Posts tagged with "Mato Grosso"

Brazilian Kayaker Sets World Record

Posted by Rachel No Comments
Apr 13 2009

On March 4th, Brazilian kayaker Pedro Oliva set a world’s record by kayaking over an 127 foot waterfall on the Rio Sacre in the state of Mato Grosso. The waterfall, called Salto Belo, is as tall as a twelve story building, but Pedro not only survived–he came out unscathed. Pedro actually spent more time underwater than in the air: though the fall took three seconds, Pedro was under water for about twenty seconds before he surfaced. Pedro planned the drop with his partner Ben Stookesberry, after scouting the location and assessing the height and route of the jump.

After setting the record, Pedro and Ben appeared on the Today Show in New York. To watch the video from NBC, click here. Check out Pedro discussing the experience (in Portuguese) and the jump itself:

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The Seven-Legged Cow

Posted by Rachel No Comments
Dec 15 2008

This week, a cow with seven legs was born in the village of Rondonópolis in Mato Grosso, and has become an attraction in a very rural area of Brazil. According to a vet who examined the animal, the problem is congenital, and could have been caused by exposure to radiation or toxic chemicals, or the excess or deficiency of a certain vitamin. He recommended surgery to remove the extra three legs so the cow can live a normal life.

To watch the news clip about the mystery animal, click here.

Off the Beaten Path

Posted by Rachel No Comments
Dec 9 2008

Today we’re starting a new series, “Off the Beaten Path,” to feature tourist attractions in Brazil that few foreigners know about.

The Tapajós River runs from the north of Mato Grosso state through the Amazon all the way to Pará state. The river reaches 21 kilometers at its largest width, making it practically a freshwater sea. In the summer, when the tides are low, white sand beaches form along the river, forming tropical islands in crystal clear, green water.

In the city of Santarém, the Tapajós River meets the Amazon, where their waters literally remain separate as they exit to the ocean. For more information about tourism in this area, click here. To watch a video about the river, click here.

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