Ilha Grande Travel Forum

Hey,

I'm going to Ilha Grande in 10 days. People have told us that during this time of the year it's usually not packed (and we are going during week days), so i'm not really worried to book anything in advance. It's just that some friend of a friend (u know how it is...) told me that we shouldn't stay in Vila Abraao, cause it's not very beautifull and the rest of the island is far more interesting, but i can't seem to find hostels anywhere else. I just wanted to have a few names or specific palces so we can know where to go first, when we get there!

Another thing, everyone is scaring me about Rio being really dangerous, so i'll probably won't carry my professional camera around, just a small one. But i was wandering...it'll be alright to carry my camera in Ilha Grande and paraty, to where we're also going, won't it? Cause i really wanted to take some cool pics!!

Thanks everyone
Angela
PS. i'll probably full this forum up with questions during this week! I'm sooo excited!!!!

Hi!

I'm also planning to go to Ilha Grande for 2 or 3 days, in October but haven't decided on the date yet.
I surfed the web today just for that: lodging in Ilha Grande.
And the best info I found is the following :
http://br.ilhagrande.com/sys/index.php
Most of the pousadas are in Vila Abraao. Apparently it's the most urbanized part of the island, and that's why your friends told you to stay in more solitary places. There are no cars nor roads in the island, so boats generally arrive and depart from Vila Abraao. If you're lodged in another part of the island, you're more isolated, and it'll be more difficult to take a boat (schooner) to other parts of the island.
Other people prefer camping :
http://www.mochileiros.com/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=3336&whichpage=4
I also read that there are no banks nor ATMs. I hope credit cards are accepted, but you'll have to take some cash just in case.
Finally, YES, take your camera to Rio and Ilha Grande. You'll regret it all your life if you don´t ! Just hide it in a backpack or a discrete camera bag.
Let me know your findings.
Best regards,
Enrique

Regarding the camera, take one that allows you to take good pictures.
If you can get one, also take an underwater camera, at least a cheap, disposable one.
In Rio, beware especially after dark. During the day I felt safe with my camera bag, being in touristic places. I used a 35 mm Nikon with 2 lenses, and changed lenses, put filters, etc. Mayby I was lucky, but I didn't have any problem.
Definitely take the camera to the Sugarloaf (that's extremely safe, because the only escape route is the cable car), to the Corcovado, to the MAC in Niteroi.

I second HenryG's comment about the camera. I carried my SLR all over Brazil (and Sth America) and didn't have any hassels at all. I do carry it in a scruffy looking bag so it doesn't draw attention. During the day, especially in tourist areas like Copacabana beach and Corcavado, Sugar loaf and the likes, it seemed perfectly safe. At nights, I took my small camera although there were more police around Copacabana than anyone else. Common sense should prevail and you will soon get the feel of things when you are there. As for Illa Grande and any other place in Brazil, the safest place I found for my camera was with me.
Have fun and don't spend too much time worrying, you'll want to enjoy the experience.

Safe travels,

Peter

Oh, and re accom on Illa, I just turned up mid week and took a look around. There were plenty of nice looking places to stay, even in the 'budget bracket'.

Finding accomodation on Ilha Grande or in Paraty is no problem this time of the year. The ferry boat will bring you to Vila do Abraão and there are almost all pousadas, restaurants, bars, travel agencies. From there start most of the trips, by schooner, to the mountain (Pico do Papagaio). Find yourself a nice pousada in Vila do Abraão when you arrive and from there you can visit it all. Lopes Mendes and Cachadaço are very nice beaches.
Do not hesitate to take your camera, even in Rio. Some places are not safe at night. Ilha Grande and Paraty are safe, even at night.

Luc, Paraty RJ, Brazil

Thank you all for your answears!!

I was planning in taking some disposables cameras, an underwater one, of course, :) and my real camera!! I might just not use it the first days in Rio just to feel the city, and then we'll see. I definilty don't want to worry too much there. It's probably not as bad as some people put it.
And i'm definitly carry my camer around Ilha Grande and Paraty. I have a Canon 300, i always carry it in my scruffiest bag! ;)

My boy-f is quite desperate about finding place to stay in Lopes Mendes cause apparently, is the only place you can surf! I might make another post about it! But i'm going to check that link HenryG sent, it's best than any other i found!

Thanks
angie

HenryG, i found this website that might be helpfull too. http://www.ilhagrande.com.br/

Thanks for the link ! I've added it to my favorites.

Hi, I'm from Brazil and i love Ilha Grande.
Stay at Sitio Pousada Itaguaçu at Itaguaçu beach, among Araçatiba and Vermelha.
Very beautiful and calm place. Private beach.

Breakfast included and 1 meal for about US$ 40/day.

They have 3 rooms with couple bed and 2 rooms with 3 or 4 bed each.

You will love it.
http://www.ilhagrande.com.br/pages/br_vermelha.html

Have a nice trip