Trekking de volta à Ilha: Implicações do “turismo mochileiro” na Ilha Grande

Abstract

Ilha Grande, located in Angra dos Reis county, on the south coast of the Rio de Janeiro state, is nowadays one of the main tourist destinations in Brazil, due to its great natural and scenic beauty. The island covers an area of ​​193 km², including four oficial protected areas, which contribute to preserve a nature that attracts tourists. Tourism is currently the main economic driver and social mobilizer in Ilha Grande. Among the tourist practices adopted there, there is a specific kind of backpacking trek, popularly known as "trekking around the island" or "walking around Ilha Grande", an activity which is based upon knowing the island through its trails in a circular route over several days. Using the wayfaring perspective developed by Tim Ingold, while following the actors – things and places – this thesis analyzes the walkers’ perspectives, as well as the effects of this activity on Ilha Grande. It also presents walking tourism as a kind of sustainable tourism that must be considered in the formulation of local public policies, as it contributes in various ways to both the island and all the people involved in such activity.