The tropical island of Ilha Grande features 80 miles of coastline and endless opportunities to explore. The small size of this island creates an intimate Brazil trip, granting access to pristine beaches, secluded grottos, and flawless kayaking. The emerald-green waters of Ilha Grande entice travelers, but it is the warm hospitality of Vila do Abraao, the island's largest town, which makes them feel at home during this trip to Brazil's famous Ilha Grande.
Highlights
Explore the extensive trails linking the islands beaches
Take a two hour hike to the pristine white beach of Lopes Mendes Beach
Spend a free day as you like, taking advantage of an optional activity
Involves minimal physical effort and is typically associated with leisurely activities. Activities are low-intensity or last less than a few hours each day.
Begin this Brazil tour to the island of Ilha Grande in Rio de Janeiro. Transfer by private vehicle to the coastal town of Conceicao de Jacarei and enjoy the views along the coast (3 hour drive). A boat will then take you to Vila de Abraao, Ilha Grande's largest town (1 hour boat cruise). Check in at Pousada Naturalia and spend the evening exploring the area on foot. Ilha Grande boasts zero cars or trucks on the island, and a majority of the island and its coast is a protected reserve with hiking trails and boat taxis connecting the various sites and beaches.
Join your guide for a two hour hike to Lopes Mendes beach, one of the most pristine white sand beaches of Brazil, stretching 3km and lined with palm and almond trees. Meander through the lush rainforest, home to abundant birdlife, until the white sand, hidden beach appears ahead of you. Enjoy lunch and free time to explore, swim, and visit the historic chapel. Walk to Praia do Mangues (Mangrove Beach), and return to Vila de Abraao by boat and cruise the coastline. Total hiking distance is approximately six miles (10 km), and the route can be adjusted based on travelers' preferences.
Enjoy a free day on Ilha Grande. This magnificent island features 81 miles (130 km) of coastline and has an abundance of stunning lagoons and rugged coastline. Relax on the beach or participate in optional activities. Opt for a boat ride around the island, snorkel in a the secluded grotto of Lagoa Azul or along a tropical reef, or explore the island's old prison (beautiful remote islands were seen as good locations for prisons). Participate in one of the multiple hiking tours to view the island from different perspectives, paddle along in a kayak to discover its 106 beaches, or try your luck at surfing along the coast. Whatever you choose, Ilha Grande will delight you with its natural beauty and secluded location. Your pousada can assist you to arrange day excursions, or we can help arrange these in advance to truly customize a trip for you.
Day 4: Depart Ilha Grande
1 Breakfast
Spend the morning in Vila de Abraao before transferring by boat and then private vehicle back to Rio de Janeiro for your departure to your next destination.
Apologies for the inconvenience. Prices for not yet published. Below per person rate based on previous season. Contact us to confirm upcoming season pricing.
Prices for are estimated based on inflation. Contact us to confirm pricing and availability for your desired departure date.
Initial deposit is $400, and most travelers will call our office and pay the deposit with a credit card.
Final payment is due 70 days (10 weeks) prior to departure by bank transfer, check or credit card. All final payments by credit card may be subject to a surcharge and maximum of $20,000 charge
The trip was terrific with great planning on your part. Most of the adventures were not mainstream and somewhat off the beaten path which made it especially enjoyable!! We felt taken care of and you all were readily available to respond to questions and issues. I would highly recommend your company and friends have already expressed interest based on our pictures and excitement.
Gale Cantor
TrustScore 4.8 | 174 reviews
TrustScore 4.8 of 5
Based on 174 reviews on
1 day ago
The trip was not only memorable for the amount of animals we saw but also for the people and accommodations at the two camps where we stayed. Our first guide, BK, was a wealth of information about the animals, landscape and down to the plants and what they were used for. Everyday out was a learning experience with him. All the people at the camps were gracious and the food was excellent.
Our second camp in the Okavanga was just as good as the first as far as the staff, accommodations, food and animals. After our experience at the first camp we amazed that the high quality remained the same. Our guide, G, made sure we were able to enjoy every experience including a rush through the bush to witness a cheetah and an ensuing hunt that he heard over his radio.
In both camps there were enough guides out that if they saw something the other guides were informed which helped in seeing as much as possible. It was also nice that the concessions were large enough that we did not have vehicles following each other throughout the day.
Normally there is always something in a trip of this length that we think could be improved upon but this is the rare case where we cannot think of anything. From the time we left the States to when we returned it was one of the most hassle free vacations we took.
Perhaps emphasizing the use of the laundry facilities at the camps would be useful because of the luggage restrictions would be the only thing I can think of as an improvement to future clients.
Kenneth Dropek
2 days ago
Mary was so pleasant and professional. She made sure all of our questions were answered.