In the past, the island housed Indians, hospitals, pirates and until recently enough, in 1994, it was a jail. Up to then and a little after, prison’s operation ceased, the area was inhabited only by local families. However, it took no much time for the tourists to discover this paradise and admire its beauties.
Bearing in mind that there are no cars or even banks (you need to have your cash with you from the mainland) in the island, this ”primitive” situation will make you feel the sense of exoticism of the area. Ilha Grande’s main village is Vila Abraao while most of the attention drawn to the area is due to its spectacular, unspoiled beaches, such as Lopes Mendes, Dois Rios, Aventureiro, Praia Sul, Praia Leste or Blue Lagoon.
However, the island presents great natural diversity with mountains, hills and waterfalls that may enchant those who love trekking, too. The most famous trail is from Abraao to Pico de Papagaio (Parrot Peak) that covers a distance of 11 km /7 mi long, reaching at an altitude of 1080 m /3543 ft.
Although the trail is rough, it is really well-marked and there are guidance services available for those who don’t feel confident enough to hike on their own. All the way up to the mountain will offer you scenic views while reaching the look-like a parrot’s head peak, will reward you.
This trip lasts about 6 hours but there are other, less demanding trips, as well. Trekking from Abraao to Lopes Mendes or from Abraao to Dios Rios and the old prison, as well as from Proveta Beach to Aventureiro will also offer you  great and pleasant experiences.
Bear Valley is a ski area located near Angels Camp, on highway 4, between Lake Tahoe and Yosemite, approximately 3 hours southeast of Sacramento, California, USA.
Bear Valley is a ski area located near Angels Camp, on highway 4, between Lake Tahoe and Yosemite, approximately 3 hours southeast of Sacramento, California, USA.
Bear Valley is a ski area located near Angels Camp, on highway 4, between Lake Tahoe and Yosemite, approximately 3 hours southeast of Sacramento, California, USA.
Bali is a province in Indonesia with a few neighboring islands including the Isle of Bali. The island of Bali lies at about 8 degrees/ 0.13 radians on the south of equator and at 3.2 km/1.9 mi from Java. It is surrounded by coral reefs with white sand beaches on the south and black sand beaches on the north and the west of the island.
Mount Shasta is located in northern California, east of Interstate 5 along SR89, between Mount Shasta city and McCloud city, California, USA.
Wanaka is a small town in Central Otago in the South Island of New Zealand, situated on the south side of Lake Wanaka.
Rio de Janeiro, commonly known as Rio, is the capital city of the Rio de Janeiro State, the second largest city of Brazil and the third largest metropolitan area in South America.
Ilha Grande is the biggest and most well known island of the Green Bay at about 150 km/93 mi in the west-side of the State of Rio de Janeiro. Rio de Janeiro, commonly known as Rio, is the capital city of the Rio de Janeiro State, the second largest city of Brazil and the third largest metropolitan area in South America. Since July 2012, part of the city has been designated by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site in the category of ''cultural landscape''.
Sao Paulo is located in the southeastern side of Brazil, it is the largest city of the country as well as the largest of South America's cities. It is a metropolis of great cultural, economic and political influence both in a national and an international level.
Ilha Grande is the biggest and most well known island of the Green Bay at about 150 km/93 mi in the west-side of the State of Rio de Janeiro. Rio de Janeiro, commonly known as Rio, is the capital city of the Rio de Janeiro State, the second largest city of Brazil and the third largest metropolitan area in South America. Since July 2012, part of the city has been designated by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site in the category of ''cultural landscape''.
Rio de Janeiro, commonly known as Rio, is the capital city of the Rio de Janeiro State, the second largest city of Brazil and the third largest metropolitan area in South America. Since July 2012, part of the city has been designated by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site in the category of ''cultural landscape''.
Resende is a city in the State of Rio de Janeiro, the oldest one of its region. Resende is characterized by its beautiful natural settings, since in its territory there is a mountain range, a peak and a river as well as two of the most picturesque villages; Visconde de Mauá and Penedo, that constitute the main poles of touristic attraction.
Arraial do Cabo is a small town in the state of Rio de Janeiro. It is in the northeastern side of the city of Rio, in a distance of approximately 180 km/112 mi. Rio de Janeiro, commonly known as Rio, is the capital city of the Rio de Janeiro State, the second largest city of Brazil and the third largest metropolitan area in South America. Since July 2012, part of the city has been designated by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site in the category of ''cultural landscape''.
Cabo Frio is a municipality in the State of Rio de Janeiro, located at 150 km/93 mi eastward from the city of Rio. Rio de Janeiro, commonly known as Rio, is the capital city of the Rio de Janeiro State, the second largest city of Brazil and the third largest metropolitan area in South America. Since July 2012, part of the city has been designated by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site in the category of ''cultural landscape''.
