You chose Brazil to be your next adventure and already feeling curious about what to do on Ilha Grande? Great! Brazil is a fascinating country and a very exciting cultural destination with attractions to satisfy just about any taste. Whether you are looking for a jungle exploration, world art museums, pulsating rhythm of the carnival, or idyllic beach time, this fantastic country has it all.
One place that you should for sure include on your list when visiting Brazil is Ilha Grande island, one of the greatest Brazil’s highlights!
You may think that spending your time on an island might be boring and that it would limit your desire for an adventure, but you are wrong!
Ilha Grande means “the Big Island”. It certainly is big in its diversity of things to do and see. This pure tropical retreat is located between Rio de Janeiro and Paraty, a colonial city with great pirate history. Because of the pirates precisely, there was never larger development on the island. That helped preserve its tropical beauty, and that made it a great place for you to visit.
Once you get there, this tropical paradise will give you the best it has to offer. Amazing sand beaches, crystal clear waters, exciting forest trails, wildlife, numerous activities, great, authentic gastronomical offer, Ilha Grande will give you all of that.
As a good overture to your own exploration of this amazing place, here is our recommendation on the top 12 things you need to do while on Ilha Grande.
Explore Lopes Mendes beach
One of the first things you will notice on Ilha Grande is the lack of huge intrusive development and construction. That is what makes it so charming. And that is what helped preserve its beautiful coastline.
The end result is that Ilha Grande today is the proud owner of the majority of Brazil’s top beaches. Among many others, the island is home to Lopes Mendes, one beach that is always at the top of the list of the best Brazilian beaches.
Once you are there, you will see for yourself this title is very well deserved. It is a pure delight of 3 km of white sand embraced by green crystal water. You will love this beach especially if you are searching for a quiet spot to rest. There is no human interference here; no bars, restaurants, nothing. Just you, nature and silence.
How to Get to Lopes Mendes Beach
Reaching Lopes Mendes beach is relatively easy, yet, it will require some hike.
If you are in Vila do Abraão, you need to hike for about 4 hours to reach the beach. It is not very difficult and crossing the jungle is so exciting as you could see some wildlife.
If you are in Praia do Pouso, you can hike to Lopes Mendes for about 20 minutes to reach the beach. Just take the T11 trail.
If you don’t have too much desire to hike, we can recommend you take a shuttle from Vila to Abraão Port.
Visit the abandoned Candido Mendes prison
Ilha Grande has a dark secret to tell; it has its own Alcatraz!
The island is home to an abandoned maximum security prison, The Candido Mendes. It used to house hundreds of the Brazilians most dangerous and notorious criminals. One of the great stories includes the one known as Escadinha, about the drug king who managed to escape the prison.
When it was closed back in 1962, all inmates were relocated to other prisons in the country. One of them, however, after he was released, continued to live inside the remains of the prison.
If you wish to reach this dark pearl of the island, you will have to hike. It is not easy, but you will be rewarded with magnificent views on your way up. We recommend you to start from Abraão using the T9 trail at Julia beach, leading to the almost deserted village of Dois Rios.
How to Get to Candido Mendes prison
The trail is about 8.3 kilometers one way and it will take you about two hours in one direction. The first part of the trail is on a muddy path through the jungle, but do not let it discourage you.
In the end, you will see how rewarding this hike is. One of the highlights of this trail you also need to see is Piscina dos Soldados; a small pool in which soldiers used to bathe before going to the prison.
Go diving in the marine-rich waters
Ilha Grande does not stand alone. The island is surrounded by many small uninhabited islets, making it perfect for diving. If you are a diver yourself, you will find your little paradise here. You may explore its local rich marine life and admire the beauty of this amazing underwater world.
Credits: Brasilien Insider
Go for a treasure hunt too; there are dozens of old shipwrecks; ships that were sunk hundred years ago as a result of battles between pirates and colonial forces.
The Best Spots for Diving near Ilha Grande
The island is just full of great diving spots. Some of the best-known you should try are Gruta do Acaia, Ilha das Palmas and Ilha de Jorge Grego, the island in front of Lopes Mendes beach. Numerous diving centers on the island will offer you not only the rental of the equipment at decent prices but will give you practical advice too.
Wild and nature untouched by human hands, clear waters, and a very rich underwater life will leave you breathless for sure. Having your underwater camera handy is recommended, you will want to capture these stunning moments.
The best way to reach these tiny, diving oases is by taking one of the boat tours from the main hub of Ilha Grande, Vila do Abraão. The prices are affordable, starting from as little as 23 dollars and up, depending on your preferences and wishes.
Eat delicious seafood
Sometimes, the best memories of a place we have visited are linked to the food we tried. You are now on a tropical island and there should be no doubts at all about what to eat. The smells around you will tell you what to eat.
The best the island offers is the seafood, of course. Even if you are not too keen on it, certainly give yourself a try. Ilha Grande is known for excellent dishes made of freshly cut oysters, fish delicacies, and different seafood casseroles. Typical Brazilian tastes are so specific that it is hard to describe them; you should try it for yourself.
Yet, we can recommend to you just a few meals that are just pure Brazilian. The local shrimp in cheese sauce served with rice and potatoes is certainly one of the must-tries.
Acarajé might be a good choice too; it is a black-eyed bean pattie deep fried and served steam-hot. It usually has prawns inside and if you like hot stuff, can be served with chili oil.
Farofa is a good choice if you decide to avoid seafood and still try something unique to Brazil. Its taste and significance are hard to understand without trying it. It is basically fried tapioca flour mixed with small pieces of fried bacon, usually served with tasty rice and beans.
Some of the best restaurants on the island are located in Abraão. They offer a great variety of local both traditional and modern meals. We are sure that you will find that special one for yourself.
Go snorkeling at Lagoa Azul
Snorkeling lovers among you will have to head to the very north of the island to find their own paradise. That is where the Lagoa Azul is located, one of the best snorkeling spots on the island. Here you will have a chance to meet face to face with the numerous colorful fish species that you can even hand feed.
Coral reefs and sea turtles will be your companions in this amazing underwater world. And that is not all! From here you will have the most beautiful view of Rio de Janeiro from the water.
It is recommended to bring your own snorkeling equipment. If the snorkeling turns out to be the last-minute adventure you desired, the equipment can be rented on board the schooner for about $10.
After a great day in this amazingly blue water, you will need a break. We recommend you try the boat restaurant there, known not only for great seafood but also for a homemade caipirinha!
One of the best and easiest ways to reach Lagoa Azil is by taking a shuttle from Abraao.
Walk to Cachoeira da Feiticeira Waterfall
One thing you should certainly not miss while on the island is an amazing Cachoeira da Feiticeira Waterfall.
This beautiful 15-meter high waterfall is located near the port of Abraao. It is surrounded by a tropical forest. Once you reach it, you may try taking a shower under its cascades or even taking a swim in the pool in front.
You will have to agree that this is probably the most scenic hiking trail on the island. Not only that you will be embraced by the green beauty along the way, but will be able to see several sights too.
The first one will be the stop at the Poção and Aqueduto (Aqueduct). You can finish the hike at the beautiful and untouched, white sand Feiticeira beach.
How to Get to Cachoeira da Feiticeira Waterfall
This relatively easy hike to the waterfall you can start from the main port of Abraão. Go to the north end of the village and use trail T01. We recommend you to take the same way back, but if you do not feel like walking, there is a taxi boat available from Feiticeira beach.
Enjoy a Hike to Vila Dois Rios and Dois Rios Beach
If you are looking for a long yet relaxing hike on the island, then we recommend you to try a hike to Dois Rios Beach. This hike is just perfect for both nature and history lovers among you.
You may start at the main hub of the island, Abraoo. Do not let the length of it scare you. The track is about 16 km long, leading to the village of Villa de Dois Rios, or The Two Rivers.
You will find the hike relatively easy and flat most of the way. This long route will also reward you with calm forest trails and after all, this amazing wild beach. A beach that is according to many, the most beautiful one on Iha Grande. If you want to see what a place unspoiled by tourism looks like, then this is the perfect island hike for you.
Once you are there you will enjoy a bit of the spooky atmosphere of the village with its abandoned houses. Still, it has a few more things worth seeing. You may try the Ecomuseum or Museum do Carcere, dedicated to the local, abandoned Candido Mendes prison and its numerous stories.
Hike to the top of Pico do Papagaio
The real hiking lovers among you will be thrilled with this hike bite. You do not have to be a professional to conquer this one, but in a good fit and prepared for a long and quite difficult hike, that is for sure.
Pico do Papagaio, on its 980 m above sea level, is the second-highest peak on the island. The hike up to the top will take you approximately three hours. It is very challenging and very difficult at some point.
However, this effort will not leave unawarded! The views from the top are sensational and you will be able to see the entire island. We would not recommend you taking this hike at night. Due to its challenging nature, keep in mind that it’s best to do it in a group, and even better to take the local guide with you.
How to Get to Pico do Papagaio Trail
This trail is easily accessed from the main village on Ilha Grande, Abraao. Follow the main road, Estr. Dois Rios, which runs across the island from Abraao to the village of Dois Rios. After about 15 minutes, on your right-hand side, you will see the signpost of the trail T13 entrance.
Spot local wildlife
The spectacular landscape of Ilha Grande has yet another special feature, its wildlife. The island is still home to one of just a few left pristine Atlantic rainforests in Brazil.
This is one of the richest ecosystems in the world, and a hot spot for true biodiversity. Maybe you will be able to interface some of the marmosets, armadillos, or sloths, maybe not. Doesn’t matter, just walking through the rainforest will be a unique “once in a lifetime” experience.
In every deepest hole of the forest, there is a life, a life of an animal or a plant. That special smell of this green kingdom will follow you everywhere. And you will see something truly incredible wherever you turn your head.
The best time to visit this amazing place is the peak of the season; January, June, and July. If you decide to go during the low season, it is not a bad choice either. There will be fewer crowds, but more wildlife and still great weather for you to enjoy.
Hike and Spend a night at Praia do Aventureiro
Aventureiro means “adventurer”, and that is what you will become on this hike. Somewhat different combination than other, yet very much rewarding. Aventureiro is a protected area. Long unspoiled beaches, huge boulders, lush jungle, and thousands of seabirds will just show you why.
Once you get there, you will see the magnificent beach facing the open ocean. The waves here get quite high and the currents and winds are strong too, making it ideal for windsurfing. There are a few accommodation possibilities available, but we recommend you camping. If for nothing else, then to be able to see the amazing Aventureiro sunrise.
Hot to Get to Praia do Aventureiro
The best way is to start at Proveta, the starting point for your new hikes which are not accessible from Abraao. To Proveta you can get by shuttle from Angra dos Reis. To start your hike, You can use the T9 trail. It is about 3,5 km one way and quite difficult. There is a 350 m ascend from the beach with the subsequent descent to another beach. Still, despite the difficulty, you will be rewarded with amazing views up and down.
If you are in Vila do Abraão, the hike gets longer. It will take you about 8 hours to reach the hidden beach. Think about doing it for at least 2 days so that it becomes worth it.
Visit Secluded Beaches on a Boat Tour
Ilha Grande is a specific island surrounded by numerous other small islands and islets. Each one of them hides dozens of wild and untouched beaches. The waters are the most beautiful around them, ideal for snorkeling and diving.
If you are wondering how to get to see as many of them as possible, we recommend a boat tour around these secluded beaches. You can take one of many offered boat tours from the island’s main hub, Vila do Abraão.
Some of those boats offer lunch and drinks on board, as well as the snorkeling equipment in case you don’t have your own. If you are searching for more privacy, you can rent a boat and go on this great adventure on your own too.
Engage with the locals
Being on an island like Ilha Grande will maybe not give you a wild nightlife as it would be expected for a popular summer destination. On the other side, it will give you something much more valuable. An opportunity to mingle, talk and live with the locals and like a local.
You will not find fancy nightclubs there, but you will find more charming and cozy local bars with a great “just local” atmosphere. Join locals for some great caipirinhas, chilled beer, singing, and dancing. You may wish to test your dancing skills with some samba or special forro too. Getting together on Ilha Grande is simply a way of life. Go and get together with the locals.
Some helpful Ilha Grande travel tips
Try to book your accommodation in advance!
Even though the island doesn’t have any larger hotels (which is great for preservation), you will be able to find decent accommodation in smaller hostels, apartments, or rooms. Even though it is really easy to get accommodation on arrival, things may not go so easy during the summer months or even weekends.
Therefore, we recommend you book your accommodation in advance. You are there to enjoy this amazing place, not to spend your time searching for a room. We recommend you to stay at Abraao, a fairly pleasant base from which you set off to discover the rest of this magnificent island.
Hiking shoes!
Get a good pair of hiking shoes, you will need them for sure! Ilha Grande is a road-free and car-free island. All of the trails, cobbled streets, and little green paths are all reserved for walkers only. Keep that in mind and try to remember your way back wherever you go. There will be no taxi to come and save you.
No credit cards – Cash only!
If you ever thought that there is no corner of the world where you wouldn’t be able to use your credit cards, you are wrong. Until recently, Ilha Grande had no ATMs, none! One was brought to the island recently, but it runs out of money often, it doesn’t accept all of the cards, and even if it does, the withdrawal fees may give you headaches.
Whatever you planned to spend, bring cash for it. And do not worry about it. Ilha Grande is really safe and you will not have any problems carrying all that cash with you.
Admire the wildlife vs. Mind the wildlife: Do not litter!
Among many of its beauties and features, one thing that will leave you breathless is the cleanness and tidiness of the island. The locals make an extraordinary effort to keep it that way, so help them with that. Make sure you leave nothing behind you.
The island will be grateful if you mind the wildlife too. Take your nice and quiet walks, and admire the beauty around you, in silence. The wildlife will be grateful too.
Somewhat different cosmetic sets!
Mosquito repellent, some sunscreen, drinking water, glasses, and a hat, are the items that should be in your cosmetic bag for Ilha grande. Mosquitos can be a bit boring, especially during the charming summer nights. Don’t let them ruin your night, protect yourself. Sunscreen, glasses, and a lot of water will be your best friends on hikes along the island.
Shopping and bargaining time!
There is no better way to remember your fantastic trip to Ilha Grande than to buy a few things to remind you of it. A bargain is a must! You don’t have to be a master at it, but test your bargaining skills!
It will be fun and it will save you some money too. The island alone may be a little limited in souvenir offers, but you will find that little perfect one for sure. Additionally, there are a few things you can buy only in Brazil, check them out.
How to get to Ilha Grande
From Rio de Janeiro
Once you are in Rio, you will see numerous tour operators offering full packages to Ilha Grande. They are somewhat pricey, but if your budget allows it, choose one of them. On the other side, you can really get there by yourself. Take the bus from Rodoviária Nova Rio, the main bus station in Rio, to Angra dos Reis, a small coastal town 150 km from Rio. From there, take a boat to Ilha Grande.
From Paraty
If you are in Paraty, another great holiday spot with the colonial spirit, you may reach Ilha Grande from here too. Hop on a boat, taxi shuttle, or schooner going directly to Ilha Grande.
The great Ilha Grande, the big island, the island defined by white sandy beaches, crystal clear waters, rainforests, lack of cars and roads. Can it get any better? Probably not. Get ready and go on this unique adventure. Spending just a few days there, exploring its beauty and diversity will for sure help you understand why many call it the island of happiness. You will be happier. And you will return home richer for another unforgettable adventure.
