Brazil is known for its gorgeous coast, dazzling cities, and fun-loving culture. But to our delight it is also home to Ilha Grande, an island a few hours from Rio de Janeiro. This pristine slice of paradise is a must see for those looking to disconnect from the world and relax in the sand.
Follow our guide below to plan your visit!
- Lodging & Transportation
- What to Do
- Other Tips
Lodging:
We stayed at a Pousada, which is basically a bed and breakfast, called Toca do Mar. The owner was so helpful and responsive, and helped us to book private transport from Rio to the Pousada. This consisted of a taxi that picked us up at our hostel in Rio and dropped us off in Jacareí to board a private water taxi that took us to Toca’s private dock. We opted to do this even though it was more expensive (costing ~$600 BRL or ~$120 USD) because the other options seemed super hectic. Jacareí has a ton of boats and crowds with lines up and down the streets and beaches, so this just took all the stress out of it.
Toca do Mar is a gorgeous white structure built into the hillside and surrounded by jungle, so that each level is further back into the hill rather than being stacked on top of eachother, connected by winding outdoor staircases. The first level has a communal area connected to the kitchen where the friendly staff serve a freshly made breakfast buffet daily. This area has a roof but is open on two sides so you can look over the water and feel the ocean breeze while you sit.
We had a private room on the third level, which had a queen bed, an extra twin bed, and a private bathroom. The views from this height are even more gorgeous, showcasing the nearby Praia de Palmas (Palmas Beach) and surrounding mountainous terrain of the island.
We stayed here for 5 days, which cost $375 USD. We also paid for private transportation on our way there and back which cost another $240. Finally, they kindly did our laundry which we were in desperate need of, for an additional $20. In total, our stay cost $635.
What to Do:
There are no roads on the island, which makes it feel pristine and undiscovered, but there is still plenty to do. The beach next to our Pousada had several beach-front restaurants that were open all hours of the day. There are several other beaches on the island that are definitely worth checking out as well!
Our favorite beach on Ilha Grande was Lopes Mendes. This was a couple hours on the hiking trails from our lodging. This beach was huge so even though it is more crowded than other beaches, you can always find a spot for yourself. The waves here are bigger and so fun to play in. There are a few folks selling drinks and snacks here too, but make sure you bring plenty of water for the hike. Alternatively, you could head to Abraão, which is the main town on the island. Abraão has many hostels, hotels, restaurants, grocery stores, and other shops. If you’re looking for more of a party hostel vibe, Abraão is your best bet.
Because there are no roads, you will need to either hike or catch a boat taxi to get around the island. We love hiking, but the heat and humidity made it challenging, so plan ahead and drink lots of water. You can catch a water taxi pretty much anytime from Abraão, but if you need a ride back from one of the more secluded beaches, you may have to order ahead and it will cost more. Depending on the time of day, where you are going, and how many people there are, expect to pay between $50 and $300 BRL.
We also highly recommend doing a boat tour of the island. You can choose from either a half island (which we did) or a full island. The half tour went from 10 AM-4 PM and involved many stops for swimming, snorkeling, eating, and drinking. There are a ton of tour operators to choose from, so no need to book ahead online. Instead, just walk down the main strip in Abraão and pick what best suits your needs!
Otherwise, we recommend bringing a book and spending your days in the sand. Because this island is so off the beaten path, you may not have consistent access to electricity or wifi. For example, Toca only had electricity and wifi from 6 PM to 8 AM, so we left early in the morning and didn’t return to our room until it had cooled off in the evening. It was such a lovely way to disconnect and enjoy the moment.
Other Tips:
- Bring a book/kindle/audiobook to enjoy.
- Book lodging that includes breakfast so you don’t have to pay for every meal. Also bring sealed foods like granola bars so you have snacks. There are lots of bugs on the island so you don’t want to leave open food in your room.
- Bring sneakers and water shoes like Tevas for hiking around the island.
- Bring lots of sunblock and bug spray, or if you forget it you can buy some on the island.
- Start your hikes early to beat the heat and the crowds at Lopes Mendes/Abraão.
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If you have time, we highly recommend adding Ilha Grande to your Brazil itinerary to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city and just zen out.
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We hope this helps you get out there!
Summer & Jackson
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