Ilha Grande 360 Trek Review 2025: A 7-Day Brazil Hike

So, you are thinking about this big Ilha Grande trek, right? I mean, I was in your shoes not too long ago, staring at pictures of unbelievably blue water and impossibly green jungle. The idea of walking around an entire car-free island in Brazil is just kind of a wild concept, you know? To be honest, I felt a mix of pure excitement and, well, a little bit of “what am I getting myself into?” before I went. Anyway, this expedition is more or less the real deal for anyone looking to unplug and see a piece of Brazil that feels almost untouched by time. It’s not a luxury vacation, but what you get in return is, seriously, something so much richer. Basically, this whole experience is about your own two feet carrying you through paradise.

Day 1 & 2: Arrival and the First Steps into Paradise

The whole thing, really, begins in Angra dos Reis, which is a port town that sort of feels like a launchpad to another dimension. You just get on this ferry, and as the mainland shrinks, this massive green island rises from the ocean. Honestly, the boat ride itself is part of the experience, with tiny islands popping up all over the place. At the end of the day, when you step off the boat in Vila do Abraão, the island’s main village, you know you’re somewhere different. There are, like, no cars, just sandy paths and the sound of waves mixed with a low hum of chatter from little cafes. We dropped our main bags and, well, prepared for the first part of the trek; you can check out some of the local spots to explore before you set out on your own. It’s a very cool feeling, actually.

So, from Abraão, the first section of the hike towards Palmas Cove begins, and okay, it’s pretty humid right away. You literally step off the main path and you are in the Atlantic Rainforest. The sounds are just incredible; you’ve got bugs, birds, and sometimes you hear howler monkeys in the distance, which is kind of wild. It’s more or less an immediate immersion into nature. This first part of the trail is, arguably, a good warm-up for what’s to come, with some steady inclines and then descents into beautiful, quiet coves. I mean, you sweat a lot, but every time you get a glimpse of the ocean through the trees, you pretty much forget all about it. It’s in these early moments you’ll realize just how amazing these natural settings truly are.

By the time we got to our first stop for the night, it was almost like we had traveled back in time. The accommodations in these smaller villages are typically very simple pousadas, which are sort of like family-run guesthouses. I mean, don’t expect a big hotel chain out here. What you get instead is, you know, a clean bed, a refreshing shower, and a home-cooked meal that is seriously out of this world. We had fresh-caught fish with rice and beans, and frankly, it was one of the best things I ate the entire trip. You sit there, exhausted from the hike, listening to the waves, and you just feel, well, completely at peace. You can often find local tips about the best food on the island from your hosts.

Days 3 & 4: Pushing West Towards Wild, Untouched Beaches

Alright, these next couple of days are where the trek sort of starts to show its true colors. The trails get a little more demanding, with more hills to climb up and down. You really start to feel like you’re going deeper into the island, away from the more frequented areas near Abraão. As I was saying, the reward for your effort is just unbelievable. You suddenly come out of the thick jungle, and there it is: Lopes Mendes beach. You’ve probably seen pictures of it, but seriously, they don’t do it justice. It’s this massive arc of perfect white sand, and the water is this shade of turquoise that, like, doesn’t even look real. It’s a fantastic spot to understand why people talk about the amazing beaches Brazil has to offer.

After soaking in Lopes Mendes, we continued our trek west, aiming for Aventureiro Beach. Now, Aventureiro is kind of a legendary place on Ilha Grande. It’s way more remote and feels very rugged and wild. It is famous for a single coconut tree that has grown completely sideways, almost lying down on the sand. Honestly, getting a picture with that tree feels like a rite of passage for anyone doing the full loop. The small fishing community there, the Caiçara people, live a very simple life that’s deeply connected to the ocean. You know, just being there, you get a little glimpse into a totally different way of living which is an important part of the cultural exploration of the area.

To be honest, what I learned out there is that the real journey isn’t just about covering the distance. It’s about how you adapt to the simplicity and the raw beauty around you. You really just start to appreciate the little things, like a cool breeze or a fresh piece of fruit.

At the end of the day, these sections of the hike can be pretty challenging. We had one part where we had to time a beach crossing with the tide, and another where we crossed a small river that was a little higher than expected. I mean, it’s all part of the fun, right? You just have to be prepared for the unexpected. Wearing the right footwear and having a good sense of humor definitely helps. Basically, this part of the island makes you feel like a real explorer, not just a tourist. It’s where you get the full sense of the island’s untamed character, and you’ll find more stories like this on personal travel blogs about Brazil.

Days 5 & 6: The Southern Coast and the Climb to Parrot’s Peak

So, once you loop around to the southern side of Ilha Grande, the atmosphere just sort of changes. This side of the island faces the open ocean and, arguably, feels even more isolated and dramatic. The trails hug the coastline, offering these massive, sweeping views that are pretty much constant. We passed through Provetá, which is one of the larger villages on the island but still has that quiet, laid-back vibe. Watching the fishing boats come and go, you really get a strong sense of the community’s rhythm, a rhythm that hasn’t changed much over the years. To get more of a sense of the day-to-day on the island is a highlight in itself.

Okay, now for what was, for me, the highlight of the entire seven days: the hike up Pico do Papagaio, or Parrot’s Peak. The plan is to start hiking in the middle of the night, like around 2 AM, to reach the summit for sunrise. Seriously, this is not an easy undertaking. You’re walking up a steep, sometimes muddy, trail in complete darkness, with only your headlamp to light the way. I mean, you’re just following the person in front of you, hearing nothing but your own breathing and the night sounds of the jungle. It’s kind of an intense and surreal experience, and a great way to learn about the top sunrise treks around the globe.

Frankly, that climb is a real physical test. It’s basically a scramble in some parts, where you’re using your hands to pull yourself up over rocks and roots. But then, you get to the top, just as the sky starts to turn from inky black to shades of orange and pink. You are above the clouds, looking down over the entire island as the sun comes up. It is, and I’m not exaggerating, absolutely breathtaking. All the sweat and exhaustion from the climb just vanishes. You are standing there, on top of this magical island, watching a new day begin. It’s a moment that will, well, stick with you forever. That feeling is one reason why adventure packages in this region are so popular.

Day 7 & Final Thoughts: Closing the Loop and What I’ll Never Forget

The final day of hiking, heading back towards Vila do Abraão, is just a little bittersweet, you know? Your legs are definitely tired, but there’s this incredible feeling of having done something amazing. The trail on this last stretch passes by an old, abandoned aqueduct and the ruins of a former penal colony, which is a bit of a history lesson in itself. Anyway, walking back into the relative ‘busyness’ of Abraão feels kind of strange after days of seeing almost nobody on the trails. That feeling of completing the full 360-degree circle is really, really satisfying, and you’ll want to research other long-distance treks almost immediately.

So, let’s talk about packing for a second. To be honest, you learn pretty fast that you packed too much. You want to go as light as possible because you’re carrying everything on your back. The most important things are: seriously good, broken-in hiking boots; a lightweight rain jacket (because, you know, it’s a rainforest); and powerful insect repellent. Also, cash. A lot of the tiny villages you stay in don’t have card machines, so having Brazilian Reais is just super important. You can find many detailed guides for what to bring online.

In the end, who is this trip for? Well, if you need five-star hotels and air conditioning, this probably isn’t for you. But, if you have a decent level of fitness and, more importantly, a good attitude, you will absolutely love it. You have to be okay with simplicity, with being a little uncomfortable sometimes, and with just letting the island’s rhythm take over. It’s for people who find beauty in raw nature and who think a beach you have to work for is, well, the best kind of beach. If that sounds like you, then honestly, you should just go. Reading reviews like this is a great first step in planning your own adventure.

Essential Takeaways from the Ilha Grande 360 Expedition

• Pack Light, Seriously: You will pretty much regret every extra pound you bring. Focus on quick-dry clothing and a solid pair of hiking shoes.
• Bring Cash (Reais): At the end of the day, you can’t rely on credit cards in the remote Caiçara villages.
• Waterproof Everything: Use dry bags inside your backpack. I mean, even if it doesn’t rain, the humidity is intense.
• The Sunrise Climb is Worth It: The night hike up Parrot’s Peak is tough, but frankly, it’s an unforgettable highlight of the trip.
• Be Flexible: Boat schedules can change, trails might be muddy. Just go with the flow and enjoy the journey for what it is.
• Learn a Little Portuguese: Even just the basics like ‘hello’ and ‘thank you’ will go a very long way with the locals.