Brazil's South-East Region
The Ultimate Brazil Travel Guide: Ilha Grande
Long, sandy beaches and crystal clear waters - you'll have to hike to see this Island's best attractions
Ilha Grande is a tropical island off the coast of Rio de Janeiro, famous for its secluded beaches dispersed between Atlantic Rainforest, and its car-free town. The island’s main village, Vila do Abraão, is the hub for hiking and boat tours, including trails leading to Lopes Mendes Beach, once of the best beaches in Brazil, and Pico do Papagaio, an incredible sunrise viewpoint. Ilha Grande also offers world-class snorkeling and diving spots, such as Lagoa Azul (Blue Lagoon).
Top 8 Things to See & Do in Ilha Grande
Relax at Lopes Mendes Beach: Reachable by boat or a 6-kilometre hike from Vila do Abraão, this beach is known for its fine white sand and strong waves. It is suitable for swimming and surfing but has no facilities, so visitors must bring supplies.
Hike to Pico do Papagaio to see the sunrise: This 11-kilometre round trip hike includes steep sections and typically requires a guide, especially for sunrise treks. The summit offers panoramic views of the island and surrounding areas.
Take a boat trip to snorkel at Lagoa Azul: Located between Ilha Grande and Ilha dos Macacos, this shallow bay features coral reefs and calm water. Boat tours often combine it with other nearby snorkelling spots such as Lagoa Verde.
Explore Abraão Village: The main hub of Ilha Grande, Vila do Abraão contains restaurants, shops, accommodation and historical sites like the old Lazareto. It is also the starting point for most trails and boat trips.
Go on a hiking trip to Feiticeira Waterfall and Fora Beach: This moderate hike from Abraão leads to a forest waterfall and a small beach. The trail is commonly included in guided tours and is suitable for day visitors (guide)
Visit Dois Rios Village and the old prison ruins: This 16-kilometre round trip hike ends at a beach where a deactivated prison once operated. The site includes historic buildings and is part of the island’s conservation and research area.
Snorkel or dive around Gruta do Acaiá: A small sea cave where sunlight creates an underwater glow. Access involves a short hike and a ladder descent. Tours may include stops at nearby beaches.
Take a full-island boat tour (Volta à Ilha): A full-day boat tour around Ilha Grande with stops at remote beaches such as Aventureiro, Parnaioca and Caxadaço. The tour offers snorkelling opportunities and access to beaches not reachable by foot.
How long to spend in Ilha Grande
It's best to spend at least 3 days in Ilha Grande to experience a variety of the islands beaches and hikes, including visiting Lopes Mendes beach and taking a snorkeling boat trip.
If you don't have enough time to visit Ilha Grande, it is also possible to take a day tour from Rio de Janeiro.
Ready to plan your trip? Read my itinerary for How to Spend 3 Days in Ilha Grande
Where to stay in Ilha Grande
There are several areas to stay on Ilha Grande. The island's main town is Vila do Abraão, which has the largest number of accommodation options and services. Other areas include Praia de Araçatiba, Praia do Bananal and Praia do Aventureiro, which are smaller and more remote. Vila do Abraão is the main departure point for boat tours and trails, making it the most practical base for exploring the island, while the hotels and resorts in more remote locations would suite those looking for a relaxed or romantic vacation.
Find cheap accommodation for your stay in Ilha Grande, or check out my personal recommendations below:
Hotels in Ilha Grande
Paraíso Azul Retiro - Located on Praia Pequena da Freguesia de Santana beach (see prices)
Bonito Paraiso Ilha Grande - Located on Abraãozinho Beach (see prices)
Pousadas (guesthouses)
Pousada Tagomago Eco-Lodge (see prices)
Pousada Casablanca (see prices)
Backpacker Hostels in Ilha Grande
Lila Limao - a clean and quite hostel with modern facilities (see prices)
Hostel Refugio - best for backpackers on a budget (see prices)
Pico da Papagaio, Ilha Grande
Where is Ilha Grande, Brazil
Quick Facts about Ilha Grande
Population of Ilha Grande
Ilha Grande (Abraão) has a population of 5,216 people (IBGE, 2022)
Nickname
People from Ilha Grande do not have a specific nickname, however people from Rio de Janeiro State are called fluminenses.
Closest airport
The closest airports are located in:
Rio de Janeiro (4 hours drive)
São Paulo (4 hours drive)
Main bus terminal
The closest bus terminal is located in Agra dos Reis
Main ports
Vila do Abraão
Boats serve several of the island's other beaches, directly on the beach
Read my free 3 day travel itinerary for Ilha Grande!
How to get to Ilha Grande
Ilha Grande can be easily reached by bus and ferry from Rio de Janeiro, Sao Paulo or anywhere in between. First, take a bus to one of the three ports below, then take a boat to Vila do Abraão, Ilha Grande's main port. Ferry tickets can be purchased at the port and do not need to be booked in advance.
The three ports connecting Ilha Grande to the mainland
Conceição de Jacareí - This is the closest to port to Ilha Grande. It therefore offers the fastest trip and the most frequent boat departures, giving you more time at the beach. Trips take just 15-20 minutes and run from 8.30am-6.15pm daily. The return trips run from 7.30am-5.30pm daily. The trip costs R$20-30 each way.
Mangaratiba - This is the ferry port closest to Rio de Janeiro. Trips take around 1.5 hours and cost R$17 each way. The boat departs at 8am daily and 10pm on Fridays and returns at 5.30pm daily. The large ferries allow you to transport your bike for free.
Angra dos Reis - This is the port closest to São Paulo. Trips on the large ferry take around 1 hour 20 minutes and cost R$17 each way. The ferry departs at 3.30pm Monday-Friday or 1.30pm on weekends and holidays and returns at 10am daily. Again, you can transport a bike for free. Alternatively, speedboats are available and take as little as 30 minutes and run between 7am and 6pm daily. The speedboat is slightly more expensive costing between R$25-50 each way.
If you are short on time, it is also possible to take boat tours directly from Angra dos Reis, to see some of Ilha Grande's most beautiful sites.
How to get to Ilha Grande from Rio de Janeiro
From Novo Rio bus terminal, take a bus to any of the ferry terminals:
Conceição de Jacareí (2.5 hours)
Mangaratiba (1.5-2.5 hours) - tickets
Angra dos Reis (3 hours) - tickets
For the fastest trip, head to Conceição de Jacareí and take the speedboat. Busses run frequently, however it is recommended to book your bus ticket in advance to ensure you get a ticket at your desired time, and don't miss the last ferry.
There are also convenient transfer services available.
How to get to Ilha Grande from Sao Paulo
From Sao Paulo's Tiete bus terminal, take a bus to Angra dos Reis (8-8.5 hours) (tickets & timetable).
Busses run frequently, but it is best to take an earlier bus to make sure you make the last boat at 6pm. It is also possible to take an overnight bus, so you don't lose a day on travel.
How to get to Ilha Grande from Paraty
It is easy to get to Ilha Grande from Paraty, two popular tourist destinations. From Terminal Rodoviário de Paraty (map), take a bus to Angra dos Reis (1.5 hours) (tickets). From Angra dos Reis, take any ferry or speedboat to Ilha Grande. There are also convenient transfer services available.
Top tours in Ilha Grande
How to get around Ilha Grande
There are no cars on Ilha Grande, however the island's main town, Abraão, is small and easy to walk around. To to get between Ilha Grande's most popular beaches, you can choose to hike or take a taxi boat. The fares for taxi boats vary depending on the length of the trip and the number of other people in the boat.
Hiking in Ilha Grande
Ilha Grande is a hiker's paradise, with numerous well-established trails around and across the island. One of the most popular hikes include the hike to Lopes Mendes beach, one of the most beautiful beaches in Brazil. Another must-do hike is to Pico do Papagaio. This hike is best taken early in the morning in order to see the sunrise from the peak. Here is a map of the trails.
How to get to Lopes Mendes beach by Taxi Boat
To get to Lopes Mendes beach, take a taxi boat to Praia do Pouso, and then take a short 1km (0.6 miles) trail. The trail takes around 20 minutes each way. Boats are not allowed to stop directly on Lopes Mendes as it is a protected area.
Want more tips? See my guide for How to Spend 3 Days in Ilha Grande
Things to know before you go to Ilha Grande
ATMs - Bring Cash!
There are no ATMs on Ilha Grande. Although some shops and restaurants do accept credit card, many still do not. If you plan to use taxi boats, or buy drinks and snacks on the beach from local vendors, you will need to pay in cash.
What to bring to Ilha Grande
The island has a tropical climate, so bringing insect repellent, sunscreen, hat, and appropriate clothing for both rain and shine is crucial. If hiking, it is also recommended to bring sturdy covered shoes as the trails can become muddy and slippery after rain.
Is Ilha Grande safe for tourists
Ilha Grande is considered a safe destination for visitors. The atmosphere is relaxed, and it is a very different experience compared to larger Brazilian cities. As with any trip, it is still sensible to follow a few simple precautions, but these are more about peace of mind than real risk.
A few tips to stay safe in Ilha Grande
Keep an eye on your belongings at the beach, or ask someone to watch them if you go for a swim
Don't walk around with large amounts of cash, carry only the cash you need for the day or a credit card
At night, stick to the main streets or paths where other visitors and locals are walking
Ask your pousada or host if you are unsure about the best routes or areas to explore
Travel insurance for Ilha Grande
Travel insurance is not just a nice-to-have, it is an important safety-net that can prevent a stressful incident from turning into an expensive disaster. The reality is that unexpected events can happen on any trip. Even something as simple as missing a connecting flight can lead to unexpected accommodation and transport costs. If you become unwell, medical bills in another country can quickly become expensive. Without insurance, you have to handle all of this on your own in an unfamiliar environment, possibly in a language you do not speak.
I have personally relied on travel insurance multiple times, including when I had belongings stolen in Europe, fell sick while travelling in Asia, and had flights cancelled. In each case, the support I received meant I could focus on solving the problem instead of worrying about costs.
For a small daily cost, you can be covered for a wide range of scenarios, from theft to delayed flights and medical emergencies. Having one phone number to call and a company that deals with the problem for you is worth far more than the price of the policy. I personally use Safety Wing, and I recommend them to friends, family, and anyone travelling internationally. You can get a quote here.
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