About Ilha Grande
Ilha Grande is a tropical island off the coast of Rio de Janeiro state, Brazil, known for its lush Atlantic rainforest and pristine beaches. Once a pirate hideout and later home to a prison, the island is now a popular ecotourism destination with no cars and limited development. Visitors can explore scenic hiking trails, hidden waterfalls, and beautiful beaches, making it a paradise for nature lovers.
I decided to stay four nights on this island—much longer than in most other places But I’m running out of time and starting to realize that I should probably get some actual holiday rest (like normal people) before the grey bitterness swallows me again. That said, lying on a beach bores me quickly, so in the end, I “rested” by hiking 10–15 km through the jungle every day. 🤷♂️ I saw three (!) snakes, which was amazing.
From São Paulo to Ilha Grande
The bus from São Paulo to Angra dos Reis takes about 8 hours, with departures around the clock. To optimize my time, I took a midnight bus, arriving in Angra at 8 the next morning. From there, I boarded the next ferry to Vila Abraão, the main town on Ilha Grande, arriving around 10 a.m.
Getting around Ilha Grande
There are no cars on this small island and the only way to get around is either to hike the numerous hiking trails or to use taxi boats to travel from Vila do Abraão – the islands main town – to the other corners of the island.
Things to do on Ilha Grande
- Hike to Lopes Mendes Beach – A scenic trail through the rainforest leads to one of Brazil’s most beautiful beaches.
- Boat tours and island hopping – Explore hidden beaches, lagoons, and snorkeling spots like Lagoa Azul.
- Scuba Diving – I did two dives here, but the water was very murky, and aside from two turtles, there wasn’t much marine life to see. Overall, these dives were among the least exciting I’ve done worldwide. Ilha Grande’s true beauty seems to lie above sea level.
- Snorkeling and diving – Discover vibrant marine life around sites like Gruta do Acaiá and Ilha de Jorge Grego.
- Hike to Pico do Papagaio – A challenging trek to the island’s highest peak with breathtaking views. Account 4 – 5 hours for this activity.
- Visit Cachoeira da Feiticeira – A jungle hike leading to a picturesque waterfall with a natural pool.
- Explore Vila do Abraão – Wander through the island’s charming main town with its laid-back atmosphere, restaurants, and shops.
Let’s enjoy one final tropical paradise:
