Fernando de Noronha is a volcanic archipelago about 350 kilometers off Brazil’s northeast coast. It’s named after its largest island, a protected national marine park and ecological sanctuary with a jagged coastline and diverse ecosystems.
The Fernando de Noronha islands are the peaks of an underwater volcanic mountain range. It rises 4,000 feet from the ocean floor, about 300 miles off the state of Pernambuco and the northeast coast of Brazil.
The Fernando de Noronha archipelago is divided into two conservation units, the National Marine Reserve and the Environmental Protected Area, with its own preservation rules for environmental preservation with sustainable development.
Because the reefs of the South Atlantic are isolated from the Caribbean by the outflow of the Orinoco and Amazon rivers, the reef communities are very different from many endemic species.
Why Visit Fernando de Noronha?
The archipelago of Fernando de Noronha contains 21 islands and it is a paradise and was declared a Natural World Heritage Site by Unesco. In order for the nature of the islands to be preserved, the number of visitors is limited. There is a maximum number of 460 visitors allowed on the island. Visitors also pay an Environmental Preservation Tax that increases progressively with the length of the visit.
Travelers can enjoy golden sands, crystal clear waters, and marine life. Some of the most beautiful beaches of Brazil and the world, such as the beaches Praia dos Porcos, Praia dos Leões, and Baía do Sancho. Baía do Sancho has been selected twice as the best beach of the planet by the Traveller’s Choice Awards of TripAdvisor.
Photo credit: Paulo Henrique / Wikipedia
If you are looking for the best place for diving, you can find it at Noronha – you can observe its splendid marine life of corals, dolphins, turtles, and sharks. You may practice scuba diving with certified local instructors. For those you like surfing, the best months are between December and enjoy waves reaching up to 5 meters.
Some of the migrating birds include the black noddy, sooty tern, red-footed booby, and frigatebird.
Here you’ll find the highest concentration of dolphins in the world. More than 99.99% of the dolphins found around the Archipelago of Fernando de Noronha belong to the spinner dolphin species, Stenella longirostris, from the Delphinidae Family.
Photo credit: Rosanetur / Flickr
The sunsets on Noronha are magnificent due to the lack of air pollution. One of the best places you can enjoy and relax watching the sunset is Boldro beach.
There are plenty of activities on the island including options of ecological trails, boat tours for observing dolphins, visits to Museu do Tubarão and Parque Nacional Marinho or the Tamar project, which helps to preserve endangered sea turtles.
The number of inhabitants is restricted to around 2000. Most of the population works in the hospitality industry, catering to the visitors of the island, which includes food and accommodation, diving, snorkeling, and other water sports instruction and equipment rental and private transportation.
Bhutan, a Buddhist kingdom on the Himalayas’ eastern edge, is known for its monasteries, fortresses and dramatic landscapes that range from subtropical plains to steep mountains and valleys.
It is famed for its high mountain peaks and range of trekking opportunities, its diverse, natural Shangri-La, a variety of landscapes, and an incredible array of fauna and flora, from subtropical valleys to alpine peaks.
Bhutan is one of the most unique places to visit on our planet. By law, 60% of the whole country’s national forest is protected, and it makes Bhutan tours perfect for trekkers, monastery-lovers, Buddhist pilgrims and the merely curious.
Bhutan is home to some exceptional wildlife including Himalayan Black Bear, Asiatic Black Bear, Asian Elephant, Bengal Tiger, Red Panda, Himalayan Musk Deer, Sloth Bear, Leopards, and the Gray Wolf.
What’s included in the Bhutan tourism fee?
Your daily fee for Bhutan includes:
Visa
Licensed Bhutanese guide from an official Bhutanese tour operator.
Driver and transportation – a new 4×4, or a tour bus. Do not cover any internal flights.
Accommodation – includes a 3-stars hotel. If you want something more luxurious like 5-star hotels expect to pay several hundred dollars more per day.
Entrance fees to tourist sights
Food and most non-alcoholic drinks.
Trekking gear.
All taxes within the country.
Most travelers are not well informed what that fee includes and they fill like it is on the expensive side but as you can see, the Bhutan tourist fee covers all of your necessary expenses within Bhutan.
Thimphu is the capital of the Kingdom of Bhutan, and with a population of around 80,000 is the nation’s largest city. The city is the political and economic center of Bhutan, has a dominant agricultural and livestock base, which contributes 45% of the country’s GNP.
Settlements in Thimphu Valley has existed since 1216. In 2008, the national stadium was completed together with a new river-side park.
Thimphu is well endowed with attractions. Some of the most popular attractions are:
Changangkha Lhakhang – constructed in the 15th century, this is one of the oldest temples in the Thimphu Valley. The temple offers wonderful views over the entire valley.
The National Memorial Chorten – located off Jangchhub Lam, the stupa was built in 1974 in memory of the third king.
Statue of Sakyamuni Buddha, sitting on top of Kuensel Phodrang hill is a 51.5mt bronze statue of the founder of Buddhism.
Museums/Galleries – National Folk Heritage Museum, the Royal Textile Academy, Alaya Gallery, Water Dragon Gallery are just a few.
Trashi Chhoe Dzong. – the present dzong was built in the 18th century by Shabdrung Rinpoche to house government officials.
Simtokha Dzong – built-in 1629 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, Simtokha was the first dzong to be built in a unified Bhutan.
The Takin is the national animal of Bhutan, and looks like a cross between a cow and a goat. Serbithang botanical garden offer a peaceful and relaxing environment to spend a few hours. Botanists will find the wide selection of indigenous trees and plants of interest.
Zorig Chusum School of Traditional Arts, near the National Library, was established in 1971 to preserve the thirteen traditional arts of Bhutan, and visitors are able to observe students honing their skills.
Thimphu Centenary Farmers Weekend Market is by far the largest domestic market for the farmers of Bhutan. Farmers from as far as Lingshi in the north, Tashiyangtse in the east, and Sarpang, Dagana and Tsirang in the south bring their farm products to the market. Across a cantilever footbridge, Kuendeyling Bazaam, to the west bank is a collection of stalls housing clothing, fabric and handicrafts.
Visit Paro
Paro is a historic town with many sacred sites and historical buildings scattered throughout the area. In addition, the Paro Valley is wide and verdant and is recognized a one of the most beautiful in all Bhutan.
The only international airport in the kingdom is located at Paro, and there are two national airlines operate flights to Bhutan: Drukair and Bhutan Airlines. Along with Jakar and Punakha, Paro forms the ‘golden triangle’ of popular tourist destinations in country. Some of the main attractions here are:
Taktsang Monastery, (Tiger’s Nest). Precariously perched on the edge of a 1,200-meter cliff, this monastery creates an impressive sight and is the unofficial symbol of Bhutan. It is about 2-3 hours, totally up-hill hike from the parking lot to the monastery, though there is a cafe located on the ridge across from the Taktsang (about 90 minutes into the walk) that provides a welcome opportunity to take a rest and purchase refreshments and snacks.
National Museum of Bhutan. Located in a former watchtower above the dzong, the museum displays artifacts from Bhutan’s history as well as examples of indigenous flora and fauna.
Rinpung Dzong, which was constructed in 1646.
Drukgyel Dzong This dzong (fortress) was built in the 16th century to commemorate a victory over the invading Tibetan forces.
Drakhapo, above Shaba (keeping Shaba School to the right, follow the dirt road to the end. The complex is a five-minute walk from here). Drakhapo is a monastic complex perched on a cliff. Guru Rinpoche spent two months here after completing a retreat at nearby Taktsang, and during his stay placed many treasures (terma) into the cliff. The area also has several hand and footprints embedded in the rock.
Kichu Lhakang is one of the 108 monasteries that were miraculously constructed by King Songten Gampo in one night. It is located just off the road running between Paro bazaar and the Taktsang.
Jangsarbu Lhakhang, located behind Paro Dzong. This small and insignificant looking temple is home to a magnificent statue of Sakyamuni Buddha that was carried all the way from Lhasa, and also houses the protector deity of Paro.
The Punakha Dzong, also known as Pungthang Dewa chhenbi Phodrang, is the administrative centre of Punakha District in Punakha, Bhutan. Constructed by Ngawang Namgyal, 1st Zhabdrung Rinpoche, in 1637–38, it is the second oldest and second largest dzong in Bhutan and one of its most majestic structures.
Dechen Phrodrang Monastery
This was once the original dzong of the city. Dechen Phrodrang. meaning “Palace of Great Bliss”. is a Buddhist monastery in Thimphu, Bhutan. The monastery contains a number of important historical Bhutanese artifacts including 12th-century paintings monitored by UNESCO and a noted statue of Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal
Changlimithang Archery Ground
Changlimithang Stadium is a multi-purpose stadium in the capital Thimphu, which serves as the most-used National Stadium. The stadium was initially constructed in 1974 for the coronation of the fourth Druk Gyalpo Jigme Singye Wangchuck. Located 2,300 meters (7,500 ft) above sea level, the stadium is one of the highest in the world with seating for around 10,000 people.
Eating less meat is better for animals, people and the planet. You can reduce your meat consumption by eating some vegan or vegetarian meals and by reducing the amount of meat you eat in each meal.
World’s leading health organizations now encourage a reduction in the amount of meat people consume. The World Cancer Research Fund recommends we “choose mostly plant foods, limit red meat and avoid processed meat”. A study by Oxford University’s department of public health found that eating meat no more than three times a week could prevent 31,000 deaths from heart disease, 9,000 deaths from cancer and 5,000 deaths from stroke, as well as save billions of dollars.
The cost of meat has risen 10 percent in the last decade. Plant proteins such as lentils, peas or dried beans cost less than the equivalent amount of animal protein. Eating less meat can save you money!
Below you can find the 10 Easy Ways to Reduce Your Meat Consumption
2. Ensure you get enough protein from vegetarian sources instead, like lentils and almonds.
Proteins are essential nutrients for the human body. They are one of the building blocks of body tissue and can also serve as a fuel source. The Recommended Daily Allowance of protein is 0.8 grams of protein per kilogram of body weight.
If you really like your meat, add ‘meaty’ flavors by using dried mushrooms or soya sauce, and ‘meaty’ textures like aubergines following this mushroom risotto recipe.
7. Bulk up meat dishes with beans, grains or vegetable.
Try adding extra carrot into a Bolognese. Or if you are making beef burgers, try putting some cooked lentils into the mixture to make lentil and beef burgers.
8. Reach for whole and unprocessed snacks rather than vegan junk food
Carrots and hummus or apples with peanut butter rather than cookies – as getting maximum nutrition means you will feel the most satisfied with your meal.
Billions of animals are killed for meat each year. Most of them are raised in overcrowded cages, with no room and no access to daylight or fresh air. All farmed animals end their lives with a brutal death. Reducing consumption and eating less meat is a step that helps not only animals but the environment as well.
The facts:
Animals convert plant protein and energy into meat protein and energy inefficiently.
12 kgs of grain are necessary to produce 1 kg of beef.
This means that the amount of the world’s available nutrients is reducing disproportionally.
Over 800 million people on the planet are suffering from hunger or malnutrition, and the amount of cereal that could be enough to feed three times this number of people is used to feed stocks.
Stop the extinction of species
Agricultural expansion and overfishing are the two major factors causing loss of species and biodiversity. If we do not stop this, in the next 100 years will be a global mass extinction of species.
Check out these article for more tips about how to eat more environmentally-friendly.
