The “Big Island” is a little piece of paradise! The practically virgin beaches of white sand in Ilha Grande are bathed by a crystal-clear, emerald-green sea and surrounded by preserved Atlantic Forest. There are no cars to be found and the best way to get around is by trekking through the Atlantic Forest or catching a boat ride. 

There are no major chain hotels on the island and, in general, the pousadas (the local name for small hotels or B&Bs), restaurants, bars, and boats carry the personal, home-made touches of their owners.

The only rule on the island is: No Stress: relax and enjoy!

Day 1: Rio de Janeiro – Ilha Grande

Pick up at your hotel in Rio and transfer to Mangaratiba (111 km south of Rio). Here you board a ferry to enjoy a ride over the emerald-green sea. 

In the early afternoon, you will arrive at Abraao Village Pier where your English-speaking guide will be expecting you and will show you to your pousada and give you a brief walking tour around Abraao. Visit the village, Preta Beach and lookout, and the Aqueduto waterfall. 

Overnight at your pousada.

Day 2: Ilha Grande: Taxi boat to Lopes Mendes

This morning, we depart on a taxi boat from the tourist pier to Mangue Beach. From here, proceed on a short hike to reach Lopes Mendes Beach, considered to be one of the most beautiful beaches in the world. 

There is also a trail that leads to the small and beautiful beach of Santo Antonio. With its thin and white sands, crystalline-blue waters and natural shadows from the trees, you can see why the beach has earned its status.  There are 2.4 kms of beach and at the very end there is a small chapel and a mosaic built by Silvio Cavalheiro.  

Return in the mid-afternoon.

Overnight at your pousada.

Day 3: Ilha Grande: Free Day

Relax on the beach or take a hike to a secluded beach.

There are some 106 beaches to find and you can also trek up to the Papagaio Peak from Abraao Village, stopping off at some of the many refreshing waterfalls along the way.

Alternatively, you can take a day’s diving in the clear waters.

Overnight at your pousada.

Day 4: Ilha Grande – Rio de Janeiro

A further day at leisure to enjoy the island hiking, diving or just relaxing on the beach (depending on the schedule of the ferry boat), 

Check out from the pousada and board the ferry boat at the Pier for your transfer back to the Continent.  Your guide will say goodbye to you at the pier, wishing you a rapid return to this paradise! 

On arrival in Mangaratiba, the driver will be waiting to drive you back to Rio.

Additional days can be easily added to this tour: email us at info@chimuadventures.com for more details.  

This tour works extremely well with our Rio Stopover tour. Or for more Brazilian beach action, have a look at our Buzios or Florianopolis tours.