Thalles Chaves

What places and activities do you specialize in?

"I'm the Jack-of-all-trades, so what do you want? If you want to explore the real Rio de Janeiro, count on me to help you out. If you want to see the Iguazu Falls, talk to me. Maybe spend some quality time in the northeast of Brazil like Bahia, let's do it. If not, how about go to Pantanal, or Amazon for some wild outdoor activities? Count me in. Do you like trekking!? Let's hike, Brazil has the most outstanding varieties of landscape you can imagine.

I can help you with the culture, cuisine, music, and even history. I will show you where the locals hang around. Furthermore, I can help you with activities such as hiking, trekking (long-course hikes), rock climbing, trail running, cycling, mountain biking, surfing, standup paddling, and if you like to have fun, nightlife."

How did you get involved in travel?

"Traveling is in my life since I remember myself as a person! First traveling with my parents and family as a kid, as we all begin. These memories from the past, and all the good experiences that I had when I was young and going out with friends, created a deep feeling of wanderlust inside me.

Naturally, I went to college to study tourism. From this point on, my life changed as I could never imagine. I began my career in tourist information, then hospitality (hotels and hostels), and even in mega-events such as the FIFA 2014 World Cup in Brazil and Rio 2016 Olympics. Besides working I had the opportunity to travel around Brazil, South America, and places I've always dreamed of, like Japan. But still, a long travel bucket list to go.

After all these experiences, finally, at the age of 26, I discovered what makes my heartbeat: tour guiding. Now, I am a professional Adventure Conductor working for the best ecotourism agency from Rio de Janeiro, and Tour Guide. I recently joined the DMC crew to share all my knowledge with travelers and visitors from over the world."

Please share a unique travel experience you will never forget.

"I have some unique travel experiences in Rio, Brazil, or far places like Japan that I could talk about. But this time I'll tell you about the first time I was in the Serra dos Orgãos National Park.
This was the first 3 days of trekking I had ever done, it's a crossing between two cities called Petropolis and Teresopolis. Inside the rainforest and on top of the biggest mountains of Rio de Janeiro, you walk through the most unbelievable scenery you can imagine. On this trek, I had loads of fun with the guides, tasty meals prepared by the guides who have brought all the food with them like real Brazilian sherpas, I also saw the most beautiful sunrise and sunset I had ever seen, and a had view from Rio de Janeiro like would never be imagined seeing. All of these with a taste of adventure and adrenaline only the mountains can provide, and the best thing is that I felt safe during all activities thanks to the great guides that accompanied us."