The Costa Verde ('Green Coast') is a 175-mile stretch of beautiful sandy beaches and lush inland forests between the cities of Rio de Janeiro and Sao Paulo. The many bays and coves with their crystal clear water offer opportunities for a range of watersports, including snorkelling and diving. Angra dos Reis ('King's Cove') is one of the finest beaches along this coastline, but there are many others waiting to be explored. A boat cruise is a great way to appreciate the beauty of the region, with views from the ocean to the forest and mountains beyond. The forest offers great walking and hiking opportunities, with stunning views and plentiful waterfalls. There are traditional fishing villages all along the coast and the region also includes the pretty colonial town of Paraty, a UNESCO world heritage site.
Ilha Grande is one the many islands lying along the Costa Verde and is a protected area.. It is covered in lush green forest, coastal vegetation and mangrove swamps and has several sandy beaches. It is largely undeveloped and has no cars, so the pace of life is slow and relaxed. It is a part of Brazil's Atlantic rainforest, one of the most diverse ecosytems in the world and is home to many endangered species such as the brown howler monkey, the maned sloth and the red-browed Amazon parrot. As well as water based activities, there are some 90 miles of walking trails linking the coastal villages, hamlets, mountain peaks, waterfalls and beaches, an ideal way to explore the island.
