Top 10 things to do in Ilha Grande

Ilha Grande is such a phenomenal place to visit and while there is plenty to do there, we have created a list of our favorites.  While you can do a day trip to Ilha Grande, we recommend that you spend a little more time there and stay within Abraão Village on the Big Island.  There are numerous hostels and guesthouses located there and they all offer all the comforts of home. Here are the top 10 things to do in Ilha Grande:

Take a Trek to Lopes Mendes

When you choose to trek to Lopes Mendes, you will find that you are walking along a seven-kilometer-long trail.  This trail is not too difficult and along the way, you will find yourself discovering stunning beaches like Mangue and Pouso. 

Cachoeira da Feitiiceira Waterfall

The trail to the top of this waterfall is not easy, but once you arrive fifteen meters up, you will be thrilled that you tackled the challenge.  You can do a little rappelling near the falls, but we prefer a refreshing swim in the river below.  When you are finished seeing the magnificent falls and the rushing water that spills over, you might want to consider taking a walk to Feiticeria Beach.  This beach is only an hour’s walk from Abraão, but you can also take a boat back if you wish. 

Pico do Papagaio

Pico do Papagaio, which is also known as the Parrot’s Peak, is approximately one thousand meters high.  There are not many hikes within Rio, or the surrounding areas, that will take you this high up, but the distance and height is worthwhile due to the spectacular views that can be seen from the top. 

Diving

Ilha Grande is one of the best spots in the world for diving.  The water is crystal clear and clean, and once you are under the water, you can easily see the numerous pirate ships that have sunk to the bottom and have been left there all these years.  You never know what treasures you might discover down in the water around Ilha Grande, so you may want to take a few diving lessons before your arrival. 

Dois Rios

The name of this beach is derived from the fact that there is a river on each side of the sand.  There is a road that connects this beach to Abraão, so you can easily trek the trails to Parnaioca Beach as well.  While you can do some amazing surfing at this beach, or take a swim in the river, you might be more interested in wandering around to see the ruins of the prison that is located there. 

Aventureiro

Aventureiro is the one beach in Ilha Grande that is considered picture perfect and you might wonder if you have seen it on a postcard in the past.  This beach is also a surfer’s paradise and when you are surfing, you will find that you have five hundred meters of sparkling green water to soar through.  You must arrive early at this beach, because it is only allowed to have 560 people on it at a time.  Therefore, those who arrive late will be turned away until others leave the area.  There are not any structures on this beach and any energy that is used is created by small generators.  It is a good idea to bring everything that you will need for the day, especially food and water. 

Lagoa Azul

Lagoa Azul, or the Blue Lagoon, this destination in Ilha Grande has the exact same name as the movie that Brooke Shields was in.  This little piece of paradise is perfect for snorkeling, but the only way you can get there is by boat.  However, that only adds to the charm and tranquility that this extraordinary destination offers. 

Green Lagoon

While the Blue Lagoon is the most popular, you must take the time to travel via boat to the Green Lagoon as well.  This area gets its name from all the green coral that is in the water. 

Saco do Céu

This part of Ilha Grande is the perfect place to visit when you are craving fresh seafood.  While your days can be filled with jet skiing and relaxing on a yacht, your dinners can include the freshest catch of the day.  Of course, you must try to visit Saco do Céu when there is a full moon, because the ambiance is even better when meals are served under the bright shining moon. 

Parnaioca

Parnaioca is another beach in Ilha Grande and there is approximately one kilometer of sandy shoreline that leads to the strong waves of the water.  This is another area that offers rest and relaxation, without all the distractions of the rest of the world. 

We hope that our ten favorite things to do in Ilha Grande soon become yours!  You can spend an entire day at any of these destinations, which is why we always recommend that travelers like yourself take three days to see this part of the world.  Yes, you can quickly see everything in a day, but then you are missing out on the true beauty of Ilha Grande!

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