Island in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Ilha Grande
Car-free jungle island with trails, beaches and boat trips reached by ferry from Angra dos Reis. Suits hikers and slow solo travel; options are basic, prices climb in season and heavy rain cancels boats.
At a glance
- Safety4/5Safe with normal careDetails
- Monthly budget$1,240–1,910Comfortable, one person · R$6,500–10,000Details
- Value for money67/100Better value than 66% of places we coverDetails
- Best time to goApr–Jun, Aug–OctWarmest: Jan, 30°CDetails
- Internet242 MbpsFixed broadband, Brazil medianDetails
- Tap waterNo, drink bottledIsland water is from streams and wells; drink bottled or filtered.Details
- LGBTQ+3/5Tolerant, but be discreetDetails
- Solo travel4/5English: limitedDetails
- Doctor's visit$29–77Private clinic, without insuranceDetails
- Getting aroundFerry from Angra dos ReisVery walkableDetails
- Cash or cardMixed: cards and cashCards and Pix work at most pousadas and restaurants in Abraão; bring cash because ATMs are limited and stalls on trails take only cash.Details
Where to stay in Ilha Grande
Areas visitors base themselves in.
| Area | Good for |
|---|---|
| Vila do Abraão | Main village: hostels, restaurants, trails and boat departures |
| Praia Vermelha–Abraãozinho | Quieter beaches within walking distance of Abraão |
| Araçatiba–Provetá | Remote fishing villages for slow, simple stays |
Apps that work in Ilha Grande
No ride-hailing apps work here; see the taxi note below.
- Maps: Google Maps
- Messaging: WhatsApp
- ClickBus: Book intercity bus tickets
- Waze: Driving directions; most locals use it
- Taxis: No ride apps or cars. Use water taxis and your own feet; pousadas help book boats.
Cash, cards and tipping
What to carry and how to pay. Money in Brazil.
- Mixed: cards and cash Cards and Pix work at most pousadas and restaurants in Abraão; bring cash because ATMs are limited and stalls on trails take only cash.
- Currency: Real (BRL). US$1 ≈ R$5.22 on 03 Oct 2026.
- ATMs: Banco24Horas, Bradesco and Banco do Brasil ATMs take foreign cards; expect a fee and low night-time limits.
- Tipping: Restaurants and bars add an optional 10% service charge; nothing more is expected. Tipping taxi and ride-app drivers isn't customary.
- Paying by phone: Apple Pay and Google Pay work at card terminals; Pix needs a Brazilian account or a Pix-enabled foreign wallet.
Before you go
Visa and entry
- US, Canadian and Australian citizens need an e-visa since April 2025 (US$80.90), applied for online about 10 working days ahead.
- No arrival card or entry fee. Extensions beyond the first stay are requested from the Federal Police before it ends.
- Yellow fever vaccination is recommended for many regions, including the Amazon, but is not required for entry.
Emergency numbers
Police 190 · Ambulance 192 · Fire 193
Plugs
Type C, N · 127 V, 60 Hz. Do I need an adapter?
SIM and eSIM
Regular prepaid chips usually need a CPF to register; carrier visitor plans and eSIMs accept a passport. International eSIM apps are simplest. eSIMs work for visitors.
More places in Brazil
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Sources
Prices are SoloSquare estimates; climate, air, safety and visa figures come from the sources listed. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.