Ilha Grande Private Trekking Expedition & Local Guide

Summary

Island Hiking Adventure with Authentic Village Stays

This is your chance to circle Ilha Grande on foot with local guides who know every trail and story. Walk black-sand beaches, eat homemade Brazilian food in fishing villages, sleep under stars at Parnaioca Beach, and discover hidden waterfalls—all while connecting with island life far beyond the usual tourist spots.

What’s the experience like?

We kicked off our Ilha Grande private trekking expedition just as the sun started warming up Vila do Abraão’s narrow lanes. Our guide greeted us with a big smile and a quick rundown of what to expect—plus a reminder to stash anything heavy in the lockers. The first steps took us over black sand at Preta Beach, where my boots left deep prints and the air felt thick with sea salt. We paused by old stone ruins, listening to stories about quarantine ships and whale oil pipes—stuff I’d never read in any guidebook.

Somewhere between Camiranga’s calm river crossing and the fishermen mending nets in Caiçara village, I realized how different this trek felt from any other hike I’d done. Lunch was always something local—a plate of fish or beans cooked right in someone’s kitchen, eaten while we watched boats bob on the water. Each night brought us to a new spot: sometimes a cozy inn, sometimes a family home where you could hear distant music mixing with the sound of waves.

The days blurred into each other in the best way—one morning we woke up early for sunrise at Aventureiro Beach, pink light spilling over that famous leaning coconut tree. On Parnaioca Beach, there was no cell signal and only a few hours of electricity; we swapped stories by flashlight and fell asleep to frogs calling from somewhere behind our tents. Our guide always knew when to push ahead or slow down for a swim or snack break—he even pointed out tiny red crabs scuttling across the sand at low tide.

The last stretch back toward Abraão was tough but worth it. We hiked through thick jungle where everything dripped after an afternoon shower, then finished right where we started—muddy boots, tired legs, and already talking about coming back someday.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Vila do Abraão to Bananal Beach Trek

• Group introduction and safety briefing
• Visit Preta Beach's magnetic black sands
• See Imperial-era quarantine ruins
• View 19th-century water structure
• Enjoy natural island pool
• Visit impressive waterfall
• Stop at Camiranga beach
• Relax at calm clearwater beach
• Refreshment break at a beautiful beach
• Explore Caiçara fishing village
• Visit small cove beach
• Discover local village with restaurants
• Learn about historic industrial village
• Watch sunset at cosy beach
• Overnight at Bananal Beach

Day 2 — Bananal Beach to Araçatiba Village

• Breakfast and morning stretch
• Visit Bucolic fisherman village
• Short break at tropical beach
• Explore busy or peaceful beach with restaurants
• Rest in peaceful village
• Stop at Tapera farm beach for local cuisine
• Relax at cosy beach
• Visit fishers' village
• Snorkelling at best spot
• Sunset and rest at Araçatiba Village

Day 3 — Araçatiba Village to Aventureiro Beach

• Breakfast and morning stretch
• Hike to small reddish sand beach
• Refreshment break at second largest village
• Relax at Aventureiro Beach
• Visit famous coconut tree
• Walk to breathtaking viewpoint

Day 4 — Aventureiro to Parnaioca Beach

• Sunrise and breakfast at Aventureiro
• Cross Sul and Leste Beaches (if authorized)
• Stay at preserved Parnaioca Beach

Day 5 — Free Day at Parnaioca Beach

• Optional hikes and activities
• Enjoy natural pools
• Hike to Parnaioca Viewpoint

Day 6 — Parnaioca to Abraão Village Return

• Breakfast and start longest trail hike
• Visit historic village
• Tour local museum
• Hike final trail section
• Return to starting point and conclude

Top questions

How difficult is this Ilha Grande private trekking expedition?

This trek is challenging and covers long distances each day (up to 20km), often on uneven trails. You’ll need good fitness and be comfortable hiking for several hours daily.

What kind of accommodations are included during the trek?

You’ll stay in shared village lodges or family-run inns most nights; camping may be necessary at Parnaioca Beach depending on availability.

Are meals provided during the tour?

Yes, homemade Brazilian meals are included—expect fresh local dishes prepared by hosts along the route or in small village restaurants.

Is luggage storage available if I don’t want to carry everything?

Yes, there’s secure locker storage in Abraão Village for any luggage you don’t want to bring on the trek itself.

What’s included

Your experience comes with an official local guide who handles all navigation and safety details, plus daily lunch and five nights’ shared accommodation—including possible camping at Parnaioca Beach. There’s also adventure insurance, live trekking stats sent each day, advice on packing before you go, satellite messenger support for emergencies, and secure luggage storage back in Abraão so you can travel light throughout your Ilha Grande adventure.