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 Ilha Grande a majestically beautiful, ecologically preserved island with jungly hills,106 sandy beaches, blue lagoons, is a short boat trip from the town of Angra dos Reis,or Mangaratiba, a 2 hours drive south of Rio de Janeiro. It is a national park and it contains a vast expanse of Atlantic rainforest, clear green waters and vast resources of fresh water.
Beautiful and deserted beaches circle this 40 km long area ; the Lopez Mendes beach ,one of them, is considered to be one of the world's top 10 beaches. From the peaks of its mountain peaks, views are truly breathtaking .
No roads can be built and none exist. No streets, no cars, no bank machines, low tech, low stress… There are three tiny communities on the island – the largest of which is the small town of Vila do Abraao.
 Ilha Grande, is also a reference in early Brazilian history(1550’s) as a waterway for Portuguese discoverers and attacking pirates and corsarios. It has also housed a public hospital to quarantine incoming travelers in the1850s which in the 1920’s became a federal prison. Up until 1994, the island was home to a high security prison that has since deteriorated to an eerie, ruinous rubble reminiscent of Papillon.
Sailing, kayaking, snorkeling, diving or trekking over the mountains are several of the island’s attractions, in an atmosphere of relaxation, meditation and spiritual and creative growth. |
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