Justine Jamieson uncovers the captivating stories of everyday individuals who explore the world by following their unique passions and paths. Their journeys reveal how exploration can inspire and transform lives.
Worldly Explorer #1 Erick de Castro Rosa: Embracing the extreme.
With these types of adventures, you don’t let ego get in the way. It is about resilience, not stupidity.
For most people, canoeing through the Amazon or cycling from India to Nepal seems impossible. But for Erick de Castro Rosa, a man who grew up in downtown São Paulo, one of the most populated cities in South America, the allure lies in the extreme parts of nature: pushing his physical and mental edges through his passions for pedalling, paddling, sailing, climbing or hiking. It’s more about the pleasure of traversing untouched terrain that sparks his spirit of adventure.
The Art of Calculated Risk
Erick doesn’t approach his adventures recklessly. While he thrives on the unpredictability of the elements, safety and preparation are paramount when undertaking this type of experience. “I calculate my risks in terms of safety – what gear I need, the physical and mental state I need to be in before I even step foot on the journey. It’s like one year of planning for a three-month trip,” he says. Despite meticulous planning, Erick remains flexible, knowing when to pivot if conditions become unsafe. “With these types of adventures, you don’t let ego get in the way. It is about resilience, not stupidity.” For him, every challenge is an opportunity to test his resolve.
When asked how concerned he was about canoeing for a predicted 50 days through the heart of the Amazon, he replies, “In the jungle, it is not really about the jaguars, crocodiles or anacondas that could kill you, but more about the tiny creatures that cause disease. That was what I was most concerned about.”
Erick explains that one night, trying to find a safe space to camp with darkness approaching, he had no option but to sleep in his canoe on the riverbank. Even with a mosquito net pulled over him, he was bitten all night and had no sleep before continuing his journey. He had prepared by speaking to a local doctor before leaving, and she had sourced him some malaria and dengue fever treatment kits should he need them.
“There are moments where you’re paddling for hours, your body aches, mosquitoes drive you crazy, and you need to find a safe place to sleep. Then your mind goes to, ‘Oh God, I still have 45 days ahead.’ That’s when your mental preparation kicks in.”
Unforgettable Rewards
The rewards of Erick’s adventures are often unexpected and deeply meaningful. One such moment occurred when he met a fisherman deep in the Amazon. This man, who had never encountered a tourist before, invited Erick to rest for the night on his boat. “That exchange was amazing,” Erick recalls. “He taught me things about the jungle that no book or video ever could.”
Another memorable encounter led Erick to a remote community practising Santo Daime, an Amazonian spiritual tradition incorporating ayahuasca ceremonies. The isolation and authenticity of their way of life left an indelible mark on Erick. “Without knowing, I found myself staying with their extended family, drinking ayahuasca, and having a peek into their remote lifestyle, completely isolated from the rest of society.”
The Solitude of Remote Adventure
Travelling alone is an integral part of Erick’s journey. It’s a time for introspection and self-discovery, akin to therapy or meditation. “It’s just me and my mind,” he explains. “I have conversations with myself, asking, ‘Can we do this? How’s the body holding up? How’s the mind?’ It’s about staying present and connected to myself and my immediate environment.”
The solitude also deepens his appreciation for life’s simple pleasures. Erick does not allow himself any typical diversions – no music, no comfort, no sex, just him and the environment and dehydrated food. Every special treat is offered along the way by nature. After months without music or flavourful food, Erick recalls a poignant moment leaving his latest adventure in Kathmandu, Nepal. “I put on headphones as the plane took off, and I just cried. Listening to music again felt incredible – it was pure ecstasy to my senses.”
Being alone also opens doors to deeper human connections with new cultures. “When you’re travelling solo, locals are more likely to engage with you. They see you as someone who might need help or company,” Erick shares. These interactions often lead to amazing experiences, offering insights into different cultures and new perspectives that few outsiders get to witness.
It’s this simplicity that amplifies his appreciation for the world around him. “By removing all the normal pleasures in life, you rediscover how beautiful the basics can be.”
For Erick, this type of adventure is about truly immersing yourself in the present, stretching your capacity for human endurance. His journey reminds us that life’s most rewarding experiences often lie beyond our comfort zones.
Rock Salt. Uyuni, Bolivia
Photography by Erick de Castro Rosa.
