Pirates Route & Lopes Mendes hike: Ilha Grande's wild beaches

Nine hours of forest trail and hidden beaches, ending on one of Brazil's wildest shores

A full-day guided hike on Ilha Grande following the historic Pirates Route through Atlantic Forest, passing Curva da Morte viewpoint, Poço dos Soldados, and the stone pavement built by enslaved people, then descending to Caxadaço beach and onward to Lopes Mendes. The return journey is by boat from Pouso beach. Groups stay under eight travelers, and a bilingual guide leads the entire route.

The experience

You start in Vila do Abraão and walk two hours along an unpaved road toward Caxadaço, crossing the dirt track that once led to Vila de Dois Rios. The trail then turns steep and narrow into the Atlantic Forest for another ninety minutes, dense enough that Caxadaço stays invisible from the water, which is exactly why pirates and slave ships once used it as a hidden anchorage. You'll have time to rest at the beach and explore the waterfall before the next push.

From Caxadaço, a two-hour trail climbs back into the forest and emerges at Santo Antonio and Lopes Mendes, a wild beach ranked among Brazil's most beautiful. The route demands physical preparation: high difficulty, elevation gain to 362 meters, and the length means you should bring trail food since there are no shops along the way. The guide speaks English and Portuguese and keeps the group small enough to move at one pace.

The return is by boat from Pouso beach back to Vila do Abraão, so you don't retrace the trail. This shape (in by foot, out by water) is what makes the full loop possible in a single day without backtracking.

What’s included

• Return boat transfer from Pouso beach to Vila do Abraão.
• bilingual guide (English and Portuguese) leading groups of up to eight people.
• access to Curva da Morte viewpoint, Poço dos Soldados, the historic stone pavement, Caxadaço beach with its waterfall, and Lopes Mendes.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 08:30

AgesAdult (10 to 65 years) · Under 10: can't be included in the booking

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish and Portuguese

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsNo refund if you cancel.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated today

Good to know

Demanding physical levelNot for pregnant travelersNot for heart conditionsNot for back problemsInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Ilha Grande Hiking

Is this one for you?The nine-hour commitment rules out a half-day itinerary but suits travelers with a full day free and the fitness to handle high-difficulty forest trails. If you're new to Ilha Grande and want to see its wildest beaches and hidden history in one push, this route covers the distance. If you prefer shorter walks or easier terrain, look for the island's gentler day hikes instead.

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Top questions

What languages is the guide in?

Live guide in English and Portuguese.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. No refund if you cancel.

How difficult is the Pirates Route hike, and what kind of fitness do I need?

The route is rated high difficulty and requires a high level of physical fitness. You'll walk for nine hours total across unpaved roads, steep forest trails, and elevation gain to 362 meters, with two major climbs and descents. The operator recommends a minimum age of twelve and notes the hike is not suitable for travelers with spinal injuries, poor cardiovascular health, pregnancy, or mobility restrictions.

What's Caxadaço beach, and why was it used by pirates?

Caxadaço is a small beach hidden behind a massive rock wall that makes it invisible from the water, even to passing boats. For this reason, it was used historically by pirates and slave ships for trafficking. Today it's a stop on the hike where you can rest, swim, and snorkel in clear water before continuing to Lopes Mendes.

Do I need to bring food and water for the nine-hour hike?

Yes, you should bring trail food because there are no commercial establishments along the route. Water and snacks are essential given the length, duration, and physical effort required. The hike includes free time at Caxadaço and Lopes Mendes to rest and swim.

How do I get back to Vila do Abraão at the end of the day?

The return journey is by boat from Pouso beach back to Vila do Abraão, so you don't walk the same trail twice. This boat transfer is included and timed to complete the full loop in one day.

What is Lopes Mendes beach like, and how much time do I spend there?

Lopes Mendes is a wild, undeveloped beach considered one of the most beautiful in Brazil, with a dramatic seascape and no built infrastructure. You'll have free time to swim, rest, and enjoy the beach before the walk down to Pouso for the boat ride back.