Vila do Abraão
First visits, everythingThe island's main village, with the ferry pier, hostels, restaurants and boat trips.
Island guide
Things to do in Ilha Grande
A car-free island of Atlantic rainforest, waterfalls and more than 100 beaches, a few hours from Rio. Hike through the jungle in the morning and swim in turquoise water in the afternoon.
12
Hostels in the city
7.7
Average, from 8,114 reviews
100+
Beaches
0
Cars
Jungle, beaches and no cars
Ilha Grande lies off the coast between Rio de Janeiro and Paraty, covered almost entirely in protected Atlantic rainforest. There are no cars on the island, and its history kept it wild: it was a leper colony and then the site of a notorious prison until the 1990s. Today it is one of Brazil's favourite escapes, with jungle trails linking dozens of beaches, many of them reachable only on foot or by boat.
Almost everyone arrives in Vila do Abraão, the island's main village, where the ferries dock and most hostels, restaurants and tour operators are found. From there, trails lead around the coast to beaches like Lopes Mendes, often named among Brazil's most beautiful, and boat trips run to lagoons with water so clear it looks unreal.
Plan on three or four days: one for Lopes Mendes, one for a boat trip to the Lagoa Azul and Lagoa Verde, one for a hike to the Pico do Papagaio or the waterfalls, and a slow one in Abraão. Bring cash and good walking shoes.
Where to base yourself
Vila do Abraão is the only real village and the base for almost everyone. Quieter beaches like Palmas and Araçatiba have a few guesthouses for those who want to escape.
Palmas
Quiet, beachA small beach community on the trail to Lopes Mendes, with a few guesthouses.
Araçatiba
Remote, calmA fishing village on the island's western side, reached by boat.
Orange labels are neighbourhoods, dots are the 9 top-rated hostels. Map data from OpenStreetMap contributors.
Things to do
Things to do in Ilha Grande
Lopes Mendes is the beach everyone comes for: a long arc of white sand and clear water on the Atlantic side, reached by a trail through the forest of around two to three hours from Abraão, or by a boat to Pouso followed by a short walk. Bring water and food, as there are few facilities.
Boat trips are the other highlight. Tours to the Lagoa Azul, with tropical fish in shallow blue water, and the Lagoa Verde run daily from Abraão, often combined with stops at beaches and snorkelling spots. Longer trips go around the island to remote beaches like Aventureiro.
For hikers, the island's trails range from easy walks to the Cachoeira da Feiticeira waterfall and the old aqueduct to the steep climb up Pico do Papagaio, around 980 metres, for sunrise over the island. The ruins of the old prison at Dois Rios tell the island's darker history.
Free things
And what it costs nothing to do
The trails are free, and they are the best way to see the island. From Abraão you can walk to the beaches of Abraãozinho and Preta, the old aqueduct and the Feiticeira waterfall, and with more time, all the way to Lopes Mendes.
The beaches near the village are free and good for swimming, and the sunset from the jetty in Abraão is a daily event.
The Atlantic forest is full of wildlife, and walking quietly on the trails you may see monkeys, toucans and colourful birds.
Food and drink
Eating and drinking
Abraão has a good choice of restaurants for a small village, from por quilo lunches to seafood on the beach. Fresh fish, prawns and moqueca are the local favourites, and açaí bowls fuel hikers in the morning.
Prices are higher than on the mainland because everything arrives by boat, so many travellers cook in their hostel kitchens. The small supermarkets in Abraão have the basics.
On hikes and beach trips, take water and snacks, as many beaches have no shops.
Nightlife
Going out
Abraão has a relaxed nightlife, with beach bars, live music and caipirinhas along the waterfront, and hostel bars that run parties at weekends and in summer.
In high season, especially at New Year and Carnival, the village gets busy and lively. Outside those times, nights are calm and sociable.
There are no cars and little light pollution, so the stars are excellent on clear nights.
Getting around
Getting around
There are no cars on Ilha Grande, so you walk or take boats. Water taxis and scheduled boats run from Abraão to beaches around the island.
To reach the island, take a bus or transfer from Rio to Conceição de Jacareí or Angra dos Reis, then a ferry or speedboat to Abraão. The whole journey from Rio takes around three to four hours. Combined bus and boat transfers from Rio and Paraty are easy to book.
Check the last boat times back to the mainland, especially in low season.
Costs
What Ilha Grande costs
Ilha Grande is more expensive than the mainland, as everything is brought in by boat. Dorm beds run from around €12 to €25, rising at New Year and Carnival.
Boat trips and water taxis are the main extras, and they add up, so plan which ones you want. Hiking is free.
There are ATMs in Abraão, but they can be unreliable, so bring cash from the mainland. Cards and Pix are accepted in many places, but not all.
Safety
Safety and scams
Ilha Grande is safe and relaxed, with little crime. The risks are on the trails and in the water.
Trails can be long, hot, steep and muddy after rain. Start early, take plenty of water, wear proper shoes and tell someone where you are going. Hike Pico do Papagaio with a guide or a group. The Atlantic-facing beaches can have strong currents.
Mosquitoes and sandflies are common, especially at dusk, so bring repellent. In an emergency, call 190 for police or 192 for an ambulance.
Worth leaving the village for
Everything here is a hike or a boat ride away.
Paraty
The colonial town on the mainland.
What's on
What is on while you are there
The island's calendar follows Brazil's holidays.
31 December
New Year
Vila do Abraão
Beach parties and fireworks. Book well ahead.
February or March
Carnival
Vila do Abraão
Street parties in the village.
Hostels
Where to stay
The highest-rated hostels on Ilha Grande, straight from Hostelworld. Prices and availability are live on each property page.
HI Holandes
Dorms from €18 a night
See dates and book
Lila Limao Hostel
Dorms from €7 a night
See dates and book
Balaio Hostel Ilha Grande
Dorms from €7 a night
See dates and book
Che Lagarto Hostel Bar & Beach club
Dorms from €17 a night
See dates and book
Hostel Refugio
Dorms from €9 a night
See dates and book
Bela Casa Quartos e Hostel
Dorms from €9 a night
See dates and book
Pousada da Cachoeira
Rooms from €17 a night
See dates and book
Harmoni Hostel e Pousada
Dorms from €9 a night
See dates and book
Aquario Hostel Bar & Night Club
Dorms from €23 a night
See dates and book
When to go
Ilha Grande is warm all year. December to March is hot, busy and rainy in the afternoons; April to June and September to November are quieter and pleasant.
Jan
Hot, busy, afternoon storms
Feb
Carnival crowds
Mar
Hot, crowds thinning
Apr
Lovely and calmer
May
Mild and quiet
Jun
Cooler, good for hiking
Jul
Winter holidays
Aug
Mild and dry
Sep
Spring, quiet
Oct
Warming up
Nov
A good month
Dec
Summer and New Year
Bar height is temperature. Colour is how busy it gets:
quiet
busy
peak
Average highs, rounded. Rain is more frequent in summer.
What your trip will cost
Per night, for one person, outside peak season.
Treat these as a guide. New Year and Carnival cost far more.
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- Beds—
- Food and drink—
- Getting around—
- Doing things—
Ilha Grande questions
The ones we get asked most.
How do I get to Ilha Grande from Rio?
By bus or transfer to Conceição de Jacareí or Angra dos Reis, then a ferry or speedboat to Vila do Abraão. Around three to four hours in total.
How do I get to Lopes Mendes?
Hike from Abraão in around two to three hours, or take a boat to Pouso and walk for about 20 minutes.
How many days do you need on Ilha Grande?
Three or four: one for Lopes Mendes, one for a boat trip, one for hiking and one to relax.
Are there cars on Ilha Grande?
No. You walk or take boats.
Are there ATMs on Ilha Grande?
There are a few in Abraão, but they can be unreliable. Bring cash from the mainland.
Is Ilha Grande safe?
Yes, it is relaxed and has little crime. Take care on trails and in the sea on the Atlantic side.
When is the best time to visit?
April to June and September to November for good weather and fewer crowds.
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