For those seeking pristine beaches and lush tropical forests while in Rio, Ilha Grande is your perfect getaway.
Just a few hours from the city, this stunning island offers more than just relaxation – think snorkeling in crystal-clear waters, hiking through jungle trails, and winding down in cozy restaurants by evening.
With its fascinating history as a former leper colony and high-security prison (which closed in 1994), Ilha Grande is rich in stories, waiting to be discovered.
The island’s main hub, Vila do Abraão (Abraham’s Town), is charmingly small and car-free. To explore the island’s many beaches, you’ll need to hop on a boat taxi. T\
Though compact, there’s plenty to keep you busy for at least three days. Some visitors fall in love and stay longer – I totally get it, having been there four times myself.
At night, the village glows softly as restaurants fill with people and street vendors offer tasty cakes and sweets. If you’re looking for wild nightlife, though, Rio might be a better bet. That said, Che Lagarto and Aquario hostels throw lively weekend parties.
How to Get to Ilha Grande
To get to Ilha Grande, you can choose from three ports: Angra dos Reis, Mangaratiba, or Conceição de Jacareí.
Of the three, Conceição de Jacareí is the best option, with a quick 15-minute boat ride to the island. Traveling to the island through the other two ports,Angra dos Reis or Mangaratiba, takes much longer, as bus and ferry schedules are not always synced.
While public transportation is an option, I recommend avoiding the Rio Central Bus Station (Rodoviária), which can be unreliable and sketchy (I’ve had my passport stolen there before).
A more efficient choice is a private transfer. These services pick you up directly from your hotel or hostel and take you straight to the port, including the boat ride to Ilha Grande. Though it might seem pricier, it saves significant travel time and hassle.
Instead, the most recommended way to reach Jacareí and Ilha Grande is through a private transfer. These vans pick you up from your hotel/hostel and take you straight to the port. The price includes the boat ride, and while it may seem more expensive, it saves hours of travel time and stress.
Here are some transfer options:
Greentoadbus: 35R$-70R$
Transfer Ilha Grande: R$95
What To Do In Ilha Grande
Lopes Mendes Beach
My absolute favorite thing to do on Ilha Grande is spending the day at Lopes Mendes, one of Brazil’s most beautiful beaches.
This beach holds a special place in my heart – it’s where I first overcame my fear of water. Once you see the turquoise waters and powder-soft sand, you’ll understand why it’s so special. It’s the perfect beach to relax, soak up the sun, or float in the gentle waves.
Food: There are no restaurants at Lopes Mendes, just a few vendors selling snacks so make sure to pack plenty of water (at least 1.5 liters), some food, and a hat. Feeling adventurous? You can rent a surfboard and ride the waves.
Getting to Lopes Mendes isn’t straightforward, but that’s part of what makes it so special. You can’t reach the beach directly by boat.
Instead, you’ll first need to take a taxi boat to Praia do Pouso, a small beachfront with a simple restaurant and a couple of houses.
From Praia do Pouso, you’ll start a 20-minute walk along a forest trail. The hike is relatively easy, as the path is mostly shaded. I’ve seen elderly couples take their time and complete the trek without any issues, so don’t worry if you’re not in top hiking shape—just take it at your own pace and enjoy the scenery.
As you near the end of the trail, the forest will open up to reveal Lopes Mendes – a long, peaceful stretch of sand with crystal-clear water that makes the effort worth it.
Most visitors at Lopes Mendes settle near the entrance, dropping their things by the shaded trees after the walk. Even with this small crowd, the beach feels far less crowded than Rio’s busy shores.
For a more secluded spot, just walk further down the beach until you find a quiet stretch. Just make sure to keep track of the time so you don’t miss the last boat back.
Keep in mind, you can’t stay overnight at Lopes Mendes, so you’ll need to catch one of the boats back to Vila do Abraão. The last boats usually leave around 5 p.m., so plan accordingly.
How to get to Lopes Mendes:
Option 1: Take the larger, slower boat for around 15 R$. It takes about 45 minutes from the main pier.
Option 2: Opt for a speedboat, which costs roughly 25 R$ and takes around 20 minutes. You can arrange these smaller boats directly at the pier. If you’re pressed for time, the speedboat is worth it.
Whichever option you choose, you’ll get a round-trip ticket with a return schedule. Be sure to stick to it, as the last boats head back before evening.
Option 3: Another option, which I’ve never personally tried, is to hike all the way to Lopes Mendes! If you’re up for the adventure, you can always catch a boat back to Vila do Abraão afterward.
A Boat Day Trip
There are plenty of boat tours available, and you can book them through various agencies or directly at your hostel.
Most tours include stops at either the Blue Lagoon or Green Lagoon, both known for their crystal-clear waters—perfect for snorkeling.
These tours typically also make stops at a few other spots, like abandoned buildings or the island church, giving you a chance to explore the island’s history. Lunch is usually included as well.
Hiking
While I haven’t done much hiking on the island (Lopes Mendes keeps calling me back), Ilha Grande is known for its scenic trails.
The hike to Bico do Papagaio (Parrot’s Beak) is especially popular, offering stunning views of the island and surrounding waters. It’s about three hours each way, so come prepared with water and snacks.
For me, the real highlight of these trips is often the guide. They bring the island’s rich history to life with fascinating stories that add depth to the scenic beauty.
Where to Stay in Ilha Grande
While Ilha Grand means “Big Island” in Portuguese, the main area where you’ll be staying—Vila do Abraão—is quite compact. No matter where you choose to stay, you’re never more than a 20-minute walk from the beach.
Remember: Vila do Abraão is car-free. If you’re traveling with a suitcase, you might need to carry it over the sandy paths or arrange for someone to help you for a fee.
Here are my top hostel picks:
Easily one of the best on the island. With a beachfront balcony and modern vibe, it’s a dream spot. It books fast, so plan ahead!
Aquario Hostel is located right next to Che Lagarto and is known for its lively weekend parties. While it’s not a party hostel where loud music keeps you up all night, it’s a great spot if you enjoy a bit of weekend fun.
The hostel features charming wooden rooms and has a fantastic staff that adds to its welcoming atmosphere. If you’re looking for a balance between relaxation and a social vibe, Aquario is a solid choice.
Nestled in nature, HI Holandes is a Hostelling International gem about a 15-minute walk from the pier.
This peaceful retreat offers a delicious breakfast and is surrounded by lush greenery. The professional staff is dedicated to assisting with all your needs.
The hostel caters to a diverse range of travelers, from families to solo adventurers and couples, thanks to its variety of accommodation options.
However, the cleanliness of shared spaces, such as the bathrooms and showers outside the rooms, could be improved.
Final Tips:
Ilha Grande is all about disconnecting and soaking in nature. Whether you’re lounging on Lopes Mendes or diving into the island’s history, it’s a place you’ll want to return to – trust me.
