Angra dos Reis & Ilha Grande

A bayside port town on the Costa Verde with 365 islands, gateway by ferry to car-free Ilha Grande, offering both rainforest trails and turquoise beaches.

Angra dos Reis lies on the Costa Verde in the southwest of Rio de Janeiro state, about 150 km from the city of Rio. Some 365 islands are scattered across its bay; the largest, Ilha Grande, is closed to cars and entirely covered in rainforest, and in 2019 it was inscribed on the World Heritage List together with Paraty as “Paraty and Ilha Grande – Culture and Biodiversity”. A visit falls into two parts. The first is Ilha Grande: base yourself in the village of Abraão and hike to the Lazareto ruins, Feiticeira Waterfall, Dois Rios and Lopes Mendes Beach, or join a round-the-island boat tour to the Blue Lagoon, Green Lagoon, Saco do Céu and Aventureiro. The second is Angra's own bay: hop between islands on a schooner from the Santa Luzia pier in town, snorkel around the Botinas Islands and spend half a day at the yacht party scene at Dentist's Beach on Ilha da Gipóia. As for the weather, April–October is drier and cooler, ideal for hiking and boat trips; December–March is hot with frequent showers and coincides with the Brazilian summer holidays and Carnival, when boat fares and room rates rise and crowds swell. Getting there: Angra is about 2.5–3 hours by bus from Rio's long-distance bus station, followed by a ferry or speedboat to Ilha Grande; you can also board at Conceição de Jacareí for a shorter crossing. Allow 3–4 days: 2–3 nights on Ilha Grande and one day island-hopping from Angra. ATMs are scarce on the island, so bring cash; carry plenty of water and insect repellent on hikes, and note that boat tours are cancelled in rough seas.

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