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.
Methven is a small town in Canterbury region of the South Island. It is only 1.5 h drive at the west of Christchurch, the second largest city of New Zealand and is situated close to Mount Hutt, in the heart of Southern Alps.
Glenorchy is a small settlement, situated in Otago region, at South Island in New Zealand. It lies on the northern side of Lake Wakatipu and is surrounded by Richardson and Humboltd Ranges.
Arrowtown is a small, former gold-mining town, situated in Otago region, in the South Island, New Zealand. It is only 20 min drive from Queenstown (connected through Shotover Gorge) and lies on the banks of Arrow River, one of the richest sources of gold in the 1860's.
Cromwell is a small town, situated in Otago region, in the South Island, New Zealand. It lies on the shores of Lake Dunstan and is located only at 34 mi/55 km from Wanaka and 38 mi/62 km from Queenstown.
Mount Shasta is located in northern California, east of Interstate 5 along SR89, between Mount Shasta city and McCloud city, California, USA.
Leonidio, situated on the east coast of Peloponnese, combines surprisingly elements of mountain with sea. Adjacent in the Myrtoon Sea and settled in the highlands of Parnon Mountain range, the region is famous for its remarkable scenery, perfect for trekking activities.
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.
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''.
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''.
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''.
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''.
