From Paraty we got a ferry across to Ilhla Grande, which is a really easy island to navigate around so there was no problem finding our hostel. In our dorm room we had some Swedish hippies who didn't mind getting naked in front of us. Which Ben found rather disturbing,

First day we trekked up to the parrot peak, which is a mountain shaped like the beak of a parrot. It was such a hard trek through the rainforest, it took 4 hours to reach the top and Ben was literally dripping with sweat. On the way up we saw a family of monkeys playing in the trees and they got really close looking at us. When we got to the top the views were amazing, we got a full 360 look at the island which was beautiful. So worth the effort. On the way down we didn't ration the water well and we ran out just as we got to the bottom. Ben was feeling a little weak on the way down, probably due to low blood sugar and lack of water. But we made it down and got some water and a well earned rest.

The next day we relaxed by the beach because the day after we went on another trek to the other side of the island, this time it only took 2 hours but again parts of it was through the jungle and Ben was losing water again. But this time we took enough water. We got to Lopes Mendes beach which was very white and beautiful. Apparently the 7th most beautiful beach in the world. As soon as we got to the beach we went straight to the sea to cool off. As carnival is around the corner every night we heard a drum band practicing for the carnival celebrations. Drumming appears to be a very popular thing in Brazil. As this event occurred every evening we were there.

Ilhla Grande is such a peaceful tropical island and we needed this rest as carnival in Rio is looming.

Next stop a boat trip across the bay to Rio De Janeiro.