Ilha de Paquetá in Rio de Janeiro

Paquetá Island, the second largest in Guanabara Bay, is noted for its gigantic pebble-shaped rocks, butterflies and orchids. Its name means 'many shells' in Tupi, but it has also been called the Ilha dos Amores. The only real reason to come here is for the

wonderful views but there are a few historical buildings on the island including the

, a Cariocan anti-slavery campaigner, and the newly refurbished

, which houses a library. At the southwest tip is the interesting

, with beautiful trees, lots of birds and a lookout on the Morro da

Cruz. The island has several beaches, but the water is none too clean. The only means of transport are bicycles and horse-drawn carriages. Neither is allowed into the Parque Darke de Mattos. You can tour by

(tractor), or just wander around on foot; bicycles can also be hired. The island is very crowded at weekends and on public holidays, but is usually quiet during the week.

Paquetá Island can be visited by ferry services that leave more or less every two hours from the boat terminal at Praça 15 de Novembro.