Let’s go for a ride on the beach

This was probably one of the most fun things I did in Pipa, Brazil. Going on a buggy tour!

Some people had already recommended it to me and so now it was my turn to try out this exciting tour. The receptionist of Domus Condominio, the place where I stayed, called the guy from BuggyUggy and it was soon all set for the next day. I asked two friends, a couple from France, to join me so that it would be more fun.

The next day, at about nine a.m., the buggy guide Marcão, was ready to pick me and my friends up for this day full of sun and fun.

The rough terrain at Chapadão

Barra de Cunhaú

We started the day at Chapadão, right next to where I stayed in Pipa. We stopped for some photos and drove along the rough terrain of Chapadão until we reached Barra de Cunhaú. There we had to cross the river with the buggy and an unstable looking, but actually very stable being, raft. This was not the only time we were going to cross some water. We also had to cross the sea in Barra de Cunhaú to be able to reach the beautiful beach on the other side of town.

Crossing the waters of Barra de Cunhaú

“Would you like to go for a swim? It is quite hot today!” Marcão asks us. We did not have to think long about our answer and quickly got out of the buggy to run into the waves of the ocean. How refreshing! However, salt makes you thirsty, so a drink was the next thing on our to-do list. Let’s make that a Caipirinha shall we? Just because we can.

We finished our drinks and jumped into the buggy again while Marcão was awaking from his siesta. A long beach drive was up next.

Sea life museum

We made a quick stop at the museum of one of the local fishermen who had collected all kinds of skeletons from dolphins to turtles and so on. He did not ask for an entrance fee, he just wanted to show you what he had found within all these years. You could buy a cool T-shirt in case you did want to support his museum though. I got one with a sea-turtle on it.

A tiny part of the sea life museum collection from a local fisherman

The coca-cola lake

Our buggy trip continued to Lagoa Ararquara, better known as the Coca-Cola lake, which is a really unique place. We had to pay a small entrance fee to be able to get to the place since it is private property, but it was totally worth it. When we drove towards the lake we had to cross the jungle, where Marcão could turn off the engine of the buggy and just let the buggy go with the flow of the road. This was also really good to be able to see some animals. Unfortunately we did not spot any, but they could have been there!

The Coca-Cola lake from a distance

After about ten minutes we arrived at the lake. From a distance it looks like a normal lake, nothing unusual. Until you get to the water, which is colored like Coca-Cola as you could probably guess due to the name.

We went in for a dive, reconsidering at first if it truly was a good idea to enter since it looks really dirty, but then again that’s just the color of the water. The temperature of the water was fantastic. I believe we spent like half an hour in there.

The Coca-Cola lake up close

a whole lot of mud

How about that mud bath guys?

Marcão asked us.

We were heading towards Rio Gauju, where a tiny boat was awaiting us for a short trip along the river followed by a mud bath! After seeing all the mangroves we got to a spot were there was plenty of mud and many crabs partying in it. My French friends could not wait to find out how the mud would feel like and the three of us soon started a mud fight while the guide went looking for some crabs to show them to us. We decided to keep the mud on our skin for the still being mysterious rejuvenating effect and got on the boat looking like monsters. Once we arrived back at the start of the river at the beach a big group of tourists showed up taking photos of the beach. You can imagine the look on their faces while we approached them to be able to get to the water to clean ourselves! They we’re taking many photos of us, so it seems not all the tourists get this mud treatment. We all felt very “special” 😉

A boat ride on the Rio Guaju

Waiting for the result of the mud bath!

Finding crabs in the mud

A Mangrove crab

It was now time to head back to Pipa. Being very hungry, since it was already about two in the afternoon, we had our last stop (or so we thought) at Barra de Cunhaú for lots and lots of shrimps. Barra de Cunhaú is a famous place for its shrimps.

We asked Marcão if he could bring us the “Mirante de Pipa” afterwards to see the sunset, but he got confused since there are two. He was driving out of Pipa to bring us to the Mirante in Tibau do Sul, as kind as the old man is, this was pretty far away fro town and we actually wanted him to drop us off in the centre of Pipa at the Mirante which was really close by. Once we realized our next directions we decided to take thi opportunity and see the sunset in Tibau. Dear Marcão waited for us until the sun disappeared behind the horizon to bring us back to Pipa.

Buggyuggy

Our guide Marcão was a fun guy. He was somewhere in his sixties, looked like a hippie, very intelligent, spoke like 8 different languages and could explain us everything with lots of humor on the side.

He planned the entire day with us on the spot and knows how to make sure his guests have a good time. I think this was my best day during my stay in Pipa. Thanks to Marcão and of course my new French friends. Muita obrigada!

Here are some other photos I took during our buggy tour I didn’t want you to miss.

Surfers at the Chapadão beach

Local fisherman

Amazingly beautiful beach

The Brazilian flag proudly attached to the boat

Vultures on the beach

Land and water

The local streets

Cat wishing to function as a pillow to my feet during lunch

What a lovely sunset at Tibau do Sul

About Renate Rigters

Ever since I left my home country I felt at home at any other place I went to. I enjoy getting to know more cultures by talking to strangers and hearing their philosophy about life. Speaking with gestures when you can not find a shared language, finding places only the locals go to and learn about their customs and values. Hanging out with local people makes me happy. The experience of every new place is a step out of your comfort zone where I like to wander around until it feels like a second home.

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