Ilha Grande Travel Forum

Hi there!

I am planning a trip to Ilha Grande in April 2008 and would really value some info from anyone who has visited - the more feedback , the better:
- Have you had any problems with the 'wildlife' on the island - snakes etc?
- Is there a medical facility on the island - hospital or doctors?
- What about malaria and Denge fever - did you take malaria tablets? Any illness? What about upset stomachs?
- What is the Pousada Naturalia like? Any other/better recommendations?
- Have you been to Ilha Grande in April (start)? If so, how was the weather?
- We are planning a few days in Rio on the way to Ilha Grande - any good recommendations? Any problems with crime?

Thanks loads in advance for your advice. All info on Ilha Grande welcome.

Jo.

If you are planning on a walking tour in the wild, I would suggest to wear suitable footwear and if possible long thousers or the like. More often then not, snakes are more scared for you than you for the snakes, and there are much less dangerous ones then in f.ex. Australia, but why take chances.

I suspect there are one or two doctors, but I think for a proper hospital you will be diverted to Angra dos Reis.

April looks quite good to me. Chances on heavy rain are quite low, the temperature is still quite reasonable most of the time.

Rio has some issues with crime, you knew that already. Best stay in the better areas like Ipanema or Leblon, with Copacabana only the third option. Take the precautions as discussed here many times, take a cab to see the touristic places, take certainly a cab when you go out at night, avoid empty and/or dark streets etc. Many people will end up fine, without poblems, but again, why take chances.

I never took malaria profylaxis to Brazil, the dengue fever is mostly a problem in urban areas in summer. But one more time, while the mosquito's do bite, you should take a good repellent and use it. I use OFF, and it is not very expensive here.

A few days in Rio on your way to Ilha Grande. How much time do you figure to spend on Ilha Grande? The Grande may implicate itīs big, but actually it isnīt. There are no cash machines, most pousadas are quite isolated so eating out options are limited. Abraão is the "Capital" of Ilha Grande. There is a medical post, but serious injuries must be treated on land. Malaria shoud not be a problem. Dengue might or might not be. Mosquitos do not like salt water much. The weather in April is generally good.
www.ilhagrande.com

Many thanks to boh of you for your advice.

Thanks
jo.

I hope you had a good trip to Ilha Grande, and I'd be interested to know where you stayed and how you found it, as I am asking the same questions as you were, except that my husband and I are planning a trip in June.
We originally found Pousada Asalem but thought it was expensive, and having looked around we are looking at Pousada Naturalia and also Sitio Itaguacu, but are not sure about being down the other end of the island near Praia Vermelha (did you go there? Is it very remote? Might be nice!)
Also looking at Porto Girassol, Pousada Estrela, Pousada Caicara, and Paraiso do Sol.
Any suggestions/advice welcome. What were the highlights - we've got 4 days/5 nights.
Thanks