Ilha Grande is a paradise destination on the coast of Rio de Janeiro that attracts thousands of tourists every year. The island has over 100 beaches, waterfalls, trails, and plenty of nature to explore. One of the best ways to get to know Ilha Grande is by staying in Vila do Abraão, the island's main village, which offers infrastructure, shops, restaurants, and inns for all tastes and budgets.
If you're staying in Vila do Abraão, we recommend dedicating 1 to 2 days to explore the village and nearby beaches, which can be reached by walking. In this post, we'll give you some tips on trails you can do starting from the village and what you can expect from each of them.
Circuito do Abraão (Abraão Circuit)
The Circuito do Abraão is an easy and short trail that can be completed in about 1 hour. It starts at Praia do Abraão and passes through historical and natural sights such as Praia Preta, Poção, the Aqueduct, and the ruins of Lazareto. Praia Preta is a dark sand beach, named after the volcanic activity that occurred in the region millions of years ago. Poção is a natural pool formed by the Abraão River, where you can cool off and admire the surrounding vegetation. The Aqueduct is a stone construction dating back to 1896, which supplied water to Lazareto, an old hospital that served as a prison and quarantine for immigrants and slaves. The ruins of Lazareto are a historical heritage of the island, telling a bit of its history.
If you want to extend your walk, you can continue to Cachoeira da Feiticeira and Praia da Feiticeira. The waterfall is about 15 meters high and forms a natural pool ideal for a refreshing swim. The beach has white sand and crystal-clear water, and is one of the most beautiful on the island. To reach these spots, you'll walk for about 1 more hour, on a medium-difficulty section.
Abraão to Abraãozinho
Another easy and quick trail you can do starting from Vila do Abraão is the one that leads to Praia de Abraãozinho. This trail passes through several small and charming beaches, such as Praia do Canto, Praia da Julia, Praia da Bica, and Praia da Crena. You can stop at each of them to enjoy the calm and transparent sea and admire the view of the green mountains surrounding the island.
Praia de Abraãozinho is the last beach on this route and is one of the most developed for those who want to spend the afternoon and have lunch at a beachfront restaurant. There you will find restaurant options right on the beach, or on neighboring beaches, such as Praia da Julia and Praia da Crena. These beaches also offer services such as kayak rentals, stand-up paddleboarding, and snorkeling.
To do this trail, it will take you about 40 minutes in total, on a flat and calm section.
Abraão to Lopes Mendes
One of the most famous and desired trails on Ilha Grande is the one that leads to Praia de Lopes Mendes, considered one of the most beautiful in Brazil. With approximately 10 km in length, this hike takes, on average, 3 hours to complete, with some steep and slippery sections.
The trail starts in Vila do Abraão, and along the way, you will pass through other beaches, such as Palmas, Mangues, Pouso, and Santo Antônio. Each of these beaches offers unique and unmissable landscapes to enjoy. In Lopes Mendes, you will be enchanted by the fine white sand and the blue, crystal-clear water. This beach is ideal for surfers, and although there are no restaurants or kiosks, the experience is worth every effort. Remember to bring snacks and water to spend the day.
Abraão to Dois Rios
Another trail you can do starting from Vila do Abraão is the one that leads to Praia de Dois Rios, a beach named for being formed by the mouth of two rivers that flow into the sea. This trail is about 8 km long and takes an average of 3 hours to complete. It has a medium level of difficulty, with some steep and rocky sections.
The trail starts in Vila do Abraão and follows a dirt road that cuts through the Atlantic Forest. Along the way, you can see the island's fauna and flora, and if you're lucky, spot some wild animals, such as monkeys, squirrels, and birds. Praia de Dois Rios is a beach with yellow sand and green water, which has an impressive view. There you can relax on the sand, swim in the sea or rivers, and visit the Prison Museum, an old prison that operated on the island between 1903 and 1994. The museum tells the history of the island and the prisoners who passed through there, such as the famous Escadinha.
In Dois Rios and Lopes Mendes, there is no cell phone signal or internet, so it's important to let someone know before hiking. It's also recommended to bring snacks and water, as there is a restaurant on the beach, but it may be closed on the day of your visit.
Tips for hiking on Ilha Grande
Hiking on Ilha Grande is an incredible experience, but it requires some care and preparation. Here are some tips to make the most of your walks:
- Wear light, comfortable clothing suitable for the climate. Avoid dark or heavy clothes, which can increase the feeling of heat.
- Wear closed, non-slip footwear, such as sneakers or boots. Avoid wearing sandals or flip-flops, which can hurt your feet or cause sprains.
- Bring sunscreen, a hat or cap, sunglasses, and insect repellent. These items are essential to protect your skin and eyes from sun rays and insects.
- Bring enough water to stay hydrated during the trail. The ideal amount varies according to your weight, the duration of the walk, and the day's temperature, but generally, it's recommended to drink at least 2 liters of water per day.
- Bring snacks to replenish your energy during the trail. Choose light, nutritious, and easy-to-transport foods, such as dried fruits, cereal bars, whole-grain cookies, or natural sandwiches.
Now that you know all about the trails you can do starting from Vila do Abraão, all you have to do is choose your favorite and venture through Ilha Grande with us. Check out some of our packages by CLICKING HERE.
