Ilha Grande

Ilha Grande is an ecotourism paradise, as no private cars are allowed anywhere on the island. Visitors explore the dense Atlantic rainforest on foot through an extensive network of hiking trails or use water taxis to reach isolated coves. The most famous beach, Lopes Mendes, is regularly voted as one of the most beautiful beaches in the world due to its powdery white sand and surf waves. The island has a fascinating history, having once served as a pirate hideout, a leper colony, and even a maximum-security prison. Today, untouched nature, cascading waterfalls, and rich wildlife, including howler monkeys and colorful parrots, dominate the landscape. The main village, Vila do Abraão, gives cozy guesthouses and relaxed beachfront dining. Culinary highlights include fresh fish, often grilled right on the beach, accompanied by tropical cocktails and cold beers. The island is only accessible by ferry or speedboat from Angra dos Reis or Mangaratiba, a journey that takes one to two hours. The convenient travel months are from April to October to avoid the heavy tropical downpours of the summer season.

Nearby cities

Rio de Janeiro

An iconic coastal city famous for its Carnival, Copacabana beach, and Christ the Redeemer statue.

Nova Iguaçu

A highly populated city in the Baixada Fluminense region in the metropolitan area of Rio de Janeiro.

Duque de Caxias

One of the largest industrial and commercial centers in the state of Rio de Janeiro.

Campos dos Goytacazes

The largest city by area in the state of Rio de Janeiro, famous for its rich oil and sugarcane production.

São João de Meriti

Often referred to as the 'Anthill of the Americas', it is one of the most densely populated cities in South America.

Belford Roxo

A densely populated city in the Baixada Fluminense, historically known as an important water source for the region.

Niterói

The twin city of Rio de Janeiro on the other side of Guanabara Bay, known for high quality of life and spectacular views.

Cabo Frio

Cabo Frio is famous for its remarkably fine white sand and crystal-clear waters.

Angra dos Reis

Angra dos Reis is the gateway to a fascinating archipelago of hundreds of islands.

Teresópolis

Teresópolis is a mountain city named after Empress Teresa Cristina.

Buzios

Armação dos Búzios is a popular resort town located on a scenic peninsula in Brazil.

Arraial do Cabo

Arraial do Cabo is often referred to as the Brazilian Caribbean.

Penedo

Brazilian town with a strong Finnish heritage, famous for its waterfalls and chocolate shops.

Petrópolis

The historic summer residence of the Brazilian emperors in the mountains of Rio de Janeiro.

São Gonçalo

A highly populated city in the Rio de Janeiro metropolitan area with growing industrial importance.

History & landmarks

Vassouras

Historical city known as the "City of the Barons," reflecting Brazil's 19th-century coffee wealth.

Maracanã Stadium

The Maracanã Stadium is one of the most famous football stadiums in the world, located in Rio de Janeiro and known for hosting historic m…

Christ the Redeemer

Christ the Redeemer is an iconic Art Deco statue of Jesus Christ atop Mount Corcovado, overlooking the city of Rio de Janeiro.

Carioca Aqueduct (Arcos da Lapa)

A massive historic colonial-style aqueduct that now serves as a tramway bridge in the Lapa neighborhood.

Museum of Tomorrow

The Museum of Tomorrow is a futuristic science museum in Rio de Janeiro, designed by Santiago Calatrava and focused on sustainability and…

Municipal Theater of Rio de Janeiro

One of Brazil's most beautiful opera houses, built in an eclectic style near the center of Rio.

Quitandinha Palace

A huge former luxury hotel and casino built in a Norman-French style in the mountain city of Petrópolis.

More places

Ilha Grande

A car-free tropical island off the coast of Rio de Janeiro, known for its jungle trails.

Volta Redonda Steelworks

Home to the Companhia Siderúrgica Nacional, this massive steel mill was fundamental to Brazil's industrialization.

Historic Center of Paraty

An idyllic coastal town that was formerly an important port for transporting gold to Portugal.

Sustainable Fazenda Bananal

An ecological farm in Paraty that combines traditional agriculture with modern environmental awareness.

Pico das Agulhas Negras

The highest peak in the state of Rio de Janeiro, featuring distinctive black rock needles.

Pedra da Gávea

A massive monolith rising directly from the ocean in Rio de Janeiro.

Tijuca Forest

The largest urban rainforest in the world, reforested by hand in the heart of Rio de Janeiro.

BioParque do Rio

A modern zoo in Rio de Janeiro that transformed the classic zoo concept into a biodiversity conservation center.