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Brazil
Snake Island
Photo by Prefeitura Municipal de Itanhaém https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Ilha_da_Queimada_Grande_-_Itanha%C3%A9m.jpg
Where is it?
Snake Island, also known as Isla de las Serpientes, is located off the coast of Brazil, in the Atlantic Ocean, about 35 kilometers (22 miles) from the coast of the state of São Paulo. It is part of the Ilha da Queimada Grande archipelago and is situated near the border between the states of São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro. The island is approximately 430,000 square meters in size and is extremely remote.
What is it?
Snake Island is famous for being home to one of the world’s most dangerous creatures, the golden lancehead pit viper (Bothrops asper), a venomous snake that is found only on this island. The island’s dense vegetation and isolated location have allowed these snakes to thrive, and they are the reason Snake Island has been largely off-limits to visitors for decades.
Key features of Snake Island include:
Golden Lancehead Pit Vipers: The island is inhabited by a high concentration of golden lancehead pit vipers, a species of bothropic pit viper that is known for its potent venom. These snakes are capable of delivering a fatal bite, and they are believed to have evolved to grow larger and more venomous due to the island’s isolation. The golden lancehead’s venom is not only dangerous but also contains anticoagulants, causing intense bleeding in victims.
Restricted Access: Snake Island is off-limits to the public, and the Brazilian government has strictly regulated access to the island to protect both human safety and the island's unique ecosystem. Only a few authorized scientific expeditions and researchers are allowed to visit.
Flora and Fauna: Aside from the golden lancehead snakes, Snake Island hosts a variety of other wildlife, including some bird species and small mammals that have adapted to the island's unique environment. The vegetation on the island is dense and tropical, offering suitable shelter for the snakes. The ecosystem is highly specialized due to the island's isolation and unique challenges.
Legend and Mystery: Snake Island has garnered significant interest and intrigue due to the dangerous snakes that call it home. It has become a part of local folklore, and there are numerous tales of people who have ventured to the island and not returned, often fueled by the fact that the golden lancehead’s venom can kill within a short time if left untreated.
Ecological Importance: Despite the danger it presents, Snake Island is an important place for scientific study, especially in the fields of ecology and evolutionary biology. Researchers have studied how the island’s isolation has led to the evolution of unique species, particularly the golden lancehead viper.
Best Time to Visit
Visitation Restrictions: As access to Snake Island is strictly prohibited for the safety of both visitors and wildlife, there is no "best time" for tourism. Those interested in visiting the island must gain special permission through the Brazilian government, which rarely grants access except for scientific purposes.
Weather Conditions: The climate on the island is typically tropical, with hot and humid conditions year-round. The best time for an authorized visit (if granted) would likely be during the dry season, which runs from May to September, when weather conditions are more stable and safe for travel.
Tips for the Trip
Access Restrictions: Without special permission from the Brazilian Navy or government authorities, it is illegal to visit Snake Island. Unauthorized visits can result in severe penalties, including fines and imprisonment.
Research and Conservation: If you're interested in learning more about the island, look for scientific publications or documentaries that focus on the island’s ecosystem, as access is mostly limited to researchers. Many studies have been conducted on the golden lancehead pit viper and the unique ecology of the island.
Respect for Wildlife: Even if the island were accessible to the public, visitors would need to follow strict guidelines to ensure the safety of both humans and the endemic species. Snake Island is a fragile and highly specialized environment, and any human presence could disturb the delicate balance of its ecosystem.
Old Petrolândia
Photo by Prefeitura Municipal de Contagem https://www.flickr.com/photos/prefcontagem/51638400641/
Where is it?
Old Petrolândia (also known as Petrolândia Velha) is located in the northeastern part of Brazil, specifically in the state of Pernambuco, along the banks of the São Francisco River. The town was originally situated in the region now submerged by the waters of the Sobradinho Dam reservoir, created in the late 20th century as part of a large hydroelectric project. Petrolândia Velha, once a bustling town, now lies submerged beneath the water.
What is it?
Old Petrolândia is the former site of a town that was inundated by the construction of the Sobradinho Dam, one of the largest reservoirs in Brazil. The town of Petrolândia was founded in the 1950s as a small agricultural settlement and developed into a thriving community with shops, homes, and a cultural life. However, when the dam was built in the 1970s, the entire town was relocated to a higher elevation to prevent flooding, leaving the old town to be submerged.
Key features of Old Petrolândia include:
The Submerged Town: As the Sobradinho Dam filled the reservoir in the early 1980s, the old town of Petrolândia was completely submerged by the rising waters. The ruins of the town, including remnants of houses, streets, and old buildings, can still be seen when the water level of the reservoir is low. The remnants are particularly visible during periods of drought or when the reservoir experiences low water levels, offering a glimpse of the past.
Historical Significance: Petrolândia Velha serves as a reminder of the changes brought by the construction of hydroelectric projects in Brazil, which led to the displacement of entire communities. It highlights the human impact of such large-scale infrastructure projects and the loss of cultural heritage that can occur when communities are relocated.
Relocation of the Town: In response to the flooding caused by the dam, the residents of Petrolândia were relocated to a new town, Petrolândia Nova (New Petrolândia), which lies on higher ground. The relocation of the population was part of a larger initiative to create space for the dam and its reservoir. The transition was difficult for many families, as they had to leave behind their homes, livelihoods, and the familiar environment of their old town.
Tourism and Exploration: The remains of Old Petrolândia, with its abandoned buildings and submerged structures, attract a limited number of tourists, particularly those interested in historical sites and the impact of the dam projects. Some people visit the site for photography, exploration, and to learn about the social and environmental consequences of the dam's construction.
Best Time to Visit
Dry Season (April to September): The best time to visit Old Petrolândia is during the dry season in Brazil, from April to September, when the water levels of the Sobradinho Dam reservoir tend to be lower. This allows for better visibility of the submerged ruins of the town.
Avoid Rainy Season (October to March): During the rainy season, from October to March, the water levels of the dam rise, and most of the old town is submerged, making it harder to access the remnants of the town. Traveling during this time may limit opportunities to explore the area.
Tips for the Trip
Guided Tours: Since the area around Old Petrolândia is remote and not well-known for tourism, it is advisable to visit the site with a local guide or tour operator who can provide access to the area, as well as insights into the history of the town and the dam project.
Accessing the Site: Reaching Old Petrolândia can be challenging, as it is located in a rural and remote area. It is important to plan your journey carefully, especially in terms of transportation and accommodations.
Respect for the Environment: The area surrounding the Sobradinho Dam is a delicate environment, and visitors should be mindful of local rules and regulations, particularly regarding environmental conservation. The region is home to unique wildlife, and any exploration should respect the natural surroundings.
Bring Essentials: Since the site is in a rural area, visitors should bring essentials like food, water, and sun protection, as services in the area may be limited. Make sure to prepare adequately for the heat and potential long hours of travel to and from the site.