From immersive expeditions in the Amazon to trekking in the Himalayas, women over 50 show that this stage of life brings the perfect freedom and confidence to explore nature
Forget the idea that nature tourism is exclusive to the youth. Increasingly, women over 50 are putting on their hiking boots, packing their backpacks, exploring mountains, going on safaris, and diving into remote expeditions.
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This trend has already been noticed by the tourism market, which is adapting to offer itineraries that allow these women to experience great adventures. Whether due to the independence gained after raising children, financial stability, or simply the desire to push their own limits, they find in nature an endless source of freedom, self-discovery, and connection.
At PlanetaEXO, an ecotourism platform specializing in adventure trips in Brazil, the most frequent traveler is a 60-year-old woman. Discover her story and those of other women who show that maturity is the passport to adventure!
The 60-year-old Dutch woman who fell in love with Brazil
Katharina Bongaertz, a psychotherapist from the Netherlands, planned to spend only a month in Brazil during a sabbatical in 2023. However, the vibrant culture and landscapes captivated her so much that she ended up staying for four months. That is how Katharina became PlanetaEXO’s most frequent traveler. In three years, she has collected seven expeditions in the Brazilian wild.
She has hiked across the plateaus of Mount Roraima, explored the dunes of Lençóis Maranhenses, immersed herself in the deep jungles of the Amazon, and conquered Pico da Neblina, the highest peak of Brazil. Regarding this last adventure, she recalls, “It was an incredible and deeply special experience. I walked alongside Yanomami guides and spent 10 days immersed in their routine, sleeping in hammocks”.
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In a European daily routine that involves seeing patients inside an office, nature offers the perfect contrast for Katharina: vastness, wisdom, and an absence of fences and bars. She is adamant that the outdoor life has transformed her. “I think I am much more adventurous today than I was in my 20s or 30s. It’s important to challenge yourself, find new horizons, and break down barriers.”
Katharina has already planned her next trip to Brazil. Her next destination is the Pantanal to see jaguars!
👉 Read more: Why Brazil’s remote outdoors are becoming a haven for foreign female travelers
Brazilian explorer points to age as a strategic advantage
Luciana Palma, a 55-year-old plastic surgeon from Rio de Janeiro, is also a collector of major destinations. Her list includes the Atacama Desert, Patagonia, Jalapão, Lençóis Maranhenses, Pico das Agulhas Negras, and her great passion, Chapada dos Veadeiros, where she has been three times.
As a female traveler over 50, Luciana does not see age as a limitation but rather as a phase of strategic advantages. “My children are adults, so I don’t have to worry about this. Besides, technology and communication methods nowadays give us much more safety,” she explains.
She also highlights how planning and choosing competent tour guides are the keys to success. The proof of her vitality was completing the daunting Serra Fina Trek (in the triple border of São Paulo, Minas Gerais, and Rio de Janeiro), which usually takes four days, in just two. She faced high winds and extreme fatigue but did so safely.
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Her message for women who are afraid to venture out is practical and direct: “There is no reason to deprive yourself of fulfilling your desire out of fear. There are professionals who ensure the infrastructure. Start with an adventure destination close to you. Give yourself this gift and build confidence for bigger steps.”
👉 Read more: 5 adventure trips for women: safety, nature, and freedom
Mother and son at the top of the world: connection and setting your own pace in Nepal
Mila Ricetti, a 56-year-old architect from São Paulo, had already crossed the Vale do Pati in Bahia and ridden 10,000 km on the back of a motorcycle through Patagonia, which helped her break personal taboos and discover female power on the roads. But it was in October 2025 that she experienced one of her greatest adventures—the Mardi Himal trek in Nepal, accompanied by her 24-year-old son, Lorenzo.
Despite her initial apprehension about her own cardiovascular fitness for the intense climbs of the Himalayas, Mila found the perfect balance between effort and warmth on the journey. “I went at my own pace. I didn’t have the expectation that I needed to plant the flag right at the top, but I got there and saw the sunrise. It was surprising, and it made me feel really good to realize that I can rely on my body,” she shares.
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Mila emphasizes that maturity brings the resilience to understand that temporary discomfort, such as the lack of a hot shower at high altitudes, is part of the experience and is immensely rewarded by breathtaking landscapes. “Mental preparation is essential. Courage serves to break down barriers. Going out there and understanding our possibilities empowers us and empowers other people.”
👉 Read more:
- Women in ecotourism: female presence that makes things happen
- Ecotourism in Brazil boosts solo travel for women through planning and support networks
The best itineraries for women over 50 at PlanetaEXO
Whether in solo or group experiences, mature women from all over the world can explore the wonders of nature with PlanetaEXO, an ecotourism platform specializing in adventure trips in Brazil.
At every stage of the journey, our reservations team and local partners take care of every detail so that your vacation is unforgettable, always taking care to accommodate the preferences and needs of each traveler. Contact us!
