Ilha Grande
With its hiking trails and isolated beaches, this tropical island and former pirate roost makes for a perfect downshift from the buzz of Rio.
Its dense forests have changed little since it served as a base for smugglers and adventurers a few centuries ago.
A two-and-a-half hour trip from Rio, the tiny hamlet’s business these days is ecotourism.
Prior to that it was a fishing port and the site of a prison torn down in the 1950s.
Cars are banned on the island and the focus is on human-powered transit — hiking, kayaking, swimming.
Boats and schooners can be rented for trips to several superb beaches on the island.
–
READ: Samba central: Moving to the rhythms of Rio’s Lapa district
Accommodations range from high end Casas Brancas (typically reached by private transfer from Rio de Janeiro; +55 22 2623 1458; $450 per night) to budget pousadas such as Vila Pitanga (Rua G4 no. 6, Praia da Ferradura, Búzios; +55 22 2623 7512; $77 per night).
All three destinations are within easy reach of Rio de Janeiro by car or bus from Rio via BR 101.
The bus station for Paraty, Ilha Grande and Buzios is the Novo Rio station.
For Buzios, the route runs across the bay to Niteroi and from there on BR 101 to BR 124 at Rio Bonita and then BR 106.
Author of the book “Work to Live,” Joe Robinson has written for numerous publications including the Los Angeles Times. He’s traveled extensively in Brazil.
