Heavy rains in a region of southern Brazil turned a hiking trail at an eco-tourism site into an underwater spectacle.
Filmed at Recanto Ecológico Rio da Prata, about 56km south of Bonito, and known for its snorkelling, the video shows the effect of flooding in early February. The eco-tourism site is within a private natural reserve, where travellers can take part in activities like bird-watching and horseback-riding. But mainly people are there to trek through rainforest and take part in snorkelling. Getting into the water means floating downstream while checking out the clear and fish-filled waters of Rio Olha d’Agua or the Rio da Prata.
Naturally, due to the incredible footage, the video quickly went viral. In an explanation from the park on the YouTube video, they explain that it was recorded during monitoring of the water. After a lot of rain, the Rio da Prata river dams, increasing the water level of the Olho D'Água River. “Despite the flood, on the day the video was recorded the waters of the Olho D'Agua River remained crystal clear due to their conserved riparian forest and being inside a Private Reserve of the Natural Patrimony - PRNP, a type of Conservation Unit”. It’s a rare occurrence and by the end of the day, it had returned to its normal level. However, the park notes that the tourists visiting the site got a very unique experience.
On a regular day, guests start with a tour along the trail before beginning to snorkel. Tours are limited to nine people along with a local guide and last about three-and-a-half hours.
