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Brazil

Suggested Packages / Rio area / Amazon / Pantanal / Iguassu
Salvador and Bahia / Northeast Coast / Bonito / Fernando de Noronha
Gauchos & Grapes / Land of Gold and Gems / Lencois Marenhenses

Ilha Grande

Ilha Grande (Big Island) is a beautiful Brazilian island decorated with fascinating landscapes, 86 tropical beaches, rivers, crystal clear lagoons, waterfalls, plains, mountains and peaks spread out over 193km2. The paradisiacal sites are abundant due to the contrast of the Atlantic Rainforest and the sea. One of the 365 islands of Angra dos Reis Archipelago off the coast of Rio de Janeiro State, Ilha Grande has no roads and no private cars but many hiking trails that links to the beaches. It is 125km from Rio de Janeiro Capital and 1/3 of its scenic beauty of rugged landscape with luxuriant vegetation is a State Park. Atlantic Rainforest covers approximately half of the island. The island is reached by an hour and a half car ride from Rio de Janeiro to the port of Mangaratiba, followed by a 45mins. ferry ride.

Between the 16th and 18th centuries, Ilha Grande Bay was the stage for countless battles between corsairs, imperial invasions and pirates. Today, divers have the rare pleasure of exploring one of the world’s largest concentrations of shipwrecks. Standing out in these scenarios are locations such as Lage do Guriri (Ponta de Castelhanos), Jorge Grego Island, Meros and Naufragios Islands. Sixteen ships are being investigated by the SAMPESUB (Angra dos Reis Society of Subaquatic Investigations). The ocean floor presents a great variety of fish, corals and caves with sizes varying between 10 and 20m (33 and 66ft) tall. The 5 to 15m (16 to 49ft) of visibility of the water in calm waters make Ilha Grande an excellent place not only for diving, but for snorkeling as well. Lagoa Azul (Blue Lagoon) in the Macaco’s Island is a paradisiacal place with calm and shallow waters, blue tonalities and millions of yellow and black little fishes.

The most popular beaches on the island are Abraão, Vermelha, Araçatiba, Longa, Aventureiro and Lopes Mendes, the last two being ideal for surfing. From the top of Pico do Papagaio peak, the huge landscape of the whole island and its beaches can be appreciated. Pico do Papagaio is the second highest point of Ilha Grande with 990m (3248ft) and it is an important symbol of the island that can be seen from all over the place. The highest point is Pico da Pedra D´Água, with 1031m (3383ft) of height. This area is extensively vegetated with dense forests, headlands, steeps, plains, rivers and caverns.

To protect the important ecosystem of the region, in 1971 the Ilha Grande State Park, with an area of 5.600 hectares, was created. In 1990 the Biological Reserve from Praia do Sul with an area of 3.600 hectares, and the Aventureiro Marine State Park, covering 5 nautical miles were created. The island shelters a lot of rich fauna and flora with lots of bird species, colorful parrots and saracuras different types of monkey, iguanas and many others. Some species are already in danger of extinction, as it is the case of the Alouatta fusca, known as Bugio Monkey.

Ilha Grande was considered by National Geographic Traveler (2007) one of the World's Most Appealing Islands in the World. The 522 experts vote on wich ones avoid the danger, which are succumbing to it, and which hang in the balance. Read the testimonials:

"Stunning destination still richly forested and with marvelous beaches and charming little communities. Its proximity to Rio de Janeiro means relatively easy access. Care needs to be taken not to ruin it."

"Great ecological quality and touristic appeal, mainly because tourism is highly local. There are no big international developments or big hotels."

"Integration of nature and new dwellings is characteristic of the architecture of the island. Land-use controls are in place that prevent overdevelopment."

"Surprisingly clean. The coral reefs circling the island are abundant with fish."

"Real estate development is a threat to the biodiversity. Still a pristine place with abundance in wildlife and marine life."

ILHA GRANDE PACKAGE - REGULAR
- 3 DAYS / 2 NIGHTS

Includes: 2 nights at an inn with Breakfast, transfer Rio/Mangaratiba/Rio REGULAR in a car with air, transfer Mangaratiba/Abrãao/Mangaratiba in regular boat (FERRY-BOAT), reception and transfer to the Inn with English speaking guide and luggage transportation and Abraão Tour (panoramic tour) and regular taxi boat to visit Lopes Mendes Beach (known as one of the most beautiful beaches in Brazil)

Prices per person in US$;

INFORMATION:
* Prices are not valid for New Year, Carnival or Holidays;
* In this package, the land transfers are in a car with air and specialized drivers speaking Portuguese;
* Boat schedule in general information – regular package only by Mangaratiba (please find below);
* Supplement for fast boat (30 minutes / per crossing): U$115 per person each way. Ideal for clients that want personalized service and/or to attend clients out of ferry schedule;
* We can make the pick up or drop off in Paraty with no additional cost;
* Prices subject to change without further notice in case of big economical changes in Brazil.
* The sea transfers are in a regular boat (1:30h / per crossing). Schedule as table below;

* Reception in arrival by guides specialized in the following languages: Portuguese, English, Spanish and French. Italian and German are on request;
* Luggage transportation is included in the arrival and in the departure and it’s made in trolley cars;
* The taxi boat Lopes Mendes, consists in a regular sea transfer from Vila do Abraão to the Pouso Beach and vice versa. From Pouso Beach, the clients walk about 20/30 minutes to get to Lopes Mendes Beach (2.400m of beach). Daily departures at 10:00/10:30. Return at 15:00/16:00.
* Free Policy: 1 child until 5 years old is free if accommodated in the parent’s room.
* Payment Policy: pre payment. Information will be given at the package conformation;
* Cancellation Policy: according to the policy of each Inn. Information will be given at the package conformation.
* Meals and extra services are under request.
* Ilha Grande doesn’t have any banks or electronic cashier. There is not much recourse for
currency exchange.

ILHA GRANDE PACKAGE - PRIVATE - 3 DAYS / 2 NIGHTS

Includes: 2 nights at the chosen Inn with Breakfast, Transfer from Rio to Pier*/Rio PRIVATE in a car with air, transfer Pier/Abrãao/Pier in a regular boat (FERRY-BOAT), Reception and transfer to the Inn with English speaking guide and luggage transportation, Abraão Tour and 1 tour in regular boat
to Lagoa Azul and beaches.

Prices per person in US$;

INFORMATION:
* Prices are not valid for New Year, Carnival or Holidays;
* In this package, the land transfers are in a car with air and specialized drivers speaking Portuguese;
* The regular tour to “Lagoa Azul” and beaches included in private package departures daily at 10:30. It returns approximately at 16:00;
* Boat schedule as above
* Supplement for fast boat (30 minutes / per crossing): U$115 per person each way. Ideal for clients that want personalized service and/or to attend clients out of ferry schedule;
* Supplement for English speaking guide in land transfers: U$ 60 per person each way;
* Prices subject to change without further notice in case of big economical changes in Brazil.

SPECIAL NOTE: there is no choice of pousada for either package as it will be confirmed according to
availability in the category which comprises the 3 pousadas mentioned:
Ancoradouro - 4 ocean view rooms + 4 side view rooms
Manacá - 4 ocean view rooms + 3 garden view rooms
Naturália - 12 ocean front rooms