Paraty, Ilha Grande and Rio – the last leg

Relaxing on Isla Grande, a small island just off Rio in Brazil meant the arduous task of chilling in a hammock as well as exploring the island footpaths through the jungle, finding both monkeys, dolphins and an amazing variety of beautiful birds.                      

Previously serving as a leper’s colony and a prison due to it’s isolation, and with no motor vehicles this was a wonderful jungle-clad and preserved green island to retreat on and around.

To the south of Rio, on the Costa Verde we also stopped at one of Brazil’s most appealing and well preserved historical colonial towns – Paraty – set amidst secluded beaches and jungled mountains the irregular cobblestone streets are closed to motor vehicles         making it ideal for strolling around and enjoying the centuries-old architecture.

           Boat trips around the many secluded beaches and islands were much enjoyed

And then there was Rio –  hard to believe I was finally at this amazing iconic City

Sugar Loaf Mountain and    Christ the Redeemer    and of course Copacabama beach – what a wonderful city

   

and sad goodbyes to a wonderful group of co-travellers and our guide Yasmina…   who somehow managed to keep us all together and in the right place at the right time through the three countries visited, sometimes using up to six different methods of local transport in one day.

A wonderful wonderful trip – absolutely loved it – already planning the next one!