Traveller's Guide: Ilha Grande, Brazil

Getting there:

You can fly to Rio from Heathrow on British Airways (0844 493 0787; www.ba.com) or TAM (020-8897 0005; www.tam.com.br), with a touchdown in Sao Paulo for both flights.

From Rio, the Costa Verde bus from the Novo Rio bus station departs every 45 minutes to the ports at Mangrabita or Angra dos Reais; the journey takes around two hours for a fare of 15 reais (£4.60). The same fare applies for 90-minute ferry ride to Vila do Abraão on Ilha Grande. There are only two boats a day, so be sure to co-ordinate the arrival of the bus with the ferry departure.

Staying there:

Pousada Naturalia, Abraao, Ilha Grande (00 55 24 3361 9583; www.pousadanaturalia.net). Double rooms start at 135 reais (£42), including breakfast, with 150 reais (£46) buying a superior view.

More information:

www.braziltour.com; 020-7396 5551, www.lata.org; 020-8715 2913.