A tropical paradise just off the bustling shoreline of Rio de Janeiro, Ilha Grande remains largely undeveloped due to its former zoning as a leper colony and later a security prison, which closed in 1994. The 193 km2 (75 sq mi) island boasts over 100 beautiful beaches and secluded coves, while its interior is largely covered by Atlantic rainforest. This pristine jungle shelters some of the largest remaining populations of endangered species such as the brown howler monkey, the red-browed Amazon parrot, the maned sloth and the broad-snouted caiman. Travellers can pick and choose their beach for the day; enjoy snorkelling in bays rich with marine life, or cruise the picturesque coastline by boat.