Ilha Grande, in the municipality of Angra dos Reis, state of Rio de Janeiro, is an island covered by tropical forest (Atlantic Forest), accessed through Angra dos Reis or Conceição de Jacareí, respectively 160 km and 130 km far from the city of Rio de Janeiro. It has a natural vocation for ecotourism, starting from the fact that the only means of transportation on the island are on foot, by bicycle or by boat (private cars are prohibited). Within its territory is the Ilha Grande State Park, the third largest natural island park in Brazil, listed as State Heritage in 1987 and declared as a Biosphere Reserve of the Atlantic Forest in 1992 by UNESCO. In 2019, it has was also been recognized by UNESCO, together with the city of Paraty, as a Historical and Natural Heritage of Humanity. We recommend at least three full days to enjoy what Ilha Grande has to offer.

The island has points over 1000 meters high! There are at least 4 interesting routes to do:

Lopes Mendes Beach

It is a beach with white sand and very soft, already considered one of the 10 most beautiful on the planet.

Hiking time: 2 and a half hours.

Travel time by boat (taxi boat) to Praia do Pouso: 20 minutes, plus 25 minutes hike to Lopes Mendes.

Saco do Céu 

Magnificent bay of waters so protected that they even reflect the stars on the calmest days, hence its name.

Hiking time: 2 and a half hours, passing before the historic ruins of Lazareto and Feiticeira Waterfall (“Cachoeira da Feiticeira”), until reaching Feiticeira Beach, the first in the surroundings of Saco do Céu.

Dois Rios 

A magical place that brings together the nature and history of Ilha Grande. The name (“Two Rivers”) comes from the presence of a river on each side of the beach. There you will find the ruins of Penal Institute Cândido Mendes, a place full of mythical stories, such as the merge of the Comando Vermelho criminal group (one of the biggest in Brazil), the escape of the criminal “Escadinha” by helicopter and others that have marked the memory of generations. You can have lunch in very simple restaurants that serve local food.

Hiking time: 2 and a half hours

Pico do Papagaio (“Parrot Peak”)

This is the hike to the highest point on the island, 959 meters above sea level. Lots of climb through the woods, but the look is rewarding and unique! It is recommended to hire a local guide, as it is easy to get lost.

Total hiking time: 5 to 6 hours

Who knows the sea from below its surface knows of its wonders. In Abraão there are 2 certified agencies that work with scuba diving routes, operating on islands (like Jorge Grego) and shipwrecks. A great way to get to know the marine biome of Ilha Grande up close.

It is no exaggeration to say that there are more than 100 beaches on Ilha Grande. They are as numerous as they are beautiful, and can be accessed via trails and/or by boat. Highlight for the aforementioned Lopes Mendes beach, Dois Rios, Aventureiro, Caxadaço and Parnaioca. From our pousada there are at least 5 beaches within a 30-minute walk.

Taking at least one boat trip is practically mandatory to get to know more and better about Ilha Grande. There are many routes offered by specialized agencies, some going to the sheltered side of the island, others to the Atlantico (open) side, if the sea conditions allow it. Check out the most classic ones and their respective crossing points:

– Meia Volta à Ilha (“Island Half Turn”, sheltered side): Lagoa Azul, Lagoa Verde, Maguariqueçaba, Saco do Céu and Praia da Feiticeira. From 10:30 am to 16:30.

– Ilhas Paradisíacas (“Paradisiac Islands”, sheltered side): Cataguases Island, Botinas Islands, Dentist’s Beach, Piedade’s Beach, Blue Lagoon, Saco do Céu. From 10:30 am to 17:30.

– Volta à Ilha (“Island Full Turn”, open side): Caxadaço, Parnaioca, Aventureiro, Meros and Maguariqueçaba. From 09:30 to 17:30.

– Aventureiro (“Adventurer”, open side): Parnaioca, Adventurer and Meros. From 09:30 to 17:30.

– Super Sul (“Super South”, open side): Jorge Grego Island, Dois Rios, Caxadaço, Lopes Mendes. From 10:30 to 17:00.

Take advantage of the proximity to the “heart” of Ilha Grande, from where practically all tourist routes leave and where the largest number of shops and restaurants gather, to make a day or night walk and, of course, taste the local cuisine. In Abraão there are bars and restaurants for all tastes and budgets, some of them less than five minutes from the pousada. Highlight for traditional dishes based on fish and seafood, such as moqueca, octopus with vinaigrette and “peixe com banana” (fish with banana).

It is important to mention that there are no banks nor ATMs on the island, making it necessary to bring cash from the continent. There is a 24-hour medical center on Rua Getúlio Vargas, in the center of the village.

It is very easy to rent a kayak or stand-up paddle in Abraão, at the beach just below our pousada you will find rental points. The bay waters are usually calm and allow for good kayak rides, in less than 20 minutes paddling you can reach Crena beach, for example, where you can stop for a swim and still eat something at the local restaurant.

Ilha Grande is also known for its waves, which attract many surfers. The most interesting tracks are Santo Antônio and Lopes Mendes (again!), by the way close together.