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.
The entire Dolomites mountain group is an enormous playground, full of routes, trails and paths. The Alto Adige-Trentino region, in north Italy, is the ideal destination for trekking enthusiasts. Trentino, situated in the bottom of the Italian Alps, is famous for the endless opportunities that offer to the trekkers. Since 1896 when the first trail ‘’Osvaldo Orsi’ was established, thus connecting the shelter of Pedrotti e Tosa with Tuckett's one, the mountain group of Dolomites di Brenta, in the north part of the Brenta peak, offers many kilometers of trails for different levels of ability.
Wanaka is a small town in Central Otago in the South Island of New Zealand, situated on the south side of Lake Wanaka.
Mammoth Lakes is located near Mammoth Mountain, in California’s eastern Sierra about 100 mi/161 km south of Nevada State Line, 9 mi/14.5 km northwest of Mount Morrison, at an elevation of 7880 ft/2402 m, Mono County, California, USA.
In the surroundings of Lake Garda, several types of trekking or/and Nordic walking can be practiced easily in a very pleasant and relaxed way.
Mount Shasta is located in northern California, east of Interstate 5 along SR89, between Mount Shasta city and McCloud city, California, USA.
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''.
Barra da Tijuca is a southwestern borough of Rio de Janeiro in Brazil, known for its natural and opulent beauty. 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.
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.
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''.
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''.
Barra da Tijuca is a southwestern borough of Rio de Janeiro in Brazil, known for its natural and opulent beauty. 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''.
