The beautiful Brazilian island with a terrifying backstory
Island paradise: The impossibly picturesque island of Ilha Grande in Rio de Janeiro.
Unspoiled beaches: The island is closed to cars, and is home to 100 beaches sitting amid pristine nature.
Ilha Grande: The mountainous island, which spans 193 km2 (75 sq mi), was discovered in 1502.
Dark past: Surrounded by literally hundreds of smaller islands some 150 km (193 mi) from the state capital.
Dark past: The island's prison first housed political prisoners during the 1930s.
Arriving from the mainland: Arriving on the island today, visitors would have little idea of its dark secrets.
Small-town life: After a bumpy boat trip, tourists dock at Vila do Abraão.
A refuge for pirates: Even before it housed leprosy patients and criminals.
Trails to the prison: Most people come to Ilha Grande to discover its beaches and natural beauty.
Dark tourism: Those with a darker curiosity can follow a 7 km (4.34 mi) trail route to the former Cândido.