Brazil's Paradisaical Ilha Grande

[Iberostar Hotels & Resorts]

Ilha Grande is one of those places where anyone who loves nature, hiking, wild beaches, or anywhere far removed from the pollution, noise and commodities of a big city, will feel as though they’ve reached paradise. Located in the bay of the same name, in Rio de Janeiro State, it is a destination entirely disconnected from worldly commotion, technological advances and luxury. The traveler who likes comfort and to have hammocks and Jacuzzis at their disposal is better off looking for somewhere else to go on vacation. It’s as simple as that.

The island, which is 193 square kilometers with 130 kilometers of coast, boasts some of Brazil’s most incredible beaches and is one of the most popular tourist destinations for seekers of lost paradises. Covered in thick, mountainous jungle (el Pico do Papagaio is 982 meters high), the island’s tourist infrastructure is very recent, which means there is an air of being in unexplored territory when staying there. Motor vehicles are also not allowed there, you can only get around by cycling or on foot, which adds to the feeling of being in paradise.

But Ilha Grande has a turbulent history. During most of the 19th century sick people from abroad were sent to be quarantined on the island.  Later, when it had been annexed to Río de Janeiro, it housed a leprosy hospital. Years later, in the middle of the 20th century, the Colonia Penal Cândido Mendes prison was built, where political prisoners and the most dangerous criminals of the time were sent. Finally, in 1994, the building was demolished and the island’s fate changed radically. Now some 3000 people live in the capital, Villa do Abraão, who make a basic living from fishing and tourism.

With a considerable amount of rainfall, like any tropical climate, a hike along one of the island’s many paths is an adventure that can turn from a pleasant stroll into a muddy struggle! Even so, the feeling that any traveler looking for this kind of experience will find on this magnificent island is hard to compare to other destinations in the region. Ilha Grande means ‘Great Island’ – a title it truly deserves.

 

“IBEROSTAR Hotels & Resorts in Brazil bring guests closer to the most exciting experiences during their Brazilian vacation. The superb location of the IBEROSTAR hotels in Salvador de Bahía and the Grand Amazon boat hotel with docking point at Manaus provide an unrivaled opportunity to explore the most beautiful areas of the country.”