Ilha Grande Adventure Guide: 4 Days of Trails, Waterfalls & Epic Beaches

I booked a shared van and boat transfer from Rio (about $85 USD round trip)—honestly the easiest and safest way to get to Ilha Grande as a solo traveler. The journey takes around four hours in total.

Once I arrived in Vila do Abraão, I checked into my pousada and immediately felt the calm of the island—sandy paths, no cars, just the sound of boats and jungle. I wandered the village, grabbed a cold açaí bowl near the beachfront, and browsed the little shops.

Dinner & drinks:

• Café do Mar—My favorite sunset spot, with tables right on the sand.

• Lua e Mar—Beachfront dining with delicious seafood (this is where I had my first dinner—magical).

One of my best days on the island. I started early and followed the trail from Abraão to Praia do Pouso, passing lush rainforest and gorgeous viewpoints. Pouso is also where you’ll take the water taxi back at the end of the day.

Before continuing to Lopes Mendes, I stopped at Marola Restaurante—a waterfront spot with great seafood and a beautiful dock overlooking the bay. I loaded up on water and had a seafood platter for energy. From the end of Pouso, it’s a 20-minute walk to Lopes Mendes—and it’s worth every step.

White sand. Turquoise water. Zero vendors. Pure, untouched nature.

I relaxed for most of the afternoon and then walked back to Pouso for my boat taxi.

Good tips:

• Pre-buy your water taxi ticket before the hike (sellers are right at the trail).

• Boats run at 3, 4, and 5 pm.

• Cost: 50 BRL per person.

• Total hiking time: about 2.5 hours.

That night, I had dinner at Dom Mario—easily one of Abraão’s best restaurants.

I kept this day a little lighter with two relaxing trails: Aqueduto and Poção. You’ll pass stone aqueduct ruins, walk through the jungle, and end at a natural pool where you can swim.

On my way back, I stopped at Praia Preta, Ilha Grande’s black-sand beach. It’s calm, close to town, and perfect for a refreshing dip. After hiking and swimming, I treated myself to a full-body massage back at my pousada—honestly, a must after all the trekking.

Dinner recommendation:

Pick one of these depending on your mood:

• Las Sorrentinas—Fresh homemade pasta (super cozy).

• Steak & Beach—For something heartier right on the sand.

• Lua e Mar—Yes… again. The vibe is that good.

For my last morning, I hiked to Feiticeira Waterfall. It’s a short trail with jungle scenery and ends at a beautiful waterfall where you can cool off before heading home.

Back in Abraão, I walked through town, grabbed a few souvenirs, and enjoyed a geladinho—a homemade frozen treat in a plastic tube. I went with maracujá (passion fruit), which is the classic flavor on the island.

Soon after, I caught my boat and van back to Rio. Leaving Ilha Grande always feels too soon—it’s one of those places you immediately want to return to.