Welcome to the Brazilian Cave that Swallows You Up and Spits You Out
If you have a fear of being in a tight space while a stream of gushing water pours over your head, this may not be your idea of fun. Pedra que Engole, literally meaning, “stone that Swallows,” is a small crevice between three rocks that leads into an underground cavity. Travelers are flocking to check out this heart-stopping tourist attraction in the state of Rio de Janeiro. Would you dare to do it?
The picturesque district of Trindade in the south of Rio de Janeiro state has long reeled in travelers with its pristine beaches, turquoise seas, and jungle-clad mountain hikes. However, the newest attraction is Pedra que Engole, a narrow crevice in a rock formation at the base of a small waterfall. Tourists gingerly lower their bodies into the crevice before allowing the water from the falls to push them through it.
After a few seconds, they slip through the gap, making it seem to outsiders as if they were literally swallowed by the rocks. However, the adventurer slides down some smooth rocks that act as a natural waterslide until they are spat out into a small, underground cave. Once you enter the cave, you simply swim under a big rock and out the other side. From there, it’s a 20-minute hike back to the top, for those who dare to go for round two.
How this cave was discovered is a mystery. Perhaps someone fell through accidentally and, much to their relief, found themselves sliding down a natural slide into a refreshing pool at the end, rather than being sucked into the depths of nowhere. So far, there have been no reports of anyone getting stuck or lost inside, and so the slide appears to safe, but the idea of squeezing through a tiny space filled with rushing water and being spat out into an underground cave may not appeal to everyone.
This extreme tourist attraction certainly isn’t the first in South America to become popular with thrill-seekers looking for an adrenaline hit. Ojos Del Salado, the world’s highest volcano, sits on the border between Argentina and Chile, and has long been a popular yet dangerous hike for trekkers. Another hair-raising activity is the mountain biking on Bolivia’s Death Road, where bikers need to carefully maneuver their bikes on heart-stoppingly tight paths with sheer drops to the side. It’s amazing what people will do in the name of an unforgettable travel experience.
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meet our Local Insider
Hanna
HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN A GUIDE?
2 years.
WHAT DO YOU LOVE ABOUT YOUR JOB?
It's the personal contact, the personal experiences. I love meeting people from all over the world... I really like getting to know everyone and feeling like I'm traveling with a group of friends.
WHAT DESTINATION IS ON YOUR TRAVEL BUCKET-LIST?
I have so many places on my list, but I would really lobe to go to Africa. I consider myself an “adventure girl” and Africa feels like the ULTIMATE adventure!
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Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.
Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.
Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.
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