Before you go
Your trip to Angra dos Reis.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
Angra dos Reis – RJ Destination Costa Verde about 156 km from Rio de Janeiro
How to get there
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Aeroporto Internacional do Galeão (GIG) Rio de Janeiro · 149 km
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Aeroporto Santos Dumont (SDU) Rio de Janeiro
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Rodoviária de Angra dos Reis
Approximate road distances. Check flights and bus schedules before you travel.
Angra dos Reis is 156 km from Rio de Janeiro, about two and a half hours on the BR-101, the Rio-Santos. Buses leave from Rodoviária Novo Rio; from São Paulo, from the Tietê Terminal. The nearest airport is Galeão. For Ilha Grande, ferries and speedboats leave from the Angra pier, Conceição de Jacareí and Mangaratiba.
How many days
Two days at least: one for the boat trip around the islands in the bay and another for Ilha Grande. Three or four, if you want to stay overnight in Vila do Abraão and hike the island's trails at a relaxed pace.
When to go
From April to June and from September to November the sea is usually clearer and the islands less crowded. Summer is high season, hotter, with rain concentrated between December and February. New Year's Eve fills the town, and January 1 has a maritime procession. In rough seas, boat trips change route or are canceled.
Do you need a car?
A car helps to get there, but the trip is by boat. No cars circulate on Ilha Grande: everything is done on foot or by boat, and the car stays in the parking lot at the pier. On the mainland, tours leave from the downtown pier and the Cais de Santa Luzia.
Suggested itinerary
An order that works
Built with the places on this page. No rush: it's paced so you have time to see them.
One day in Angra dos Reis
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Morning
Ilha da Gipóia
Leave early by schooner or speedboat, from the Angra pier or the Cais de Santa Luzia. Praia do Dentista, with boats at anchor, is the most popular stop.
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Afternoon
Lagoa Azul
The natural pool in the north of Ilha Grande, among islets, is a common stop on bay tours. Bring a snorkel mask: the water is shallow and clear.
2 days in Angra dos Reis
Day 1
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Morning
Vila do Abraão
Take an early speedboat from the Angra pier or Conceição de Jacareí. Leave your luggage at the pousada: the village has most of the island's lodging and restaurants.
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Afternoon
Lagoa Azul
On the boat trips leaving from the village, with swimming stops in the north of the island.
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Evening
Vila do Abraão
Dinner and overnight in the village. The next day starts early.
Day 2
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Morning
Praia de Lopes Mendes
On foot, along the trail to Pouso and then a short stretch more, it's about three hours. By boat to Pouso, the final walk takes half an hour. There are no kiosks on the beach: bring water and food.
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Late afternoon
Vila do Abraão
Head back to the village with time to catch the last speedboat to the mainland.
Check before you go. Opening hours and days change, and places may close for renovations, holidays or events. This itinerary is a suggestion from Cidade Turismo, not a commitment: plan yours by checking directly with each place you intend to visit.
Before you go
Frequently asked questions
Can I visit Ilha Grande on a day trip?
Yes, but only Vila do Abraão and a boat trip. Speedboats from Angra and Conceição de Jacareí make the crossing in under an hour. Lopes Mendes on foot takes the whole day: for that, stay overnight on the island.
Can I take my car to Ilha Grande?
No. Private cars don't circulate on the island. Leave your car in a parking lot near the departure pier and cross by ferry or speedboat.
Do visitors pay any fee?
Angra dos Reis charges visitors a municipal tourism fee, higher for Ilha Grande, with exemptions for some groups. The fee is recent and still being challenged in court: check the city hall website before you go.
Do I need to book the boat trip?
In summer and on holidays, yes. Otherwise, you can book at the pier the day before. In rough seas, the route changes or the trip is canceled.
Do I need a guide for Pico do Papagaio?
The trail is long and tough, about twelve kilometers round trip. Many people climb before dawn to see the sunrise, and for that a guide is the best option. Check with the Parque Estadual da Ilha Grande before you go up.