Ilha Grande, Brazil

Brazil Cities Near Rio

Ilha Grande is located in the southeast region of Brazil, 93 miles (150 km) east of Rio de Janeiro, in the Angra dos Reis district. Ilha Grande, meaning Big Island, is the biggest island in Angra dos Reis and extends for 118 miles (190 km). It's an island paradise with countless waterfalls, lagoons, caves, and beaches.

The history of Ilha Grande is very interesting, in the past this island had no tourists because of a huge prison located there. The prison was the destination for the most horrible thieves and murderers. Today, however, the prison is inactive and the island is slowly becoming a popular tourist destination. With the abandoned prison becoming one of the more visited attractions on Ilha Grande.

Ilha Grande is a very private island, there are only 500 inhabitants who live on this wonderful island. As you walk along the trails you'll find there are many beautiful beaches with nobody around. This is especially true if you go during the off season, generally April to September. Even during the off season the weather is still a comfortable 68° F (20C) and the hotels are much cheaper.

The climate at Ilha Grande is very much like Rio de Janeiro. Being in a tropical zone along the Atlantic, the weather tends to be very hot and humid. The water off the coast of Ilha Grande is very warm as well, with temperatures averaging 64° to 75° F (18 to 24C) depending on the time of year.

Getting to Ilha Grande is easy; from Rio, take a bus to Angra dos Reis, then catch the ferry to Ilha Grande. There is one ferry per day taking people to the island, so be sure not to miss it! If you're only going to the Island for a day trip don't miss the ferry on the way back, otherwise you'll find yourself looking for a hotel. Double check what time the ferry leaves and take the appropriate bus to get their on time.

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