Big Island Traverse
360º big island in five days, Brazil
Hiking Severe
- Distance
- 152 km
- Ascent
- 3.3 km
- Descent
- 3.3 km
- Duration
- 1 day +
- Low Point
- -2 m
- High Point
- 919 m
- Gradient
- 13˚
Ilha Grande (Portuguese pronunciation: ˈiʎɐ ˈɡɾɐ̃dʒi "Big Island") is an island located off the coast of Rio de Janeiro state, Brazil. The island, which is part of the municipality of Angra dos Reis, remains largely undeveloped. For almost a century it was closed by the Brazilian government to free movement or settlement because it first housed a leper colony and later a top-security prison (Colônia Penal de Dois Rios, later known as Instituto Penal Cândido Mendes). The Cândido Mendes prison, which housed some of the most dangerous prisoners within the Brazilian penal system, was finally closed in 1994. The largest village on the island is called Vila do Abraão with approximately 1900 inhabitants.
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Description
The island, which is 193 km2 (75 sq mi) in area, is now a popular tourist destination that is noted for its scenic beauty, unspoiled tropical beaches, luxuriant vegetation and rugged landscape. The highest point is the 1,031 m (3,383 ft) Pico da Pedra D'Água. Most of its territory is within the Ilha Grande State Park. The remainder of the island is subject to stringent development restrictions.
On 5 July 2019, Ilha Grande and Paraty were inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
This route took five days, with three days of trekking on the remote side, with another day passing by boat at attractive points like Gruta do Acaiá, ending the last day by going up to Pico do Papagaio.
The severe degree is due to the high humidity of the air and excessive heat on the trail, in addition to the need to make way in dense jungle and cross rivers with possible alligators.
Difficulty
Severe
Hiking challenging trails where simple scrambling, with the occasional use of the hands, is a distinct possibility. The trails are often filled with all manner of obstacles both small and large, and the hills are very steep. Obstacles and challenges are often unexpected and can be unpredictable.
Medium Exposure
The trail contains some obstacles such as outcroppings and rock which could cause injury.
Remoteness
In the high mountains or remote conditions, all individuals must be completely autonomous in every situation.
Best time to visit
Features
- Wildlife
- Historical
- Picturesque
- Wild flowers
- Water features
- Forestry or heavy vegetation