What to do in Ilha Grande: our guide
Ilha Grande is an island located off the coast of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Also known as Ipaum Guaçu or Tupinambas,
Ilha Grande is an island located off the coast of Rio de Janeiro, in Brazil. Also known as Ipaum Guaçu or Tupinambas, it is celebrated for its dramatic landscapes, its heavenly beaches and its many hiking trails! A dream destination balancing adventure and relaxation within pristine wilderness… Keen to explore it? Here's what to do in Ilha Grande and our tips to make the most of your stay.
1 – Trekking and discovering exceptional landscapes
Ilha Grande features sixteen hiking routes spread across the island. Here's an overview of the first eight trails!
Trail 01: Circuit do Abraão
Accessible to all trekkers, trail n°1 is ideal for warming up. Lasting about 1h30 of walking beneath bamboo groves with minimal difficulty, it offers magnificent views of Praia Preta (Black Beach) and leads to the Poção do Abraão waterfall. This waterfall, roughly ten meters high, will refresh you before heading down to the beach. Starting point: Abraão village.
Trail 02: Aqueduct - Saco do Céu
Moderately challenging, trail n°2 requires some effort. But after approximately 3 hours of walking, you'll be rewarded with the spectacular Feiticeira waterfall! Near the falls, you'll discover the equally stunning eponymous beach. To enjoy a well-deserved rest, you can refresh yourself with fresh coconut juice.
Trail 03: Saco do Céu - Freguesia de Santana
Gently rolling, this hike reveals Enseada das Estrelas (Cove of Stars) and numerous turquoise beaches lining the trail. Along the way, you'll admire the charming Freguesia de Santana church. One tip? Bring mosquito repellent.
Trail 04: Freguesia de Santana - Bananal
Set along the coastline near the "blue lagoon", this trail offers several panoramic views over the shoreline. The Lagoa Azul bay is particularly beloved by divers who enjoy snorkeling in its crystal-clear waters. Its unmissable spot? The Mirante do Bananal (Bananal viewpoint). Moderate-level trail, accessible from Abraão.
Trail 05: Enseada do Bananal - Sítio Forte
Trail n°5 is suitable for walkers of all ages but requires good fitness. For nearly 3 hours walking through mangrove ecosystems (maritime wetlands with unique flora and fauna), you'll appreciate the peaceful surroundings and the beauty of beaches untouched by tourist crowds.
Trail 06: Sítio Forte - Araçatiba
Poorly marked, this roughly 3-hour trail demands considerable energy. Trekkers venturing here will discover the Longa waterfall and the São Pedro and Nossa Senhora churches in a fishing village. Note that an unofficial trail provides access to the Lagoa Verde (Green Lagoon).
Trail 07: Araçatiba - Gruta de Acaiá
The Gruta do Acaiá (Acaiá Cave) is renowned for its remarkably tinted waters. Sometimes brilliant blue or fluorescent green, this light show is breathtaking—creating the impression of discovering an untouched realm! A full day is needed to experience this natural treasure. Warning: trail n°7 is not suitable for those with claustrophobia.
Trail 08: Araçatiba - Provetá
After climbing several steep ascents through forest, you'll reach Provetá village. Ilha Grande's second-largest settlement, it boasts a stunning palm-fringed beach. Seeing people swim fully clothed? Don't be surprised—it's a local tradition!
2 – Swimming on heavenly beaches
Dois Rios Beach
Among its numerous beaches, Ilha Grande boasts Dois Rios. Renowned for its translucent waters, it's equally cherished for its lush surroundings. Nestled at the foot of tropical forest, it's lined with coconut palms, palm trees and bamboo! The highlight of trail n°14, it's accessible after 16 kilometers of intense hiking from Abraão.
Lopes Mendes Beach
Beloved by surfers, this beach delights both experienced riders and beginners (thanks to its long sandbank extending seaward). Note that surfboards are available for rent on-site. Accessible after jungle hiking via trails n°10 or 11, it can also be reached by taxi boat!
3 – Island boat tour
Ilha Grande boasts countless beaches and stunning spots you'd regret missing due to time constraints! A boat tour is the ideal way to discover all the island's treasures. For roughly €30 per person, you can explore around ten beaches. If visiting Paraty, the ferry crossing will also showcase the island's beauty and surroundings.
What to do in Ilha Grande: 2 tips to follow before departure
1 Withdraw cash before arriving on the island
Ilha Grande is a protected area with minimal tourist infrastructure! Inaccessible to cars, it has no ATMs whatsoever!
2 Pack a flashlight
One last thing to know: electricity is highly unreliable on the island, even nonexistent during daytime! Only a few hotels and residents have generators. Bring a flashlight—you'll be glad you did…
Frequently asked questions
To reach Ilha Grande from Rio de Janeiro, you must first take a bus or car to Angra dos Reis or Conceição de Jacarei (roughly 2h30 by road), then board a ferry or speedboat heading to Abraão village, the island's main entry point. The crossing takes between 1h15 and 2 hours depending on your chosen vessel.
The best time to visit Ilha Grande is between April and September, corresponding to Brazil's dry season. Weather is most favorable for hiking and water activities. Peak tourist season runs December through February, with greater crowds on beaches and trails.
No, it's strongly recommended to withdraw cash before arriving on Ilha Grande. The island has no ATMs and many shops, restaurants and rental operators accept only cash. Plan to bring sufficient spending money for your entire stay.
No, the 16 hiking trails on Ilha Grande vary widely in difficulty. Some routes like Trail 01 (Circuit do Abraão) are accessible to everyone, while others like Trail 06 and Trail 07 (Gruta do Acaiá) require good fitness and are not recommended for those with claustrophobia. It's wise to research each trail before attempting it.
No, Ilha Grande is a protected island entirely off-limits to motor vehicles. The only transportation options are walking, cycling and boats (taxi boats) connecting different beaches. This is one of the reasons the island remains so pristine and authentic.
Yes, Lopes Mendes Beach is the premier surf spot on Ilha Grande. Its long sandbank extending seaward welcomes both beginner and experienced surfers. Boards are available to rent directly on-site. The beach is accessible via trails n°10 or 11, or by taxi boat from Abraão.
