Guia Cultural da Costa Verde

Angra dos Reis • Ilha Grande

PARQUE ESTADUAL DA ILHA GRANDE – PEIG

A balance between man and the environment

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The idyllic Ilha Grande is the Southeast region’s largest coastal island, covering an area of 193 km2 and replete with natural attractions, over 100 beaches and a wealth of flora and fauna. Ilha Grande State Park (PEIG) was created in 1971 in order to ensure its preservation and to encourage tourism. It is an extensive public area protected by law and managed by the Instituto Estadual do Ambiente – INEA, with main office in Vila do Abraão.

Operating and inspection actions are held, as well as those regulating the conduct of visitors and others related to its protection, with the aim of maintaining the peaceful coexistence between man and the environment. A huge mockup of Ilha Grande and handing out folders are the means of providing visitors with guidance. During the high season a local resident will hold Conversas de Verão, repeating stories and episodes on the island once every week. Visitors may book for guided tours, which are free of charge and usually take place on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

There is no charge for visits to the Park and the easiest hike begins on the left side of Vila do Abraão, from where visitors may follow a path with no need for a guide. This path known as Circuito do Abraão is covered in one to two hours, and runs by beaches, rivers, a waterfall and a pool – known as Poção – where a refreshing dip is recommended, as well as across bridges and heritage venues such as the ruins of a sanatorium built in 1886 to harbor travelers and immigrants who arrived from cholera-stricken countries.

Along this path it is possible to view an imposing 125-meter aqueduct built in 1889, and made of large rocks put in place with whale oil and lime, which supplied the sanatorium with the pure waters from the Abraão stream. The sanatorium was subsequently converted into a penitentiary in 1893, where the insurgents during the Revolta da Armada episode were imprisoned, serving for this purpose until 1913 when it was closed down.

There are well signaled forks at certain points along the path that lead to other points of interest, yet these trails are more complex and not recommended without the assistance of a guide.

The State Park has certain visiting days and hours and it is advisable to follow the tips on what to take, to make the experience more pleasant. Take advantage of the pure air and the sounds of nature, and with a little luck you will run across the Park’s mascot, the howler monkey (Alouatta guariba), an endangered species with very high-pitched howls that may be heard a long way off.

Remember to take nothing but a camera and not to leave refuse along the path, this way contributing to preserve this fascinating natural paradise.

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