Ilha Grande & Paraty: Nature, History, and Adventure on the Coast of Rio de Janeiro

Carla Damasceno de Lima • 10 June 2025

Discover why both should be on your itinerary.

Alt text: Narrow cobblestone street in Paraty, Rio de Janeiro, at night, with colonial-style buildings, warm street lighting, and overhanging vines.

If you're planning to explore Brazil's Costa Verde, here’s a tip you won’t regret: Ilha Grande and Paraty are two stunning destinations that perfectly complement each other.


Together, they offer the best of both worlds  wild nature and rich culture.

Both are UNESCO World Heritage Sites, and though they offer different vibes, they belong on the same travel itinerary.


Why visit both?

🌴 Ilha Grande is a nature lover’s paradise. No cars, just forest trails, waterfalls, wild beaches, and the peaceful rhythm of village life. It’s the kind of place where time slows down, and you reconnect  with nature, with yourself, and with the moment.

Ilha Grande is where you unplug and truly breathe.

One of the island’s most famous spots is Lopes Mendes Beach, known for its powdery white sand and crystal-clear waves often voted one of the most beautiful beaches in Brazil.

 For a refreshing dip after a hike, don’t miss the Feiticeira Waterfall, hidden deep in the forest. And if you’re looking for that iconic postcard view, the legendary Aventureiro Beach, with its leaning palm tree, is an unforgettable stop.

Many of these places can be reached by trail or by boat or you can combine both for the ultimate island adventure.


Check out our post on the top boat tours in Ilha Grande what to expect and why you shouldn’t miss them.
If you're into hiking, don’t miss Ilha Grande's top trail picks.  Explore hiking routes to
Lopes Mendes, Feiticeira, and more
Most routes on Ilha Grande are self-guided, but going with a local guide can make all the difference adding rich context, hidden stories, and extra safety to your adventure.


🏛️ Paraty, on the other hand, is a colonial town full of charm. But it’s also surrounded by forest, waterfalls, and coastline.
Want something a little different? Visit one of the many
local cachaça distilleries or go chasing waterfalls in the nearby hills.

You can also go relax in the laid-back surf town of Trindade, hike through the forest to reach the beautiful Praia do Sono

 Nature and culture, side by side.
Paraty is where you soak up history  and  learn (and taste!) how Brazil’s famous
cachaça is made.


Explore more: Check out  tours to Praia do Sono and Trindade  two must-see spots if you're in the Paraty area!

Colonial church and historic buildings in Paraty, Rio de Janeiro, with palm trees and colorful festive flags at dusk.
Woman crossing a shallow stream on a sandy beach surrounded by lush Atlantic Forest in Ilha Grande, Brazil, with palm trees and a mountain peak in the background.
Traditional copper stills inside a cachaça distillery in Paraty, Brazil, used for producing artisanal sugarcane liquor.
 Woman standing on a cliffside trail overlooking Praia do Sono in Paraty, Brazil, with a panoramic view of the ocean, beach, forest, and surrounding mountains.

Getting from one to the other

There are shared and privatetransfer options that make it easy to travel between the two.

But if you're feeling adventurous, it's also possible to combine local buses and boats for a more independent journey.

We've written a full post with updated bus schedules and tips on how to go from Ilha Grande to Paraty on your own.


Powered by GetYourGuide
Powered by GetYourGuide
Aerial view of Lopes Mendes Beach in Ilha Grande, Brazil, featuring white sand, crystal-clear turquoise water, and lush green Atlantic Forest-covered hills in the background.
People swimming and snorkeling in crystal-clear waters near boats and a lush, green island in Ilha Grande, Brazil.
Person crossing a wooden suspension bridge over a clear stream surrounded by lush Atlantic Forest in Paraty, Brazil.
Latest posts
 Eu Amo Ilha Grande” em frente à praia, com vista para o mar azul, ilhotas ao fundo e montanhas
by Carla de Lima 10 June 2025
Natureza, História e Encanto no Litoral do Rio de Janeiro
Vista aérea da Praia da Piedade, na Ilha Grande, Brasil, com águas cristalinas, barcos ancorados, um
by Carla de Lima 11 February 2025
Descubra os Melhores Passeios de Barco na Ilha Grande – Explore as praias deslumbrantes, lagoas cristalinas e joias escondidas da Ilha Grande com esses passeios de barco de primeira. De uma circunavegação completa da ilha a um passeio de ilha em ilha paradisíaca, descubra qual passeio é perfeito para você e receba dicas de especialistas para uma experiência inesquecível!
Aerial view of Praia da Piedade in Ilha Grande, Brazil, featuring crystal-clear waters, anchored boa
by Carla de Lima 11 February 2025
Discover the Best Boat Tours in Ilha Grande – Explore Ilha Grande’s stunning beaches, crystal-clear lagoons, and hidden gems with these top boat tours. From a full island circumnavigation to paradise island hopping, find out which tour is perfect for you and get expert tips for an unforgettable experience.
PT: Pretende viajar? Faça sua reserva aqui e aproveite as tarifas mais vantajosas.

Ao reservar com nossos parceiros, você terá acesso aos melhores preços, descontos especiais e ainda estará contribuindo com nosso trabalho. Podemos receber uma pequena comissão, mas isso não acarreta nenhum custo adicional para você!

EN - Planning to travel? Make your reservation here and take advantage of the most advantageous rates.

By booking with our partners, you'll have access to the best prices, special discounts, and you'll also be contributing to our work. We may receive a small commission, but it won't incur any additional cost to you!