guides who used the knowledge of their ancestors to turn the forest into a classroom, she saw how authentic, non-predatory tourism could uplift communities.

“Seeing tourism being used in such a responsible approach to improving people’s lives and preserving the environment was an inspiration,” she states, defining the experience as a way to truly understand cultural diversity.

👉 Read more: Women in ecotourism: female presence that makes things happen

Brazilian hospitality for global guests

It’s normal to feel some initial apprehension when traveling to unknown places, but the welcoming nature of the Brazilian people quickly tears down those walls.

Olivia was nervous about being the only foreign female traveler in her Mount Roraima trekking group, but that fear didn’t last long. A Brazilian woman who was also traveling solo took her under her wing, and the entire group made a point to teach her some basic Portuguese.

This warmth extends to all types of travelers. Emma, traveling as a queer woman alongside her Brazilian partner, Jamille, admits she felt an internal anxiety about how their relationship would be received. However, she was met with total respect.

One of the most touching moments happened in the boat’s kitchen when a local chef shared that her own daughter was also queer. “I think she was pleased to see our dynamic play out in front of her. It was lovely,” Emma shares.

👉 Read more: 5 adventure trips for women: safety, nature, and freedom

Kristina, who was initially wary due to international misconceptions about Brazil, saw firsthand how local women look out for each other. “I felt safe the entire time. People were constantly going out of their way to help me,” she shares.

On a bus to the Pantanal, when a man was aggressively trying to chat her up, a Brazilian passenger didn’t hesitate to step in and ask him to leave her alone. Quickly, her peace of mind was restored.

Takeaways for the journey

Brazil gave these women far more than just postcard-perfect memories. Based on their time exploring the country, they were able to bust common myths and share valuable advice for other foreign female travelers looking to explore the country.

Emma (UK)
“Traveling is an incredible way to explore cultural diversity, to always remember that there’s not just one way to live or to show up in this world. So why not go? Going with a group is how you can have support and make things easier.”

Kristina (Germany)
“Don’t be afraid to ask for help. Brazilians are incredibly friendly and welcoming, and they’re always ready to support you. Aside from preparing yourself for the sheer size of the Amazon rivers, take time to observe the strength of the local culture. You’ll be surprised and inspired to see women acting as powerful leaders and highly respected matriarchs in riverside communities.”

Samantha (USA)
“Don’t hesitate to travel to the countryside and nature destinations. They proved to be incredibly safe, which completely contradicts what you hear internationally. Also, make sure to add Brazilian bakeries to your itinerary—especially in São Paulo. They are an absolute must!”

Katharina (Netherlands)
“In ecotourism and nature destinations, you can truly relax and feel completely safe. In the big cities, the best approach is simply to use common sense. Use rideshare apps and avoid flashing expensive belongings. Other than that, keep an open heart and connect with the Brazilian people—they are kind, welcoming, and truly have music in their souls.”

👉 Read more: Ecotourism in Brazil boosts solo travel for women through planning and support networks

Traveling across Brazil with PlanetaEXO

Over the years, PlanetaEXO has welcomed countless international tourists in Brazil, offering all the necessary support so they could explore nature in a safe, authentic, and responsible manner.

As an ecotourism platform specializing in adventure tours in Brazil, we provide incredible opportunities for exploration that do not harm the environment and still support local communities. Contact us now!

From guides breaking stereotypes to community leaders transforming the local economy, meet the women in ecotourism driving authentic experiences across Brazil

When it comes to exploring the most remote destinations in Brazil, the spotlight usually focuses on the lush landscapes or the courage of those who travel. However, there is a vital and invisible gear ensuring that immersion in nature is safe, welcoming, and sustainable.

Today, women are the driving force behind the scenes and on the front lines of ecotourism, both in Brazil and around the world. Data from the United Nations World Tourism Organization reveals that 54% of the global tourism workforce is female—a presence that is also growing in the nature and adventure travel market.

For Women’s Month, PlanetaEXO, a sustainable tourism platform specialized in adventure tours in Brazil, sheds light on the stories of professionals who prove how the participation of women in ecotourism is not just a matter of survival, but also of profound socioeconomic transformation.

Overcoming prejudice and showing competence

The line of work of nature guide still carries a strong male stereotype. In Jalapão (Tocantins), where the proportion is up to five women for about 300 male guides, Mychelle Leal (28) felt the prejudice firsthand when opening her own agency. The distrust usually came from colleagues themselves or tourists who questioned her driving skills or emergency response capabilities.

Mychelle’s answer comes through her competence at work. She was the one who took the lead and helped a tourist stung by a scorpion during an expedition where the men didn’t know how to react. “Nowadays, I know how to stand up for myself. A woman needs to focus on the tourist and a job well done, rather than listening to those who just want to get in the way” she states.

In the Pantanal (Mato Grosso), biologist and guide Danielle Rocha (24) faced similar barriers. Although highly praised by clients, she frequently notices doubtful looks from male guides regarding her physical stature.

“I don’t let that shake me. Gender doesn’t disqualify you from working with safety, logistics, and care. In fact, women are more sensitive to picking up if someone in the group isn’t feeling well” explains Danielle, who is also a wildlife photographer.

👉 Read more: Ecotourism in Brazil boosts solo travel for women through planning and support networks

Female support and sisterhood in the field

The sensitivity mentioned by Danielle is what transforms the traveler’s experience. In the Vale do Pati, in Chapada Diamantina (Bahia), guide Rayssa Soares (32) reports the impact of leading all-female groups.

Recently, she guided nine British women and tailored the experience to bring out the best in each one of them. “The welcoming is different. The travelers feel we are cut from the same cloth, sharing the same intimate challenges and pains. This creates an immediate bond of trust and comfort.”

👉 Read more: Why Brazil’s remote outdoors are becoming a haven for foreign female travelers

Legacy and resilience of native hosts

For those who think dedication is limited, the women in ecotourism who open the doors of their homes in the most isolated villages prove otherwise.

In the Vale do Pati, Nara Oliveira (42) has taken on a historical legacy. Her family was the first to welcome tourists to the region, about 30 years ago, at the well-known “Casa do Seu Wilson” (Mister Wilson’s House). Today, she balances the non-stop routine of managing the rustic accommodation with raising her two-year-old daughter.

“There are no Saturdays, Sundays, or holidays. We offer basic mountain survival, with restricted solar energy and no luxury” explains Nara. For her, tourism saved the community, which previously relied solely on agriculture and today prospers without deforestation. “The local economy has improved a lot, and the slash-and-burn farming has stopped.”

The same sense of purpose is shared by Dona Dete (47), a host who works in the heart of the Lençóis Maranhenses (Maranhão). Before tourism, she carried heavy loads for hours on end to sell fish and support her five children. Today, she wakes up at 3 AM every day to prepare breakfast and welcome up to 70 tourists to her oasis. “Life was very difficult. Tourism is hard work, but I do it with all my love and care.”

👉 Read more: 5 adventure trips for women: safety, nature, and freedom

Financial independence and life changes

More than breaking social barriers, ecotourism plays a fundamental role in female financial emancipation. In the Amazon, these activities changed the life of Keli Lima (29), a cook who works on the Katerre river cruise.

She started as a chambermaid, embraced every opportunity to learn, and today runs the kitchen on the vessels. This made it possible to achieve a dream: owning her own home. “It used to be very difficult for young women. Tourism is the biggest income today. If I’m told to do something I don’t know, I learn and try it out. You have to be brave” she encourages.

Also in the Amazon, Paula Gomes (32), assistant manager of Mirante do Gavião lodge in the municipality of Novo Airão, 200 km from Manaus, emphasizes that qualification is key. “Tourism moves all sectors. Women have been taking on roles and hierarchies that were previously only held by men. The starting point is to get qualified” she advises. With 12 years at the same company, she started in sales, graduated in management, and can also act as a guide.

Advice from those who make tourism happen

For women dreaming of working in ecotourism, these professionals leave important tips:

• Get qualified and claim your space: don’t wait for the ideal scenario. Study, take courses, and be ready. Qualification opens doors.
• Focus on the client, not the judgments: in male-dominated environments, the best shield is the quality of your work and the satisfaction of the groups you serve.
• Leave your comfort zone: for those working in nature, the priority becomes the safety and well-being of everyone in the face of unpredictability.
• Dive in headfirst: the experience requires dedication and living in the moment. Don’t let external factors or the lack of a traditional routine keep you from taking the lead in nature.

👉 Read more: Women over 50 break stereotypes and prove that adventure knows no age

Women in ecotourism and PlanetaEXO: the perfect match

PlanetaEXO, a sustainable tourism platform specialized in adventure tours in Brazil, works with several female professionals to create unforgettable experiences in the country’s most stunning nature destinations.

By walking side by side with women in ecotourism, we contribute to the socioeconomic development of local communities to build healthier dynamics and, of course, provide incredible experiences for travelers from all over the world. Contact us now!

In celebration of Women’s Month, PlanetaEXO shares the inspiring story of Kristina Wagner, a German biologist who embarked on an unforgettable solo adventure through Brazil

Initially visiting Rio de Janeiro for a scientific conference, Kristina Wagner, a 44-year-old biologist from Germany, decided to extend her stay to explore two Brazilian biomes: the Amazon and the Pantanal.

Driven by her passion for animals and nature, she chose to travel with PlanetaEXO, an ecotourism platform specializing in adventure tours in Brazil, due to our strong commitment to eco-travel and supporting of local communities.

“I chose a Brazilian company because it felt strange to go to Brazil and have a German operator organize my trip,” Kristina explained. “I also wanted to support local communities. It was essential for me to travel responsibly.”

Here’s a look into Kristina’s journey, her wildlife encounters, and her empowering experience as a solo female traveler in Brazil!

Discovering the Amazon magic

Kristina’s adventure began in the Amazon Rainforest, where she stayed at the welcoming Turtle Lodge, in the municipality of Careiro, Amazonas.

For her, the experience was brilliant from the very beginning, starting with a boat ride to witness the famous Meeting of Waters—a phenomenon where the rivers Negro and Solimões flow side by side but never mix. “It’s so beautiful. We don’t have anything that compares in Europe” Kristina marveled.

As a biologist, the region’s biodiversity left her in awe. Navigating the riverways by boat, she spotted river dolphins, howler monkeys, caimans, and other beautiful Amazon animals. Beyond the wildlife, Kristina deeply appreciated the cultural connections she made. “It felt really like staying with the local people. I learned a lot.”

She visited a local family that grew manioc and was moved by seeing multiple generations working together. She was especially impressed to see a well-respected woman as the head of the family, providing a beautiful contrast to the often-separated family dynamics back in Germany.

One of her most magical memories happened on an exclusive boat tour. While the rest of her group opted for overnight jungle camping (which she skipped due to a fear of spiders), Kristina was treated to a private boat ride where river dolphins jumped around the boat. “They were so close that I could almost touch them,” she recalled. “It was really amazing.”

👉 Read more: 5 adventure trips for women: safety, nature, and freedom

Wildlife wonders in the Pantanal

Following the Amazon, Kristina spent four days exploring the Pantanal, which she described as a “totally different but equally incredible experience.”

Her days were filled with horseback riding, jungle treks, and canoeing along the Miranda River. The wildlife sightings were spectacular—she encountered armadillos, capybaras, parrots, and caimans.

Throughout both tours, Kristina noted that the guides were exceptional. “It was really important to me to see that the guides were respecting the environment, were careful with the animals, and were not disturbing them” she emphasized as a crucial factor for her as an eco-conscious traveler.

👉 Read more: Women in ecotourism: female presence that makes things happen

Navigating Brazil as a solo female traveler

Like many foreign travelers, Kristina had initial safety concerns before arriving in Brazil, particularly in Rio de Janeiro, due to the negative stories often portrayed abroad. However, her actual experience painted a very different picture.

“I felt safe all the time,” she reported. “People were always trying to help me and protect me all the time. Everyone was so friendly.” While she did experience one challenging moment when a man persistently tried to chat her up on a transport to the Pantanal, an older Brazilian passenger quickly intervened and told him to leave her alone, which quickly made her feel safe again.

Kristina acknowledged that general caution is necessary everywhere—even in her hometown of Munich—but concluded that Brazil’s negative safety reputation was inaccurate based on her journey.

👉 Read more:

• Ecotourism in Brazil boosts solo travel for women through planning and support networks
• Why Brazil’s remote outdoors are becoming a haven for foreign female travelers

A message for Women’s Month

For Kristina, traveling is a source of immense empowerment. “I feel the most free and powerful when I travel because I see that, yes, I can do this; I’m capable” she reflected. Navigating a massive country like Brazil without speaking Portuguese was a challenge she happily mastered, which served as proof of her own resilience.

As we celebrate Women’s Month, Kristina leaves a message for other women who might be hesitant to travel alone: “Even if you’re scared that it might be lonely or even if people say that it’s not okay to do this when you’re a woman on your own, you should still try it out. Take courage.”

She emphasizes that being a solo woman should never deter you from exploring the world, and if going alone feels too daunting, taking a friend along is always a great option.

Summing up her experience, she shared, “I booked The Amazon Jungle Lodge Tour with PlanetaEXO, and it was perfect. I learned so much about the Amazon, its people, and the wildlife and flora… I loved every minute of it!”

Kristina is already dreaming of her next trip to Brazil, with a potential river cruise in the Amazon on her radar. We cannot wait to welcome her back!

👉 Read more: Women over 50 break stereotypes and prove that adventure knows no age

Exploring Brazil’s wild nature with PlanetaEXO

By trusting PlanetaEXO to organize her trip to the Amazon and the Pantanal, Kristina was able to enjoy both comfort and total immersion with nature in some of the world’s most impressive destinations.

As an ecotourism platform specializing in adventure tours in Brazil, not only do we provide unforgettable experiences that are engraved in our travelers’ hearts and souls, but we also support local communities and follow guidelines to protect the environment. Contact us now!

From immersive expeditions in the Amazon to trekking in the Himalayas, women over 50 show that this stage of life brings the perfect freedom and confidence to explore nature

Forget the idea that nature tourism is exclusive to the youth. Increasingly, women over 50 are putting on their hiking boots, packing their backpacks, exploring mountains, going on safaris, and diving into remote expeditions.

This trend has already been noticed by the tourism market, which is adapting to offer itineraries that allow these women to experience great adventures. Whether due to the independence gained after raising children, financial stability, or simply the desire to push their own limits, they find in nature an endless source of freedom, self-discovery, and connection.

At PlanetaEXO, an ecotourism platform specializing in adventure trips in Brazil, the most frequent traveler is a 60-year-old woman. Discover her story and those of other women who show that maturity is the passport to adventure!

The 60-year-old Dutch woman who fell in love with Brazil

Katharina Bongaertz, a psychotherapist from the Netherlands, planned to spend only a month in Brazil during a sabbatical in 2023. However, the vibrant culture and landscapes captivated her so much that she ended up staying for four months. That is how Katharina became PlanetaEXO’s most frequent traveler. In three years, she has collected seven expeditions in the Brazilian wild.

She has hiked across the plateaus of Mount Roraima, explored the dunes of Lençóis Maranhenses, immersed herself in the deep jungles of the Amazon, and conquered Pico da Neblina, the highest peak of Brazil. Regarding this last adventure, she recalls, “It was an incredible and deeply special experience. I walked alongside Yanomami guides and spent 10 days immersed in their routine, sleeping in hammocks”.

In a European daily routine that involves seeing patients inside an office, nature offers the perfect contrast for Katharina: vastness, wisdom, and an absence of fences and bars. She is adamant that the outdoor life has transformed her. “I think I am much more adventurous today than I was in my 20s or 30s. It’s important to challenge yourself, find new horizons, and break down barriers.”

Katharina has already planned her next trip to Brazil. Her next destination is the Pantanal to see jaguars!

👉 Read more: Why Brazil’s remote outdoors are becoming a haven for foreign female travelers

Brazilian explorer points to age as a strategic advantage

Luciana Palma, a 55-year-old plastic surgeon from Rio de Janeiro, is also a collector of major destinations. Her list includes the Atacama Desert, Patagonia, Jalapão, Lençóis Maranhenses, Pico das Agulhas Negras, and her great passion, Chapada dos Veadeiros, where she has been three times.

As a female traveler over 50, Luciana does not see age as a limitation but rather as a phase of strategic advantages. “My children are adults, so I don’t have to worry about this. Besides, technology and communication methods nowadays give us much more safety,” she explains.

She also highlights how planning and choosing competent tour guides are the keys to success. The proof of her vitality was completing the daunting Serra Fina Trek (in the triple border of São Paulo, Minas Gerais, and Rio de Janeiro), which usually takes four days, in just two. She faced high winds and extreme fatigue but did so safely.

Her message for women who are afraid to venture out is practical and direct: “There is no reason to deprive yourself of fulfilling your desire out of fear. There are professionals who ensure the infrastructure. Start with an adventure destination close to you. Give yourself this gift and build confidence for bigger steps.”

👉 Read more: 5 adventure trips for women: safety, nature, and freedom

Mother and son at the top of the world: connection and setting your own pace in Nepal

Mila Ricetti, a 56-year-old architect from São Paulo, had already crossed the Vale do Pati in Bahia and ridden 10,000 km on the back of a motorcycle through Patagonia, which helped her break personal taboos and discover female power on the roads. But it was in October 2025 that she experienced one of her greatest adventures—the Mardi Himal trek in Nepal, accompanied by her 24-year-old son, Lorenzo.

Despite her initial apprehension about her own cardiovascular fitness for the intense climbs of the Himalayas, Mila found the perfect balance between effort and warmth on the journey. “I went at my own pace. I didn’t have the expectation that I needed to plant the flag right at the top, but I got there and saw the sunrise. It was surprising, and it made me feel really good to realize that I can rely on my body,” she shares.

Mila emphasizes that maturity brings the resilience to understand that temporary discomfort, such as the lack of a hot shower at high altitudes, is part of the experience and is immensely rewarded by breathtaking landscapes. “Mental preparation is essential. Courage serves to break down barriers. Going out there and understanding our possibilities empowers us and empowers other people.”

👉 Read more:

• Women in ecotourism: female presence that makes things happen
• Ecotourism in Brazil boosts solo travel for women through planning and support networks

The best itineraries for women over 50 at PlanetaEXO

Whether in solo or group experiences, mature women from all over the world can explore the wonders of nature with PlanetaEXO, an ecotourism platform specializing in adventure trips in Brazil.

At every stage of the journey, our reservations team and local partners take care of every detail so that your vacation is unforgettable, always taking care to accommodate the preferences and needs of each traveler. Contact us!

As protagonists in the industry and in travel decisions, women are driving adventure tourism, a movement that inspired PlanetaEXO in selecting these destinations

International Women’s Day, on March 8th, opens space for reflections on historical struggles and equal rights, subjects that have concrete resonance in current tourism. Besides their presence in the market, exploring the world increasingly appears as part of women’s life projects.

In 2025, the “Os Sonhos Delas” research, conducted by non-profit Think Olga, showed that traveling the world is a priority desire for 67% of Brazilian women from age 18 to 29 and for 59% of women over 30, surpassing goals such as financial stability and career consolidation.

In this context, adventure tourism is also growing among the female audience, reflecting a search for authentic experiences, connection with nature, and environments for exchange.

With this in mind, PlanetaEXO, an ecotourism platform specializing in adventure tours in Brazil, has selected 5 adventure trips for women. Check them out below!

Vale do Pati trekking (Chapada Diamantina, BA)

Considered one of the most scenic treks in the world, Vale do Pati is an invitation to disconnect from the tension of everyday life. Hiking through the imposing plateaus and valleys of Chapada Diamantina is a test of physical and mental strength.

The itinerary offers a welcoming stay in the homes of the natives (patizeiros), ensuring a rich cultural immersion and a safe support network from the first to the last step..

👉 Read more: Ecotourism in Brazil boosts solo travel for women through planning and support networks

Amazon Rainforest (AM)

For those seeking total immersion in nature without giving up comfort, the experience in a lodge in the Amazon Rainforest is the perfect balance.

Travelers explore trails and rivers with specialized guides, experiencing the biodiversity with tranquility and excellent infrastructure.

👉 Leia mais: Conheça as mulheres que lideram e fazem o ecoturismo brasileiro acontecer

Lençóis Maranhenses trekking (MA)

Walking across the stunning white dunes and diving into crystal-clear lagoons is an experience of pure freedom, proving to be one of the most beloved adventure trips for women in Brazil.

The trekking crossing through the Lençóis Maranhenses National Park fosters a strong sense of sisterhood among the group members, who create bonds while sharing the immensity of a scenery that purifies and renews energies.

Mount Roraima (Brazil/Venezuela Border)

An ideal destination for trailblazing souls. The expedition to the top of this imposing tepui, known as the “Lost World,” is a journey of transformation.

Mount Roraima allows women of all ages to conquer not only one of the oldest formations on the planet but also their own internal limits.

👉 Read more: Women over 50 break stereotypes and prove that adventure knows no age

Jalapão and Serras Gerais (TO)

An invitation to self-care and contemplation. Escaping the frantic pace of urban centers, this route combines the revitalizing energy of the turquoise fervedouros (natural springs) of Jalapão with the unexplored charm of the Serras Gerais.

Ideal for women who are eager to explore the new paths, float in transparent waters, and celebrate their independence in a safe and welcoming environment.

👉 Read more: What foreign women truly discover when exploring Brazil’s nature

Find adventure trips for women on PlanetaEXO

As an ecotourism platform specializing in adventure tours in Brazil, PlanetaEXO develops adventure itineraries of all kinds, including those for mature women or solo travelers who dream of exploring the wonders of this mesmerizing country.

Always keeping safety, sustainability, and memorable experiences in mind, our team organizes each step of your trip according to your preferences and needs. Contact us now!