Best things to do in Angra dos Reis
Find out more about those top places in Angra dos Reis
Angra dos Reis Travel Guide: Best Places to Visit, Top Attractions, and Things to Do on Brazil’s Costa Verde
Nestled between Brazil’s two largest cities—Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo—Angra dos Reis is one of the top destinations on Brazil’s stunning Costa Verde. Known for its lush Atlantic rainforest, turquoise waters, and more than 360 paradise islands, Angra dos Reis is a dream destination for beach lovers, nature enthusiasts, and travelers looking for a peaceful retreat from city life.
This travel guide to Angra dos Reis uncovers the top attractions, must-see islands, and best things to do in one of Brazil’s most picturesque coastal regions.
Top Places to Visit in Angra dos Reis
1. Angra dos Reis Town
The gateway to the region, the town of Angra dos Reis is rich in Portuguese colonial architecture, quaint churches, and charming cobblestone streets. While many visitors head straight for the islands, it’s worth spending time here for sightseeing, exploring the local culture, and enjoying traditional Brazilian cuisine.
2. Ilha Grande
The crown jewel of the region, Ilha Grande is the largest and most popular island in Angra dos Reis. This car-free island is crisscrossed by scenic jungle trails, waterfalls, and secluded beaches. It's one of Brazil’s top attractions and a must-visit for those who love hiking, snorkeling, and immersing themselves in pristine nature.
Top things to do on Ilha Grande include:
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Hiking to Lopes Mendes Beach, considered one of the most beautiful beaches in Brazil
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Visiting the Lagoa Azul (Blue Lagoon) for snorkeling
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Exploring the ruins of the old Lazareto and Aqueduct
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Relaxing in the peaceful fishing villages like Abraão, the island’s main settlement
3. Gipoia Island and Botinas Islands
Among the other places to visit, the smaller islands such as Gipoia Island and the Botinas Islands are perfect for day trips. These islands are famous for their clear waters, ideal for diving, snorkeling, and sunbathing on picture-perfect beaches.
Best Things to Do in Angra dos Reis
1. Take a Schooner Boat Tour
One of the most iconic things to do in Angra dos Reis is to hop aboard a traditional schooner boat and cruise through the bay. These boat tours allow you to visit multiple islands in one day, with stops for swimming, snorkeling, and exploring hidden beaches.
2. Go Diving or Snorkeling
The region’s crystal-clear waters are home to vibrant coral reefs and marine life, making it a diver’s paradise. The Blue Lagoon (Lagoa Azul) and Cataguases Island are two of the best spots for underwater adventures.
3. Hiking and Eco-Tours
For adventurous travelers, the rainforest trails on Ilha Grande offer a chance to explore untouched nature. Hike through the Atlantic Forest to waterfalls, mountain peaks like Pico do Papagaio, and remote beaches accessible only on foot.
4. Visit Monasteries and Churches
History buffs will enjoy a visit to the Monastery of São Bernardino de Sena and Nossa Senhora do Carmo Church, which are key sightseeing highlights in the historic center of Angra dos Reis town.
Travel Tips for Angra dos Reis
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How to Get There: Angra dos Reis is a 2.5-hour drive from Rio de Janeiro and around 5 hours from São Paulo. From the town’s port, boats regularly depart to the surrounding islands, especially Ilha Grande.
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Best Time to Visit: The dry season from May to September offers the most pleasant weather for outdoor activities, though the region is beautiful year-round.
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What to Pack: Bring swimwear, hiking shoes, mosquito repellent, sunscreen, and a waterproof bag for island-hopping days.
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Where to Stay: Accommodations range from luxury beach resorts and eco-lodges to charming pousadas (guesthouses) on Ilha Grande and other islands.
Why Angra dos Reis Should Be on Your Brazil Travel Guide
Whether you're planning a weekend escape from Rio or a full island-hopping adventure, Angra dos Reis offers something for everyone. With its mix of serene beaches, lush trails, and charming villages, it’s one of Brazil’s best-kept coastal secrets and a must-add to your Brazil travel guide.
From sunrise hikes on jungle paths to sipping caipirinhas by the sea, Angra dos Reis is where adventure and relaxation perfectly meet. Add it to your itinerary for unforgettable sightseeing, natural beauty, and a true taste of Brazil’s wild side.
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Ilha Grande
Ilha Grande is best described by just how beautiful it is. It is an island in Rio de Janeiro and has its land area being covered by Atlantic forest, surrounded by beaches and with a crisscross of winding trails. Ilha Grande is well-known for its amazing landscape, lush vegetation, unpolluted beaches and awesome beauty. Basically, it is about the only feature on the island that attracts visitors and is therefore pretty secluded.
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Parque Nacional da Serra da Bocaina
Serra da Bocaina National Park is home to Jaguars and spider monkeys and has varied landscapes that range from coastal beaches around Paraty to mountains inland. It is a huge area of protected Atlantic rainforest that covers both Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo. Some other attractions that you would see on your tour include the rocky summit of Pick do Tira Chapéu and the famous Mambucaba Path that is known for taking in a number of waterfalls.
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Beaches
The beaches of Angra dos Reis are well-known by divers and is one sight that no tourist ever wants to miss. In the crystalline waters of these beaches reside fish with exquisite beauty and a very vast and rich marine life of various sizes and colors. A tour of the beaches exposes other fish species including crustaceans and turtles.
